Providing families affordable childcare, increasing youth access to water safety skills and reducing isolation among seniors are three ways the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County helps to strengthen the community.
“The Y is here for all,” President and CEO Laurie Goganzer said. “Regardless of age, income or background, the Y exists to nurture potential and to help make everyone stronger. From giving kids a solid start to education in our childcare programs to building a caring community of active seniors, the Y is making an important difference every day.”
To ensure the Y can continue its commitment to individuals and families in need of vital programs, the charitable organization has launched its annual community campaign, “Our Purpose is Deeper than Our Pools,” according to a press release.
The community appeal seeks to raise $114,000 during an eight-week period to support an overall annual campaign goal of $265,000, said Annual Campaign Chairman Ted Nappi, a member of the Y Board of Directors.
“Every donation to the campaign is like a splash in the pool – the ripples keep going,” Nappi said. “All campaign proceeds go right back into the community in the form of financial assistance for individuals and families to access essential Y programs, and to underwrite community health and education initiatives such as water safety and chronic disease prevention.”
More than 30 community volunteers are helping the Y raise support for the campaign, which runs through April 10, said Y board member Christian Buckman, who is serving as chair of the community appeal, according to the press release.
“When you give to the annual campaign, you aren’t giving to the Y,” Buckman said. “You are giving through the Y to our neighbors in need.”
In 2019, the Y provided $875,000 in financial assistance to support 2,820 families in Monmouth County, said Pam Hearn, the Y’s chief development officer.
In 2020, the Y hopes to raise $1 million in total philanthropy, which in addition to the annual campaign, includes fundraising events and foundation and community grants, according to the press release.
Since its merger in September 2019, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County serves more than 36,000 people across Monmouth County, as well as areas of southern Middlesex County and portions of Ocean County.
According to the press release, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is making an impact in the area of behavioral health, providing therapeutic counseling at 90 schools in Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties.
The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County formed the countywide YMCA of Greater Monmouth County on Sept. 1, 2019.
The organization’s programs and services are anchored in 10 communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; outdoor day camps in Millstone Township and Wall Township; a community center in Freehold Borough; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; child care centers in Freehold Township, Matawan and Red Bank; and integrated in nearly 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Area residents and businesses are invited to support the annual campaign with a tax deductible donation by check or credit card at www.ymcanj.org/donate. For more information, visit www.ymcanj.org
