Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA — Local services in Salem

Honestly, I wish I could give them 0 stars. The YMCA after-school program advertises itself as inclusive, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As soon as a child needs a little more support, the staff start calling parents to pick them up early instead of actually trying to help or use appropriate strategies.

My autistic son was having a difficult time adjusting, so I reached out to their “inclusion specialist” hoping for understanding and guidance. The very next day, the supervisor called me to pick him up because he was “running,” saying it wasn’t safe — yet they thought it was safe to release my son to someone not listed on his release form, without checking ID or even asking who they were. Thankfully, it was someone I trusted, but that was an extremely unsafe and unacceptable situation.

When I spoke with the supervisor, it wasn’t just about that incident — it was about the ongoing pattern of them calling me almost every single day to pick my son up early. I explained that I work full-time and that these constant calls were putting my job at risk. I also tried to share what actually helps my son calm down and how to support him, since I work with children myself and understand behavior management. I even said that running is normal kid behavior — it’s part of being a child, especially after a long day at school.

Instead of listening, the supervisor dismissed me and said, “Your input is not helpful” and that he “didn’t have time to talk.” I told him the staff need to do their jobs — because that’s what they were hired to do — and if they’re not passionate about helping and caring for children, maybe they’re in the wrong field. As I went to leave, he made a rude comment: “I hope you know he probably won’t be able to return to the program,” and walked away.

To make matters worse, I’ve spoken with three other families who experienced the exact same thing. Their children were also removed from the YMCA for completely typical kid behavior. This shows a clear pattern — they are not inclusive, and they are not willing to work with children who need even the smallest bit of extra care or patience.

On top of that, the YMCA does not notify EEC (the Department of Early Education and Care) when a child is being sent home early or is placed on what they call a “pause in care.” That means they continue getting paid for children who are not even attending the program — which is completely unethical and possibly a violation of EEC policy. My own child has been on a “pause in care” officially since October 1 (they didn't not accept my son for 3 days before this "pause in care") and I have yet to receive any update from the program.

This program is the opposite of inclusive. It’s unsafe, unprofessional, and dishonest. Parents deserve better, and children — especially those with different needs — deserve patience, compassion, and staff who...

EDITED TO ADD: To date 7/17, the business has not responded to my request for communication. Besides their faulty and deceptive advertisement practices and no communication about pool rules, they have numerous ADA legal violations. This YMCA also took pictures of my child without my consent or knowledge and have used those pictures for advertisement, also without my consent. This has already been reported this already has been reported to the attorney general, district attorney, ADA.gov, and various other organizations. They claim to be inclusive but can not bother to hire and train staff in ADA compliance. Not to mention, photos of a minor for advertisement without written consent from parent is illegal. "Rude staff" is an understatement- the manager outright called me a B.I.T.C.H within earshot of my child. The YMCA has not addressed it. We will never return to this branch. Do better.

Very disappointed with how things were handled today at the Marblehead YMCA. All last summer and even this past week, our kids were allowed to go down the slide without issue. Suddenly today (July 13 2025 around 1:30 PM), we were told our daughter couldn’t use the slide without passing a swim test — something we were never informed about, and something that’s not listed anywhere online.

What’s worse is that the rules seem to change depending on which lifeguard is working since the next switch if lifeguard suddenly didn’t say anything about a swim test. When I asked for a full list of pool rules (just like I previously asked for slide/indoor pool hours), no one — not the lifeguards or front desk staff — could give me any answers: they also didn’t know when the indoor pool/slides were open.

The so-called “manager” on duty refused to give her name, was incredibly rude, and wouldn’t explain why the rules had changed or where I could even find them. Her only explanation was, “New year, new rules.” That’s not an acceptable. She was extremely rude, unprofessional and condescending.

For the record, I even called in June to ask specifically about the indoor slide and was told nothing about swim tests or new restrictions. Again, last summer and last week, the policy was a parent would need to be in the water. We had a parent in the pool.

YMCA members deserve consistency, transparency, and basic respect. Right now, that’s not what we’re getting at the Marblehead location. I will also add- I have gone to at least ten additional YMCA locations throughout and never experience this level of inconsistency and rudeness. I’d suggest to skip this one and travel to other...

This YMCA used to be a great way place for adults as well as children. It has completely changed and members are not valued or provided a safe environment for children. Kids used to be able to got to the Y later in the afternoon or after dinner and shoot hoops with friends in the gym throughout the week. This is no longer the case! Basketball leagues have taken priority over membership privileges. For several months my children have been unable to go. The gym is only available until 4 most weekdays. Anyone with preteen/teenage boys know that they don’t even get it of school until 2:15 or 2:30 some schools are not out until 3:15 in Marblehead making it impossible to use the open gym their membership is supposed to come with. This includes Friday night where boys would always enjoy going to the gym and staying later with friends. They can do that now! No open gym after 4. Boys don’t want to go swimming with friend do they basically have know where to go to work off their energy and socialize. My boys and their friends would always go 3 to 4 times a week after school now they haven’t been able too! Which makes it hard to excersze and use the Y as a family when your kids come up asking to leave because there is no where for them to go. We have been members since this Y opened and have never had this problem and we pay $95 a month. Also when there is open gym on the weekends it is dominated by the Basketball league players who decide to come practice and have bullied my kids and their friends on multiple occasions. Kids come in and say the F word N word my kids have been called snowflake and white boy. My kids done feel safe and I wouldn’t feel safe dropping them off even during open gym. We have complained and nothing has been done. Members no longer matter here! It is not our Y anymore kids with memberships are not welcomed or provided a safe environment. Even when the leagues are done the face that members took second place and whenever leagues start again the same thing will happen is very concerning. We pay for open gym for our kids and shouldn’t have to be restricted in the way we have been. I am sure their are plenty of other gyms that care more about their members. If you thinking of signing up look elsewhere first. It’s a shame considering the Marblehead community is so small it was always like family at this Y. Kids would always see friends and feel safe...