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PORTLAND — Two branches of the YMCA have merged to form the YMCA of Southern Maine, it was announced Monday.

The Cumberland County and Northern York County branches have joined after entering into a management-sharing agreement in May.

The Northern York County Y, based in Biddeford, will become a branch of the new organization. Other branches will include those of the former Cumberland County Y in Freeport, New Gloucester and Portland.

Helen Breña, formerly the chief executive officer of the Cumberland County branch, will hold that position in the Southern Maine Y.
 
Cumberland County YMCA Board Chairman Scott Maker said the merger is “an incredible opportunity to enhance the Y in this area and advance our cause of strengthening community.
 
“By combining our resources and traditions, we will be able to more effectively address critical community needs in our focus areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

Karin Gregory, the board chairwoman of the Northern York County Y, said, “We sought to strengthen our organization to better serve the communities in the Northern York County Family YMCA ‘s service area and have found such a partner in the Cumberland County YMCA.

Our members and their families will benefit from the integration of our two organizations.”

The Southern Maine Y has a combined membership of 11,000, according to its website.

William Hall can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or whall@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @hallwilliam4.

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