Welcome to the Cross Island YMCA. Our Y is more than just a gym featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an indoor pool; our adaptive programs, education classes and comprehensive childcare create a community committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Leadership Staff

La-Vena Francis

Executive Director

lhlewis@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9306

 

Alexander Bezek

Senior Program Director

abezek@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9320

 

Michelle Mallay

Early Childhood Director/Education Director

mmallay@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9313

 

Lisa Losh

Aquatics Director/ Membership

llosh@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9308

 

Dianne DiPeri

Asst Aquatics Director/ Membership

ddiperi@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9319

 

Donald Johnson

Healthy Lifestyles Director

dojohnson@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9326

 

Owen Salmon

Business Manager

osalmon@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9306

 

Michael Jimenez

Director of Building & Properties

jimenez@ymcanyc.org

718-551-9311

History

The Cross Island branch began in 1955 as an extension of the Central Queens branch, which had been a fixture in the Jamaica part of the borough since 1917. The impetus for establishing YMCA programs came in part because of increasing youth delinquency, leading local business owners and members of service organizations to advocate for the expansion of YMCA programs as a means of combatting teen violence. The Central Queens branch agreed to assist, and the Eastern Queens branch opened in a donated storefront on Springfield Avenue in Queens Village, with limited professional staff and help from local churches and schools.

The shoestring operation was instantly successful-- so much so that plans for a building emerged not long after the branch began operations. A purpose-built building wasn't opened, however, until 1965. Located at 238-10 Hillside Avenue, in the Bellerose neighborhood, the new branch was located on land purchased from the State of New York. Despite its new building, Eastern Queens retained its status as an extension of Central Queens until 1974.

In 1979, the YMCA once again acquired state land adjacent to the building when Jack Kleinoder, a longtime supporter of the Eastern Queens branch, made the purchase on behalf of the YMCA. Fundraising for an addition began in 1983, with Mr. Kleinoder taking a leading role, and a significant addition to the 1965 building, named after the branch's benefactor, was opened in 1987. The addition allowed the branch to strengthen its focus on accessibility, which included nationally recognized swimming and other programs for disabled children and adults. In 1989, the branch name officially changed to the Cross Island Y and in 1991 was designated an aquatic training center for the Special Olympics.

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