At the YMCA, we are honored to serve our community in meaningful ways every day. Families and individuals trust us with their most important needs: health, wellness, and childcare — and we are privileged to offer our support. Whether through programs that adapt to the changing needs of our neighbors, providing safe, inclusive spaces for all, or empowering individuals through wellness initiatives that improve their quality of life, we are grateful to be part of their journey and their success.
As we enter this season of thankfulness, we are reminded of the true heart and soul of our YMCA: our dedicated staff and volunteers. Their unwavering commitment to serving our community is nothing short of inspiring. Each day, they go above and beyond to create a welcoming, supportive environment where people of all ages can thrive. It is through their passion and selflessness that we are able to fulfill our mission, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Our success is a reflection of their hard work and the countless lives they touch every day.
We have a great story to tell, and we have families and friends that would like to share their story with you regarding their experience here at the Y. Together, we are building a brighter future for all, and providing a Y for All thanks to the generous contributions of our family of donors. Join me in celebrating our great work.
Yours in service,
Rick Gorab
Chief Executive Officer
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
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This October the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges offered a free parent workshop focused on enhancing communication between parents and teens to help them develop healthy relationships. Jennifer Brown, Mental Health Specialist at the Metro YMCA, brings over 17 years of experience as a certified school counselor. She also has a Certificate in Adolescent Sex Education Basics through Answer/Rutgers University. The event was well attended and will be offered again in the spring.
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges held its 30th Annual Golf Tournament on Sept. 16 at the Montclair Golf Club, raising a record-breaking net total of $167,000 for the Y for All Fund. This fund is dedicated to making YMCA programs more affordable for individuals and families facing financial hardship. Of the total, $67,100 was raised for Y Camperships, which provide essential support to one in four kids who rely on financial assistance from the Y to attend camp each year. "We had a wonderful day coming together to support a significant cause. Thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and participants, we exceeded our fundraising goal and set new records. This success will allow more community members to benefit from the Y’s programs and services," said Dan Elwell, Chief Development Officer for the Metro YMCA. Over the past three decades, the Golf Tournament has evolved into the most significant and enduring fundraising event for the Metro YMCA, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and competition while championing the Y’s mission. Throughout its history, the event has raised over $4.5 million.
This school year, more than 2,800 kids have a safe place to thrive in the Y's Before and After School child care programs, and their parents have peace of mind. Here's what families have said:
The Y has been an irreplaceable support for our family. You provide exceptional programming that supports the lives of 2 working parents along with the growing needs of creative, active kids who want to be outside. You fill in when we need you the most and our kids love the programming so much that they always ask to stay longer! -Melissa Abramson, South Mountain YMCA
YMCA is a great place for all, but especially for kids. They learn, play and grow. I love the after school program as well. My daughter has been going there since kindergarten now she is in 3rd grade and she is always looking forward to going. -Eni Mbwambo, New Milford YMCA Program Center
This past October, the Presbytery of Northeast NJ co-hosted a basketball clinic & mental health and wellness discussion with the East Orange YMCA titled “Hoops & Healing”. This event was strategically scheduled during “National Suicide Prevention Month,” middle school and high school students from Essex County were invited. From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate among 10- 17 year old african americans rose 144%.
The East Orange YMCA is planning to host its annual toy and clothing drive with the community this December. The Y partners with local businesses and organizations to make the holidays brighter for children and families with limited means. Last year, thanks to local partnerships, the Y was able to distribute more than 1,000 toys to children.
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps' Women’s Wellness weekends offer a perfect retreat for women seeking relaxation, personal growth, and connection with others. While the November date is sold out, the December weekend (12/6-8) still has space available. This experience includes a variety of activities such as yoga, mindfulness workshops, nature walks, and wellness sessions. It’s a chance to recharge in a peaceful setting, surrounded by the beauty of nature while fostering a supportive community of women.
