Y News: Membership Updates FAQ
At the end of May 2026, we informed Carlisle Family YMCA members about several membership-related updates that will take effect beginning July 1, 2026. Those changes are:
- Share the Health Program Ending
- New Monthly Access fee for 24/7 Members
- 3% Credit Card Processing Fee
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about these updates.
Since completing the Carlisle Family YMCA renovation project in 2022, membership has more than doubled. With that growth has come increased operating expenses, along with the continued impact of today’s economy. While the cost to serve each member has steadily increased, we have not raised membership rates since 2011 — and in fact, rates were lowered at that time.
Rather than implementing an overall membership rate increase at this time, the Y made the decision to adjust pricing within smaller areas of membership services.
These changes will help support:
- Facility operations and maintenance
- Technology and security systems
- Continued program and membership accessibility
- Financial assistance for individuals and families in need
SHARE THE HEALTH
The Share the Health member referral discount program will end effective June 30, 2026.
Members currently receiving the 20% Share the Health discount will transition to standard membership rates beginning with their July 2026 draft.
The program was created during a different stage of membership growth. As the Y has grown significantly, the program is no longer financially sustainable in its current form.
Yes. The Y will continue offering the 20% Corporate Wellness Discount for eligible employees of participating businesses and organizations.
Which employers currently participate in the Corporate Wellness Discount program?
Current participating employers include:
- Allen Distribution
- Carlisle Fire Department
- Carlisle Police Department
- Carlisle Young Professionals
- Cumberland County
- Daily Express Inc.
- Dickinson College Staff & Students
- Henninger Physical Therapy
- PA State Police
- Penn State Dickinson Law
- Shippensburg University
Members should visit the Welcome Center and provide proof of current employment with a participating organization.
Yes. Members are encouraged to provide contact information for decision-makers at their workplace so the Y can discuss partnership opportunities. Contact us here.
24/7 ACCESS FEE
Beginning July 1, 2026, members enrolled in 24/7 Access will pay a $5 monthly access fee in addition to regular membership dues.
No. The $20 setup fee will remain in place.
The fee helps offset the ongoing costs associated with providing after-hours access, including:
- Security monitoring
- Access control technology
- Equipment maintenance
- Cleaning and operations
- Software and system support
Yes. Members may remove 24/7 Access from their membership at any time by contacting the Welcome Center.
PAYMENT PROCESSING UPDATES
Beginning July 1, 2026, a 3% processing fee will be applied to credit card transactions.
Credit card processing fees have always existed, but the Y previously absorbed those costs. With the implementation of a new payment processing system, members who choose to pay by credit card will now be responsible for a portion of the fee.
Members can avoid the fee entirely by using:
- ACH payments directly from a checking or savings account
- Debit card payments
No. Debit card transactions will not incur the 3% fee.
No. ACH payments from a checking or savings account will not incur the fee.
Members who would like to update their payment information prior to July 1, 2026 may do so in person at the Welcome Center, by calling our Member Services team or through their online account.
The fee applies to credit card transactions processed through the Y’s payment system.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & ACCESSIBILITY
Absolutely. The Carlisle Family YMCA remains committed to ensuring the Y is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
Yes. Financial assistance remains available for memberships and programs.
The Carlisle Family YMCA provided:
- $372,983 in membership and program scholarships in 2025
- $338,013 in 2024
- $318,302 in 2023
- $247,966 in 2022
- $200,290 in 2021
GENERAL QUESTIONS
At this time, the Y is not implementing an overall membership rate increase.
Members can contact the Welcome Center for assistance or contact us here.