Metro YMCA of the Oranges Earns Top Honor in Child Abuse Prevention

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | News

Logo showing Accredited by Praesidium

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges has achieved full accreditation from Praesidium Inc., the leader in abuse risk management. This prestigious honor publicly demonstrates that the Metro Y has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

To achieve accreditation, the Metro Y underwent a rigorous, 12-month process that included a comprehensive review of the Metro Y’s internal safety policies and procedures, staff interviews, and onsite facility inspections conducted by certified Praesidium staff. The Metro Y now joins a small group of YMCAs around the world that have achieved this highly respected accreditation status.

“Keeping kids safe is our number one priority and this accreditation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe environment for all children entrusted in our care,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. 

“The opportunity to attain Praesidium Accreditation has provided us access to key resources that have helped to strengthen our child protection policies and practices even more,” said Brian Sheafer, VP of Strategic Initiatives for the Metro Y.

The Metro Y will be accredited for three years, and during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from abuse.

The Y maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse and endangerment. To learn more about what the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges does to protect children, visit metroymcas.org. 

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About the Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance. 

About Praesidium

Praesidium specializes in preventing sexual abuse in organizations that serve youth and vulnerable adults. Over a period in excess of 30 years, the company has reviewed over 4,000 cases of abuse within organizations to determine the root causes of sexual abuse within organizational settings. Praesidium employs more than 50 staff, including licensed social workers, lawyers, health care researchers, and other experts. The company has served over 5,000 clients with a broad range of products and services to aid organizations in preventing abuse, including online and instructor–led trainings, organizational risk assessments, model policies, and background checks. Having trained more than one million people online and hundreds of thousands in person, Praesidium is the largest and most comprehensive sexual abuse risk management firm globally. For more information visit www.PraesidiumInc.com.