Millville Spotlight: Holly City Familly Center

Photo of Samantha Silvers by Bill Horin/ArtC. Story by Rob Laymon/ArtC. C

Like a Phoenix risen from the ruins of a former YMCA, the Holly City Family Center on Mulberry Street continues in its new life.

The center offers a pool with water fitness classes, a weight room, a cardio studio, childcare, a sauna, and a dedicated spin room. It features all the hallmarks of a professional fitness establishment—with one major exception.

“Everyone wants a basketball court,” said Samantha Silvers (pictured), Executive Director of the center. “But that part of the old YMCA was converted to housing units, so we have no court. That’s the trade we had to make.”

It turns out there are many trades to make when running a community family center instead of a hard-core barbell dungeon by the mall.

For one, leadership wears multiple hats. Silvers also serves as the Executive Director for the Housing Authority, which owns and operates the center, but she regularly fills in as a front-line staffer when things get busy.

“First I have to remember where I parked so that’s always a challenge,” said Silvers.

Managing a diverse clientele is another balancing act. The Family Center embraces the town's entire demographic, hosting seniors, parents, teens, and toddlers. On any given day, the facility juggles summer camps alongside senior aquatic fitness classes.

Ultimately, the center's non-profit status dictates its bottom line. The primary objective is keeping the community involved, not maximizing revenue.

To achieve this, Silvers and Facility Director Karen Chiarello handle much of the daily heavy lifting themselves.

“We are a non-profit, so we are not trying to jack up prices,” Silvers said, “but we must charge enough to keep the building operable. The more we can do between us, the less staff we have to hire.”

Holly City Family Center

8 East Mulberry Street

(856) 293-0609 |

website: hollycity.org