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

By: Mollie Shauger | Friday, April 11, 2025 | News

YMCA staff members with signed pledges to protect children from sexual abuse.

LIVINGSTON, NJ – The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is proud to participate in the Five Days of Action, scheduled for April 21-25, 2025. This important weeklong campaign aims 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.

Child Abuse Prevention: A Top Priority at the YMCA

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. Summer is right around the corner - when children gather for activities and camps - making it an ideal 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.”

An estimated one in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday, underscoring the urgent need for community action.

The Metro YMCA of the Oranges is one of a select group of YMCAs globally to achieve full accreditation from Praesidium Inc., a leader in abuse risk management. This prestigious recognition demonstrates Metro Y's commitment to meeting the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

Learn More and Get Involved

To learn what the Y is doing to protect children from sexual abuse, visit www.metroymcas.org/main/child-abuse-prevention.

Praesidium, Saprea, and Lauren's Kids have shared resources to support the Five Days of Action campaign. 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 six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, and Stillwater 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.