Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Joins the Five Days of Action to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | News

Children sitting in a row together outdoors.

LIVINGSTON, NJ – The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is participating in the Five Days of Action, April 15-19, 2024. The Five Days of Action is a weeklong campaign to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. The Y will share statistics and resources throughout the week and invite members to take the pledge to protect children from sexual abuse.

The Metro YMCA of the Oranges, officially recognized for its sexual abuse prevention standards, encourages adults and organizations to join in marking this special week and come together to make the community a safer place for children to live, learn, and play. With summer right around the corner - when children gather for activities and camps - it is a wonderful time to bring attention to the simple ways we can all make the children in our community safer.

“The children in our communities have the right to a happy and safe childhood, and it's our responsibility as adults and organizations to stand up to protect that right,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. “By joining in the Five Days of Action’s KNOW. SEE. RESPOND. campaign, we hope to inspire other organizations and members of our communities to create safe spaces that protect children from sexual abuse.”

One in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday, according to statistics.

The Metro YMCA of the Oranges recently joined a small group of YMCAs around the world to achieve 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 learn what the Y is doing to protect children from sexual abuse, visit www.metroymcas.org/main/child-abuse-prevention.

The Metro YMCA of the Oranges, with support from the YMCA Champions for Child Protection, YMCA of the USA, Redwoods Group Foundation, Monique Burr Foundation for Children, and American Camp Association, have made materials available to help adults learn more about preventing child sexual abuse.

For more information about preventing child sexual abuse, visit ymca.org/fivedaysofaction.   

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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.