NJ YMCA

STATE ALLIANCE

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2025

Thank you for reading the latest edition of the NJ YMCA State Alliance Quarterly Newsletter! Inside, you’ll find updates on impactful statewide initiatives, inspiring local highlights, and new opportunities to connect and collaborate as we continue strengthening communities across New Jersey.


What’s Inside?

  • Message from the CEO
  • State & National Advocacy
  • Advancing Health Equity in NJ
  • Strengthening Partnerships
  • Save the Date – 12/9/2025: 12th Annual Culture of Health Conference





Message from the CEO - Julie Gallanty, Ed.D

Dear Friends of the New Jersey YMCA Alliance,


Spring into Community and Connection at Your Local YMCA


As spring arrives, it brings longer days, warmer weather, and the perfect opportunity for outdoor activities. YMCAs across New Jersey are eagerly preparing for the summer season—offering day camps, swimming programs, and countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors.


At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can connect, grow, and thrive. Our Ys across the state serve as a second home—a place to engage with others, focus on well-being, and find a true sense of belonging.


In a time when isolation and loneliness are on the rise, YMCA branches provide a supportive environment where you can be your authentic self, build meaningful relationships, and be part of a caring community.


Statewide Partnerships to Strengthen Communities


The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance is proud to support the 30 YMCA associations across the state through strategic partnerships that address critical community needs. Our statewide collaborations focus on chronic disease prevention, food access, health equity, childcare, and afterschool, ensuring that all individuals and families have the resources they need to lead healthier lives.


If you are interested in developing a statewide initiative with New Jersey YMCAs, please contact our office—we welcome new partnerships that align with our mission.


Prioritizing Water Safety for a Safer Summer


With 120 miles of coastline and over 1,700 lakes, swimming is an essential life skill in New Jersey. That’s why we are committed to Safety Around Water programs, designed to teach children and adults the fundamentals of water safety and swimming.


Drowning is a preventable public health issue, and ensuring that children and all community members have access to these life-saving skills remains a top priority for the YMCA.


Inspiring Future Leaders through Youth and Government


The New Jersey YMCA Youth and Government program offers high school students an extraordinary opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand. Through this mock state government experience, students take on roles as legislators, lobbyists, judges, and members of the press corps, gaining valuable knowledge of public policy and lawmaking.


Each year, 350 young leaders participate in this dynamic program, developing leadership skills and a deeper understanding of civic engagement.


As we embrace the changing season, we invite you to join us at the YMCA—whether for summer fun, water safety, or leadership development. The YMCA is here to support you, your family, and your community in fostering connection, confidence, and lifelong wellness.


We look forward to seeing you soon!


Sincerely,

Julie Gallanty, Ed.D.

Chief Executive Officer


READ MORE >>

State & National Advocacy

NJ YMCA State Alliance Advocates for A4692 to Improve Nonprofit Funding Efficiency

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance is urging lawmakers to support A4692, a bill designed to streamline funding processes for nonprofits, ensuring timely payments, fair reimbursement, and reduced administrative burdens.



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NJ YMCA State Alliance Advocates for Water Safety Programs

On Monday, March 10th, NJYSA Executive Assistant, Faith Beauzile, had the opportunity to testify in support of YMCA swim programs, sharing her son Jackson's transformative experience.



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Advocating for Expanded Access to Youth Programs

Youth and Government participant, Janhitha Veeramachaneni, testified before the Legislature to request a $1,000,000 appropriation in the FY2026 budget to expand access to YMCA Youth and Government program (YAG) and Safety Around Water (SAW) programming in New Jersey communities.

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Future Leaders Take the Stage at YAG Pre-Legislative Session

On Sunday, March 23, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (NJYSA), in collaboration with YAG alumni and a dedicated group of volunteers, proudly hosted the 2025 Youth and Government Pre-Legislative Session at Rider University.



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National Advocacy Days

The NJ YMCA State Alliance team, including CEO, Julie Gallanty; Vice President of Community Impact, Marissa Davis; and Board President, Mark Dibble (YMCA of the Pines), had the great honor and privilege of accompanying our New Jersey Youth Advocates, Annika Raj, Holmdel (YMCA of Greater Monmouth County) and Iqra Naz, Jersey City (YMCA of Newark and Vicinity) for an exhilarating two days in Washington DC. 



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Advancing Health Equity in NJ

Gloucester County YMCA Becomes a New NJ SNAP Navigator

We are pleased to announce that the Gloucester County YMCA has joined the New Jersey YMCA SNAP Navigator initiative as of February. 



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Healthy Living Collaboration Brunch

On Thursday, February 27th, the NJ YMCA State Alliance hosted a “Healthy Living Collaboration Brunch” at Cooper’s Riverview in Trenton, NJ. 



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Youth Mental Health First Aid

On February 20th, Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) certified instructors and NJYSA staff members, Ellie McCreesh (Associate Program Manager) and Julia Wieczorek (Community Impact Manager) facilitated a virtual YMHFA training for local YMCA staff and nutrition Educators at SNAP-Ed implementing agencies.



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Strengthening Partnerships

Presentation: "A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Youth Experiencing Homelessness"

At the 2025 National Afterschool Association Convention in March, Community Impact Manager Julia Wieczorek co-presented a session on collaborative approaches to support youth experiencing homelessness.



READ MORE >>

Save The Date!

Save the Date - Join Us for the 12th Annual Culture of Health Conference to be held on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025. Registration to open mid-April.

About the NJ YMCA State Alliance

Representing 30 YMCA associations and 82 branches statewide, the NJ YMCA State Alliance is committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more information, visit njymca.org.

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