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THE PLACE FOR SUPPORT & CONNECTION

YMCA News | Spring | March 2026 View as Webpage

CEO Update

Dear YMCA Friends,


As we welcome a new spring season, we are planning great ways to strengthen connection and good health. Our Y is THE PLACE to develop healthy habits, spend time with family and friends, find support, volunteer, or give back. As long as we are here, our doors will be open for all who need us. 


We welcome you to get involved—join our events, learn about our annual campaign, and engage in ways to help make our community STRONGER. 


Thank you for being a part of our good work!


Laurie Goganzer, President & CEO

YMCA of the Jersey Shore

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

HOW YOUR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN SUPPORT STRENGTHENS LIVES

In 2025 through generous giving, our YMCA provided:


> 1,500 youth with Y summer camp

> 23,000 counseling and social services sessions supporting mental health

> 2,700 adults and children with life-saving water safety skills

> 3,100 children with enriching preschool, child care, and before and after school programs


Our Y's Annual Campaign is raising support so we can continue to be here for all. Meet retired Master Sergeant Bill Sardone, participant of our Veteran's Wellness Program who counts on the Y for good health and connection.

APRIL 23 | LET'S CELEBRATE OLD BRIDGE FAMILY YMCA COMMUNITY IMPACT!

Join our Y on Thursday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. at Palms Plaza in Matawan for an evening celebrating community impact and honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to positive outcomes for local children and families.


Congratulations, Honorees!

> Dan Fishman | Legacy Award

> Hackensack Meridian Health Community Outreach | Community Partner Award

> Old Bridge YMCA Membership Department | Service Excellence Award


Tickets $75 | View Sponsorship Flier


All proceeds support the Old Bridge Family YMCA Annual Campaign, ensuring access to Y programs for all.

Save the Date: May 28, 2026 Freehold Family Y Community Celebration at 618 Freehold to honor extraordinary community impact. Congratulations, Honorees!

> Maureen Fasano | Red Triangle Award 
> Freehold Municipal Alliance | Community Impact Award

HEALTHY LIVING

GOOD HEALTH FOR ALL THIS SPRING

For Adults:

The Y is here to help active adults feel their best, prevent chronic disease, and improve well-being.

> Veterans Wellness Program

> Personal Training

> Couch to 5K & Running Club

> Meditation & Reiki

> Country Line Dancing


For Youth & Teens:

Kids of all ages learn, grow and thrive at the Y.

> Youth Sports & Enrichment

> Ninja Warriors

> Swim Lessons

> Lifeguard Certification

> Civic Engagement

> Swim Team Try Outs


For Families: The Y nurtures healthy habits and family time together.

> April 4 Easter Egg Hunt

> Parent's Night Out

> Spring Family Resources & Events

> Bayshore Family Success Center

> Counseling & Social Services


For program and membership questions, contact membership@ymcanj.org.

APRIL 4 | EASTER EGG HUNTS

Join our Egg'citing Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday, April 4, 11:30 am-1 p.m. in partnership with the Y and friends at Raymour & Flanigan Furniture.

  

Bring your baskets and hop on over to their Brick, Freehold, Manalapan, North Brunswick, Ocean, South Plainfield or Woodbridge stores for FREE family fun and refreshments. RSVP is required so the Easter Bunny knows you're coming! Your participation helps local children access YMCA programs like childcare and summer camp.

APRIL 18 & 25 | HEALTHY KIDS DAY EVENTS

Gather up the kids and visit YMCA locations in Red Bank, Freehold and Old Bridge and on Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to celebrate Healthy Kids Day!


Enjoy family fun, games, and lots of info on keeping children's minds and bodies healthy. Learn about Y programs, summer camps, open jobs, and community partners. We will be FREE & OPEN to all during our event to try the Y! Non-members can enter to win a 3-month family membership.

Join us again on Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at YMCA Camp Zehnder in Wall for our Fishing Derby & Fun Run, engaging kids in healthy activities to celebrate Healthy Kids Day. Registration is required

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

READY, SET...SUMMER FUN!

At Y day camp, kids make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. They come away with confidence and new skills that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their character.


View camp info and register now for YMCA summer fun in Old Bridge, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall and school district camps running June 22-August 28 with enrichment and fun for kids ages 3-15.

YMCA SCHOOL'S OUT CAMPS FOR SPRING BREAK

When school is OUT, the Y is IN for fun! Save your spot during Spring Break and school days off for enriching activities in sports, arts, swim, STEM, and play at YMCAs in Old Bridge, Red Bank and Freehold.

GIVING BACK

APRIL 4 | JERSEY SHORE BREAKS BASKETBALL BENEFITTING THE Y!

Join us on Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m. for Jersey Shore Breaks vs. Valley Vipers at St. Rose High School in Belmar to celebrate where the game of basketball was inventedthe YMCA!


  • Use the promo code YMCA to save 10% on tickets.
  • $1 from every YMCA ticket will be donated back to the YMCA of the Jersey Shore.
  • With the purchase of one adult ticket, you'll receive a FREE kids ticket and FREE kids dessert. Dessert can be claimed at the game using the promo code KIDS2026.


Every ticket helps build awareness and funding for our grantmaking efforts. The Jersey Shore Breaks are the only professional basketball team in New Jersey based at the Jersey Shore, and it promises to be a fun and fast-paced night.

MAY 18 | SPRING GOLF TEES UP SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

A day of golf tees up the BEST SUMMER EVER for kids who need help most. Join the Y on the links Monday, May 18 at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club to benefit camp scholarships for summer fun that help kids thrive.


Special thanks to current sponsors: Commonwealth Equipment, AMEC Electric, Danco General Contracting, Complete Security Systems, HALO Home Services, Komatsu, George Wall Ford Lincoln, French & Parello Associates, Globe Petroleum.


For more info, e-mail giving@ymcanj.org or call 732-671-5505, ext. 120

JUNE 20 | WALK, RUN, SPONSOR & VOLUNTEER AT THE RED BANK CLASSIC 5K TO BENEFIT YOUTH PROGRAMS OF THE Y & RED BANK PARKS & RECREATION

The annual Red Bank Classic 5K and Kids Fun Run returns on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and generously supports YMCA youth swim safety programs.


Register now to join thousands of runners in downtown Red Bank for the race and community fun. The Kids Fun Run welcomes littles to join in safely. Volunteers are needed to support the race. E-mail giving@ymcanj.org. Learn more about the YMCA Couch to 5K Running Club, e-mail jmacdonald@ymcanj.org.

JOIN OUR Y TEAM!

Working at the Y helps to build better futures for yourself and your community. We're hiring positions in child care, camp, counseling, swim instructors and lifeguards, membership, family success, and more. Learn about our inspiring team and benefits of working for the Y, then apply today for open YMCA jobs with a purpose.

Y STORIES THAT INSPIRE

Stay connected to the latest news and events that strengthen foundations for all at YMCA of the Jersey Shore locations:


> View all Y Stories at ymcanj.org/y-stories

> Find us in the news ymcanj.org/news

> Social Media

> Mobile App & Text Alerts

NO PLACE LIKE THIS PLACE. YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization that believes everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information about financial assistance or to make a tax-deductible donation, call 732.671.5505, ext. 120 or visit ymcanj.org/donate

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