The Teen Leadership Adventure Weekend at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is designed for teens who are eager to develop their leadership skills through exciting outdoor adventures. From team-building exercises to high-energy activities, participants will learn about responsibility, decision-making, and communication in a fun, engaging environment. The weekend is scheduled for December 13-15, and teens will leave with confidence,new friendships, and a stronger sense of self.
Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is thrilled to celebrate 110 years of community and outdoor adventure! From June13-15, 2025, alumni, families, and friends are invited to join the celebration, which will feature classic camp activities, special events, and the opportunity to reconnect with the camp’s rich history. The weekend will be packed with fun, nostalgia, and memories for all ages, as we honor over a century of outdoor exploration and lifelong friendships.
The New Milford YMCA Program Center, a location of the Greater Bergen County YMCA, introduced "Her Time to Play" a program in partnership with the WNBA and Jr. Knicks program centered around girls playing basketball. This program is for girls who want to grow and develop their basketball skill through drills, activities, game play and so much more.
This summer, through funding provided by the McKinney-Vento state grant, the Greater Bergen County YMCA sent 14 children experiencing homelessness to camp. Because of this support, these children had food, shelter and an unforgettable summer at Camp Michikamau and Camp Oratam, GBCY day and sleep-away camps.
The Sussex County YMCA’s new state-of-the-art Pickleball Center in Lafayette, NJ, is slated to open later this year, offering open play, clinics, and instruction for players of all levels. Pickleball, a fast-growing sport, is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and improve coordination. Existing Y members can add on membership to the Center, while new members can choose to join just for pickleball! Join the fun and be a part of this exciting community.
20 years ago (in a snowstorm!) the Sussex County YMCA opened its doors to its permanent home in Hardyston! Join us for a celebration of the Y and the incredible community that has grown here! We’ll be kicking off our Annual Support Campaign with stories, fun and more.
To kick off fall, the South Mountain YMCA was a vibrant hub of laughter and fun during our successful Back to Y Night Ice Cream Social! Families and kids of all ages gathered to celebrate community spirit and discover everything the Y has to offer.
This fall the South Mountain YMCA will be gathering volunteers for two special events, a toy drive that will take place leading up to #GivingTuesday on December 3, and we will be working with volunteers to support the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights, which begins November 24.
This fall the West Essex YMCA welcomes a new session of our LIVESTRONG® program. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and wellbeing following a cancer diagnosis. The free 12-week program offers small class sizes to provide personal attention to each of the participants.
The West Essex YMCA is thrilled to launch “Y for Wellbeing,” a referral program designed to support adults in our community facing mental health challenges. Through Y for Wellbeing, participants can enjoy a wide range of Y membership benefits and activities at a reduced membership rate. The program is supported by grant funding from Novartis. The Y accepts referrals from healthcare providers, or a person can also refer themselves, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.
Pickleball, blending elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, is a sport that's accessible and enjoyable for all ages and skill levels. Dive into the dynamic world of pickleball across Sussex County and Livingston Township with your Metro YMCA of the Oranges membership.
Included with your Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges membership, you'll enjoy:
• 30-minute orientation
• Access to Open Play on a first-come basis
• Skill level testing
• Access to premium court time when available for a fee of $15 each time
Enhance your pickleball journey with exclusive time slots available through the Pickleball Den application at an additional cost.
Embrace the YMCA spirit of community, wellness, and fun on the pickleball court! Join us and elevate your game! Membership options are currently available at the Sussex County YMCA and the West Essex YMCA.
The YMCA Regional Emerging Multicultural Leadership Experience is a dynamic two day event that celebrates and supports the Y’s next generation of multicultural leaders through networking and mentoring opportunities, educational presentations, and resources that inspire staff to unleash the power within them and deepen their commitment to a meaningful career in the Y movement. The event is on December12-13, 2024 at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. This is the final stop on the regional tour hosted by the NJ coalition with the goal to bring together emerging leaders, community organizers, and professionals from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and others throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. By sponsoring this conference, your efforts will demonstrate its dedication to the development of multicultural staff, commitment to the Y mission, and will have the opportunity to gain significant visibility and recognition regionally.
