2019 ANNUAL REPORT
OUR IMPACT
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We are dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility across our entire community. See our stories of how all that we do creates a positive impact in our community.
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AT THE Y, YOU RECOVER MORE THAN STRENGTH AFTER CANCER
ACHIEVING MORE THAN WELLNESS"Paul, a personal trainer at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, invited my son Brian to work out with him at no extra charge. The Y has helped Brian be motivated to set goals, stay on track, and achieve results. He’s lost over 20 lbs since he started working out and is so much more self-confident—he feels like he’s accomplishing something. It is affirming to see your child succeed in a welcoming, tolerant environment. I’m blessed."
- Debra, Berkeley Heights YMCA SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY"The YMCA has and always will be a positive foundation to whatever community they are in. The Y has physically, emotionally and socially helped me overcome obstacles in my life--and I've made some great friends here along the way. When I come here to workout, they also accommodate my training needs like allowing me to swim with my uniform on. The interactions I've had here whether it's with staff or with other members of the Y has been unmatchable and is what sets this place apart from the rest. I would recommend the Y to anyone."
- Jorge, Summit YMCA QUALITY CHILDCARE AND EARLY EDUCATION
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HEALTHY, HAPPY KIDS AT SUMMER CAMP"Gary had such a good time at Summer Camp with the Y, he didn't want to come home and said if he could, he would go for a month. He loved the variety of activities he got to try—especially tubing down the Delaware, swimming, camping and archery. He made lots of friends and he loved the staff. He was so proud to receive the Best Athlete Award. The program really helped him stay active and engaged during the summer months, and he's made plenty of wonderful memories too."
- Dorothy, Gary's Grandmother, Summit YMCA TIME FOR YOURSELF"As a mother and someone who has suffered a hip injury, it's very important to me to go to the gym everyday—or to "therapy" as I like to call it. I look forward to the friendly environment, to the variety of classes, to sweating, to working hard, and doing something for me. I can go to the Y and forget about all my worries and cares for an hour, and I always leave feeling much better, physically and emotionally. Working out at the Y and making so many friends there has built my body back up from the inside out, and I feel stronger than I ever have before. The Y gave us a community, a place for us to go to become better, healthier, and happier people."
- Elise, Berkeley Heights YMCA |
PROVIDING AN INCLUSIVE SPACE FOR ALL
"I have a son, AJ, he’s on the Autism Spectrum. He’s a great, lovable kid but it’s kind of difficult when you’re on the spectrum—he can’t really communicate well. So when we took AJ to his first Sundays in Motion at the Y, he gets to interact with other similar kids in a safe environment, and he gets to enjoy the gym activities and swimming. It’s very important to us to find programs for AJ because it helps him develop and become part of society. He’s still a child, you still want him to experience being young and enjoying life. It’s a no judgement zone and it makes him happy. He looks forward to coming here. Seeing AJ enjoy himself, especially swimming, has been wonderful."
- Sarah, AJ's Mother, Summit YMCA
- Sarah, AJ's Mother, Summit YMCA
A PLACE FOR FELLOWSHIP
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PREPARING TEENS FOR THE FUTURE“The Y Achievers program has helped me prepare for college with SAT prep, time management skills and reviewing potential colleges. It broadened my thoughts on career paths and provided exposure to real-life work experiences through the Novartis Mentoring Program. The Y staff took the time to help us figure out our individual passions. The Achievers program guides you along the way to a bright future and I am going to college with confidence because I am prepared.”
- Jeanne-Marie, Summit YMCA |