Summer Fun Starts at The YMCA
Summer is the perfect time to visit the Y and participate in activities for the entire family, including swimming, basketball, pickleball, youth sports and fun family events. The Gateway Family YMCA is celebrating Summer, in every branch and in every program, promising a fresh lineup of classes to spark imagination, creativity and socialization. With options like Summer Day Camp, Swimming Lessons, Youth Soccer, Dance, Basketball and Gymnastics, the Y is bringing the fun this summer, like never before.
Registration begins June 12 for Summer YMCA Programs online at tgfymca.org and at The Gateway Family YMCA’s branches in Elizabeth, Rahway or Union. The YMCA Summer program session includes traditional favorites, along with some added unique programs like W.I.S.E. (Wellness, Independence, and Socialization for our Elders) Community Services, Water Exercise, Arts programs and more.
“As many families are looking for opportunities to participate together, and socialize after the isolation of the past few years, the Y provides programs and services to build community, develop youth and create safe experiences,” stated Melynda A. Disla, President and CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “We are uniquely positioned to provide essential services like YMCA Housing and Social Services and Child Care, while also offering programs and events to bring our community, and families, together.”
In response to the growing obesity epidemic and decline in chronic conditions exacerbated by the global coronavirus pandemic, The Gateway Family YMCA offers programs like Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, Group Lifestyle Balance and Diabetes Management which are open to the community, offered in multiple locations and taught in both English and Spanish. A free Community Membership is available to provide vital access to chronic disease programming and many family events.
“The epidemic of health disparities in underserved communities and communities of color is something that has come to light during the pandemic, and something we have worked diligently to engage and support for many years,” stated Rodger D. Koerber, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA.
“Our dedication and commitment to meet the needs of the communities we serve in Northern Middlesex County and Eastern Union County, provides our Y with an opportunity to improve reach, access and affordability through programs, services and YMCA membership for all,” added Colleen A. Clayton, Chief Membership and Development Officer, The Gateway Family YMCA. “The YMCA offers financial assistance to ensure that everyone has access to thrive.”
The Gateway Family YMCA provides innovative 24-hour virtual program opportunities to meet the needs of every individual. These programs have become part of the fabric of every day opportunities, including group exercise programs, water safety education, mental health and skills seminars. Busy families and seniors can visit the Y, take a class online, or any combination of both. In person, the Y provides family and lap swimming, basketball, personal training and all the amenities you would expect, while also teaching water safety for all ages, enrichment to combat learning loss and events for community socialization opportunities, bringing everyone together.
The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteersdedicated to strengthening community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. The Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services for all. The Y doesn’t just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities.
For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch and Youth Development Branch 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch 732-388-0057 or the Wellness Center and WISE Center Branch at 908-349-9622.
