SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Inspiring action in our communities.
As a cornerstone organization committed to enriching and fortifying our community, we aim to inspire members to effect positive change in the lives of others, be it through small or significant acts of kindness. Your generosity aids those less fortunate by granting them access to our transformative opportunities. This year, we provided over $1.1M in financial assistance, and successfully raised over $480K+ at our Annual Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Charity Auction. This impressive accomplishment supports our mission to serve our community and ensure our programs remain accessible to all, regardless of age, income, or background.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Since 1886, our commitment at the Summit Area YMCA has been unwavering, focusing on serving everyone in our community, irrespective of their financial capability. In 2022, over 1,600 families were beneficiaries of financial assistance that alleviated the costs associated with membership, sports, childcare, and other fees. Thanks to the generosity of our esteemed donors, we remain equipped to serve our community effectively.
In addition to our standard programs, the SAY proudly offers a Military Outreach Initiative designed to cater to the needs of families with deployed military personnel. These families often live far from military installations and require access to child development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs. As part of this initiative, we provide these families with free membership to our Y and its programs. This year, we were able to support 46 military families in our area through this initiative, further underlining our dedication to community service.
Since 1886, our commitment at the Summit Area YMCA has been unwavering, focusing on serving everyone in our community, irrespective of their financial capability. In 2022, over 1,600 families were beneficiaries of financial assistance that alleviated the costs associated with membership, sports, childcare, and other fees. Thanks to the generosity of our esteemed donors, we remain equipped to serve our community effectively.
In addition to our standard programs, the SAY proudly offers a Military Outreach Initiative designed to cater to the needs of families with deployed military personnel. These families often live far from military installations and require access to child development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs. As part of this initiative, we provide these families with free membership to our Y and its programs. This year, we were able to support 46 military families in our area through this initiative, further underlining our dedication to community service.
FOOD INSECURITY
With heartfelt gratitude towards our community partners, we can proudly share that we donated thousands of pounds of food to local families in 2022. Every month families benefited from nutritious food provided by our various distribution programs. In collaboration with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, we facilitated weekly deliveries of fresh and shelf-stable foods to families through our Family Packs Program.
As active partners in the Summit Hunger Coalition, we teamed up with other local non-profits, including GRACE and Bridges, to combat hunger at a local level. Without the tireless efforts of our partners, our ongoing mission to tackle food insecurity in our community wouldn't be possible. We stand resolute in our commitment to nourishing our community, one meal at a time.
As active partners in the Summit Hunger Coalition, we teamed up with other local non-profits, including GRACE and Bridges, to combat hunger at a local level. Without the tireless efforts of our partners, our ongoing mission to tackle food insecurity in our community wouldn't be possible. We stand resolute in our commitment to nourishing our community, one meal at a time.
VOLUNTEERING
At the Summit Area YMCA, we are a cause-driven organization led by dedicated volunteers. These selfless individuals generously contribute their time to ensure the realization of the Y’s mission. In 2022, we were graced by the participation of over 450 individuals. Our volunteers, comprising children, teens, and adults, provided invaluable assistance across a range of our initiatives, including our Family Packs Program, Special Events, Fridays in Motion, and Senior Spa Days, along with numerous other complimentary programs we proudly offer.
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization, a beacon of our community-focused ethos. We are deeply grateful to each one of them. Without their tireless support, we wouldn't be able to continue serving our community in the ways we do. Their collective efforts reinforce our commitment to nurturing the potential, promoting health and well-being, and fostering social responsibility within our community.
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization, a beacon of our community-focused ethos. We are deeply grateful to each one of them. Without their tireless support, we wouldn't be able to continue serving our community in the ways we do. Their collective efforts reinforce our commitment to nurturing the potential, promoting health and well-being, and fostering social responsibility within our community.
4,059+ HOURSof service were given by volunteers who have become allies in furthering our mission
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SPECIAL NEEDS
At the Summit Area YMCA, our core belief is in the universal right to fulfillment of needs, transcending boundaries of age, race, gender, and diverse abilities. Our Special Needs Program in 2022, has served as an inclusive and supportive platform, enabling 40 youths and young adults to express themselves openly in a compassionate environment.
The program participants took part in an array of activities designed to foster health, wellness, and socialization, while also building self-confidence and promoting personal growth. Our aim is to create an environment where every individual can thrive and experience a sense of belonging, regardless of their abilities or background. It's our ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their highest potential.
The program participants took part in an array of activities designed to foster health, wellness, and socialization, while also building self-confidence and promoting personal growth. Our aim is to create an environment where every individual can thrive and experience a sense of belonging, regardless of their abilities or background. It's our ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their highest potential.
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & GLOBAL INNOVATION (DIG)
The Summit Area YMCA upholds a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture where diversity, inclusion, and global perspectives are vital components of our everyday operations. We empower communities by ensuring everyone has the support and connections they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Our welcoming, inclusive practices and environments are specifically designed to engage all people from diverse groups within the community, thereby facilitating meaningful and lasting change. Proudly, our organization was the first in New Jersey to become part of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Innovation Network, solidifying our commitment to integrating diversity and inclusion into our everyday operations.
In 2022 we proudly hosted a variety of community events including Welcoming Week, Holi Color Festival, Diwali Festival of Lights, Pride Celebration, and a Lunar New Year Festival, all to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our vibrant community. Our mission is to create a welcoming space for all, promoting understanding, respect, and unity through these shared experiences.
In 2022 we proudly hosted a variety of community events including Welcoming Week, Holi Color Festival, Diwali Festival of Lights, Pride Celebration, and a Lunar New Year Festival, all to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our vibrant community. Our mission is to create a welcoming space for all, promoting understanding, respect, and unity through these shared experiences.
SUMMIT ACHIEVE COMMUNITY GARDEN
In 2022, we assigned 9 out of the 56 plots in the Summit ACHIEVE Community Garden to cultivate produce intended for donation to the two Food Pantries in town – GRACE Food Pantry and Loaves + Fishes out of St. Teresa’s church in Summit. Our Community Garden's donations are distinctively fresh and organically grown, making them a valuable contribution to these programs. Beyond the plots explicitly devoted to growing food for the community, gardeners with personal plots also frequently donate part of their yields.
The Berkeley Heights YMCA's Fun on the Farm summer camp was another initiative we hosted, introducing children to the garden where they spent their mornings identifying vegetables and assisting in the harvest for our local Food Pantries.
The Berkeley Heights YMCA's Fun on the Farm summer camp was another initiative we hosted, introducing children to the garden where they spent their mornings identifying vegetables and assisting in the harvest for our local Food Pantries.
BLOOD DRIVES
Every day, blood donors support patients of all ages: from accident and burn victims to heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those fighting cancer. To facilitate this crucial act of giving, the Summit Area YMCA partnered with the American Red Cross to host several emergency blood drives at both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and the Summit YMCA. Our community members stepped up, with their generous donations estimated to have saved over 411 lives. These selfless acts reflect the strength and compassion of our community, underlining the essential work that we continue to undertake together.
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411lives were saved thanks to blood donors who graciously donated
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