FIND YOUR WELLNESS AT THE Y!

YMCA News | Spring | May 2025 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 50 years now, 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 welcome you to learn about Y programs and provide financial support to help us help those who need us most.


We are grateful for our extraordinary community. We're wishing all Moms a happy and healthy Mother's Day!


Stronger Together,

Laurie Goganzer, President & CEO

YMCA of Greater Monmouth County

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 16 | BE YOURSELF CREATIVE ARTS & EXPRESSION SHOWCASE!

Middle and high school students and families are invited to join us on Friday, May 16, 5-8 p.m. at Bell Works Holmdel for a night of encouragment and unity.


Young artists and musicians will enjoy activities that support creative minds and connection, hosted by Mental Health Association of Monmouth County in collaboration with YMCA Counseling and Social Services, and Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.


From behavioral conditions, substance use, family therapy, and suicide prevention— the Y is here 24/7 with safe, confidential support.

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.


We're FREE & OPEN on Mother's Day! Adults and families are invited to be our guest at Y locations for swim, gym time, fitness classes, and family fun.

YMCA YOUTH PROTECTION ACCREDITATIONS & NEW SAFETY CORNER WEB SITE!

Our Y is pleased to share recent 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 Greater Monmouth Swim Team for a strong commitment to creating an abuse-free environment through policy, training, and family education.


Explore our new “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

READY, SET, SUMMER FUN AT YMCA DAY CAMPS!

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 Camp Open Houses & Events!

> Freehold Y, May 17, 10a-1p

> Camp Zehnder, May 18, 11a-2p

> Red Bank Y, May 24, 10a-12p

> Camp Zehnder Volunteer Day, May 31, 10a-2p


Visit all YMCA camp locations and register now for YMCA summer fun in Old Bridge, Red Bank, Freehold, Freehold Borough, and Wall running June 23-August 29 with enrichment and fun for kids ages 3-15.

JOIN OUR EVENTS!

MAY 19 | SPRING GOLF TEES UP 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 19 at Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club to benefit camp scholarships for summer fun that help kids thrive. 


Only a couple foursomes remain! If you can't golf, join our reception!


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


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

MAY 28 | 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 28, 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 resources for active older adults.


A free seminar, Meaningful Connections hosted by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County will provide free lunch and cooler bags for all who attend:


> Red Bank Family Y, 10:45 a.m.

> Freehold Family Y at 12:40 p.m.

TOGETHERHOOD® GIVING BACK

JUNE 14 | RUN, SPONSOR & VOLUNTEER AT THE RED BANK CLASSIC 5K & KIDS FUN RUN!

This way to the Red Bank Classic 5K on Saturday, June 14! 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 Greater Monmouth County:

> Online at ymcanj.org/news

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

STRENGTHENING GENERATIONS. The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County 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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