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is an inclusive organization open to all. Join us as we recognize our incredible diversity each month.
For the last three decades, the YMCA has been a cornerstone for Christine Nunn’s family. Raising her own two children, who are now adults, she counted on the Greater Bergen County YMCA for programs like early childhood care, after school care, and swim lessons. It was at the Y’s former Main Street location in Hackensack that her older daughter started preschool. Her children, and now grandson, learned to swim at the Y. Her younger daughter even went on to become a lifeguard.
In the summers, the Y became their destination for camp. Nunn recalls the independence her oldest daughter, Felicia, gained while spending a whole summer at the Y’s sleepaway camp, Michikamau. Similarly, her daughter Storm got to interact with other girls her age from other areas of the NJ/NY region at the Y camps.
Most recently, Nunn’s grandson Malakhi, 11, attended four sessions of sleepaway camp at Camp Michikamau, at Harriman State Park in New York. It was his first summer attending Michikamau, after two years of attending the Y’s day camp, Oratam, at the same location.
Camp Michikamau’s campus, situated amidst the serene woods surrounding Lake Kanawauke, offers the campers the opportunities to participate in activities like swimming, boating, hiking, outdoor sports, and much more. Every evening after dinner campers have opportunities to socialize with themed events, dances, talent shows, and campfires.
Recounting the impact of camp that she’s witnessed, Nunn said: “I can’t even begin to tell you how I watched my grandson open up. He came out of his shell.”
He tried new foods - egg sandwiches and grilled cheese. A month later, he is still talking about memories from camp, Nunn noted.
To make camp possible for Nunn’s family and so many others, the Y provided financial assistance to help cover the weekly costs.
The Y raises money for its Financial Assistance Program, or “Y for All” Fund, through donations and pledges made to the Annual Support Campaign each year. Approximately one in four campers rely on the Y’s support to attend camp. In 2024, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges, which includes the New Milford YMCA Program Center/Greater Bergen County YMCA, provided more than $374,000 in camp scholarships.
Nunn said the Y’s impeccable values and integrity are reasons why her family continues its connection with the Y. She appreciates that many staff she met from her earlier years at the Y are returning to work at the Y.
“There are so many other camps they could have gone to, but it was the Y for us,” Nunn said. “Without the Y, my children and grandchildren would not have such fun memories being outdoors, challenging themselves, and learning to love nature.”
Interested in volunteering at the YMCA? Contact giving@metroymcas.org to find out how you can help support our community programs.
Are you or someone you know looking for a rewarding full time or part time job? Visit metroymcas.org/jobs to find out more about our available positions and our referral and sign-on bonuses! Be sure to mark your calendar for the following events:
Be sure to mark your calendar for the following events:
• Leadership Council Brunch - Nov. 3
• Sports Award Banquet - Nov. 26
• New Milford YMCA Program Center Winter Wonderland - Dec. 15
• Sussex County YMCA 20th Anniversary - Jan. 22, 2025
• Fairview Lake 110th Anniversary - June13-15, 2025
JOIN THE SOCIETY
By making a planned gift to the Y, you can continue to create a healthier and stronger community for years to come. We’d love to thank you today by welcoming you into The Heritage Society, a group of dedicated supporters who have included the YMCA in their estate plans and are recognized throughout the year for their generosity. Heritage society members enjoy the benefits of creative charitable contributions through Estate Plans, Charitable Gift Annuities, Trusts, Gifts of Appreciated Stock, and IRA distributions. The tremendous tax savings and retirement income potential make this type of gift very appealing for those eligible and are extremely beneficial to the YMCA. We welcome the opportunity to have a confidential conversation with you at no obligation. Contact Daniel P. Elwell Sr. at delwell@metroymcas.org or 973-758-9622 x1120.
Our Impact Members are a dedicated group of monthly sustainers who create a BIG annual impact. For the cost of one coffee a week, joining this group with a $25 monthly donation enables the YMCA to increase our outreach efforts, serve more of those in our community in need, and further our mission for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
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