Although the federal government has reopened after a 35-day shutdown, furloughed U.S. government employees and families who have been impacted can continue to rely on support from an empathetic community counterpart – the YMCA.
“In times like these, you can count on the YMCA. We are here to serve all people in equal ways,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of The Community YMCA, Red Bank.
The Community YMCA in Red Bank and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, which have locations in Freehold Borough, Freehold Township and Old Bridge, are offering free access and childcare payment relief to furloughed employees of the federal government.
On Jan. 25, President Donald J. Trump announced that he would reopen the federal government for a three-week period. Although the government is temporarily open, the YMCA will continue its community outreach program for individuals and families who were furloughed during the recent shutdown through the end of February.
“Nationally, YMCAs are stepping up to the plate and asking how we can better serve our communities. When we find ourselves in tough times like this where people are furloughed, we have to think about how we can support families in need,” Goganzer said.
Affected families who participate in YMCA before-school and after-school programs, the Matawan Children’s Achievement Center, which is part of The Community YMCA, and YMCA child care programs in Freehold may also inquire about modified payment arrangements.
Jennifer Dunn, chief operations officer of The Community YMCA, said current members, prospective members and parents who are in need of child daycare services have already inquired about the initiative.
Dunn said The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County serve more than 30,000 people.
“The word is getting out,” she said. “Our staff has been really quick to respond to those needs right away and to try to get anyone the help they need. We have already done some tuition deferments and waived childcare for parents who continue to work, but are not being paid.”
Katie McAdoo, executive director of the Red Bank Family YMCA and Camp Zehnder, with The Community YMCA, encourages U.S. government employees, who are working without compensation, to take advantage of the programs and amenities being offered at the YMCA.
“We certainly offer relief in terms of physical activity. We know that when we are active, our brain releases endorphins,” McAdoo said. “We have a swimming pool so folks can swim and burn it off. We also have a warm water therapeutic pool,” she said, noting specific amenities that are offered at The Community YMCA.
McAdoo said that on Jan. 21, the day the initiative to help furloughed employees was announced to the public, a husband and wife, both of whom are employed by the federal government, visited the Red Bank Family YMCA to cancel their family membership because they could no longer pay the fees.
“While the mom was in the lobby waiting for someone to help her, she looked at her phone and received our email which said we were going to (offer) furlough memberships,” McAdoo said. “She and her husband both work for the government. They have three young children under the age of 10.”
McAdoo said the woman never expected that she and her husband would be working, but not getting paid.
“They are grounded enough to take care of major expenses, like a mortgage and food, but (the mother) said she never thought she would think twice about taking the kids to a movie or normal family things you do together,” McAdoo said.
Goganzer said with donations from supporters of the YMCA, the organization can afford to waive membership fees for furloughed federal employees during the government shutdown.
“(The YMCA) wants to be the cornerstone people can count on. Whether they are members today, or maybe down the road, right now we want to be there for everyone,” she said.
“One of the unique things about The Community YMCA is the extensive work we do with mental health. Having access to the YMCA and learning about it would also bring a person closer to those services that not everyone is aware we have,” Goganzer said.
She said family counseling, which can be provided to members of the YMCA, could be beneficial to individuals who have been affected by the government shutdown.
“Being furloughed is a challenge. We have so many things to offer,” Goganzer said.
