FIND YOUR WELLNESS AT THE Y!

YMCA News | Spring/Summer | May 2026 View as Webpage

CEO Update

Dear YMCA Friends,


During mental health awareness month, and always, our Y's mission is to strengthen foundations of community through three areas of impact—youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our programs support all three, but mental health is essential to all. We all have mental health.


For over 50 years, YMCA Counseling & Social Services has been strengthening children, teens, and adults living with depression, substance use, and many other difficult situations. We offer a variety of programs designed to meet the community's ever-changing needs and provide safe, confidential services that strengthen family life and individual growth.


We also nurture vital community partnerships with schools and mental health agencies that extend our collective impact through prevention, increasing awareness, and reducing stigma. We are grateful for our extraordinary community--including YOU.


We welcome you to learn about Y programs and provide financial support to help us help those who need us most.


Stronger Together,

Laurie Goganzer, President & CEO

YMCA of the Jersey Shore

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

YOUR SUPPORT NURTURES MENTAL HEALTH FOR YOUTH

Thank you for continuing to support our Y's Annual Campaign. Your gifts are helping us provide vital support as mental health, wellness, affordable child care, chronic disease prevention, and other needs grow.


Learn how we integrate behavioral health support into YMCA childcare, camp and after school programs. Know that your donations to our Y nurture happy, healthy kids and families.

MAY 27 | WELCOME SENIORS! NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY® 

We're welcoming all seniors for a day of good health in spirit, mind, and body on Wednesday, May 27, 9 am-12:30 pm with our wellness partners!


Members and non-members are invited to YMCA locations in Freehold, Red Bank, Old Bridge, and Ocean County YMCA in Toms River, on Senior Health and Fitness Day® for free fitness fun and mental health resources for active older adults.


A free lunch and learn, Share Some Warmth, hosted by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County and YMCA Counseling and Social Services will provide valuable information, giveaways, and a complimentary lunch provided by Fulfill.


> Red Bank Family Y, 11 a.m.

> Freehold Family Y, 12:30 p.m.

HEALTHY LIVING

MAY 15-JULY 1 | SUMMER MEMBERSHIP PROMO

We're welcoming members to the Y this summer with a special membership promo running May 15-July 1.


> No Enrollment Fee

> Unlimited Classes

> Lap Swim, Family Swim & Aqua Fitness

> Indoor & Outdoor Pickleball

> Access All Branches: Old Bridge, Red Bank, Freehold, and Freehold Outdoor Swim Club


Plus, members enjoy YMCA360 on the go! Join the Y to find a supportive, healthy community. Ask about our confidential financial assistance.

PROTECTING OUR YOUTH

Our Y is pleased to share safety accreditations that strengthen our unwavering commitment to youth protection and abuse prevention.


> Praesidium Accreditation, an evidence-based process, helps organizations identify and address risks, and implement best practices for keeping children safe.


> Our Y summer day camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, ensuring excellence in health, safety, and risk management.


> The USA Swimming Safe Sport Club recognizes our YMCA of the Jersey Shore Swim Team for a strong commitment to creating an abuse-free environment through policy, training, and family education.


Explore our “Safety Corner” web page to access our child protection policies, learn about staff training protocols, and find trusted resources to protect children from abuse—helping to ensure safe, nurturing relationships and environments.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

SAVE YOUR SPOT FOR YMCA SUMMER FUN!

At YMCA Day Camps, kids make new friends and have tons of fun as they explore new adventures each day. Campers come away with new skills, confidence, and friendships that broaden their perspectives and strengthen their character.


Visit all YMCA camp locations and register now for YMCA summer fun in Old Bridge, Red Bank, Freehold, Freehold Borough, and Wall running June 22-August 28 with enrichment and fun for kids ages 3-15.


Families are invited for fun at Camp Zehnder Family Day, Sat., June 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Join us for all the favorites like zipline, fishing, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and more!

JUNE 9 | VISIT OUR FREEHOLD CHILD CARE OPEN HOUSE FOR SAFE, ENRICHING SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES

Visit our Freehold Childcare Open House on June 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to meet our caring team, tour the facility and learn about enriching Y programs for infants, toddlers, pre-school, and pre-K for busy families. Discover why families trust the Y for childcare.

JUNE 20 | RUN, SPONSOR & VOLUNTEER AT THE RED BANK CLASSIC 5K & KIDS FUN RUN!

This way to the Red Bank Classic 5K on Saturday, June 20! Register now for adult, team, and kids races to support YMCA swim safety programs for children of Red Bank. Cheers to the Red Bank business community and all sponsors for another fun, family event that gives back locally!


If you're not running, join us as a Togetherhood® Volunteer to help with packet pick up, water stations, finish line medals, and more! E-mail giving@ymcanj.org with questions.

Volunteer opportunities are also available for camp clean up dates - great for teen service hours!


For more information, visit ymcanj.org/togetherhood or e-mail giving@ymcanj.org.

FIND YOUR PURPOSE. JOIN OUR Y TEAM!

Working at the Y helps to build better futures for yourself and your greater community. We're hiring positions for lifeguards and swim instructors, child care, camp, counseling, and more! Learn more about our inspiring team and benefits of working for the Y, then apply today for rewarding YMCA jobs that make our community better.

CONNECT TO OUR SOCIAL GOOD

Stay informed on the latest news and events that strengthen foundations for all at the YMCA of the Jersey Shore:


> Online at ymcanj.org/news

> Social Media

> Mobile App

> View Member Schedules

> View all Y Events


Learn about ways to get involved for social good at ymcanj.org/togetherhood.

NO PLACE LIKE THIS PLACE. The 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

> YMCA OF THE JERSEY SHORE

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