7th Grade Initiative at the YMCA
The Gateway Family YMCA
Registration begins on August 15th for the 2023-2024 class of 7th Grade Initiative members at The Gateway Family YMCA. As part of the NJ YMCA 7th Grade Initiative, a state-wide strategy designed to support and encourage teens to maintain a healthy lifestyle, The Gateway Family YMCA offers a supportive 7th Grade Leaders Club program and complimentary membership for all 7th Grade Students in the local community. Incoming 7th Grade students are invited to visit the YMCA and join with proof of grade and a guardian’s signature. Registration is available in person at The Gateway Family YMCA – Elizabeth Branch – 135 Madison Avenue, Five Points Branch -201 Tucker Avenue, Union, Rahway Branch – 1564 Irving Street, Rahway and Wellness Center Branch – 1000 Galloping Hill Rd, Union.
The goal of the 7th Grade Initiative is to increase physical activity and support teens in the development of lifetime healthy habits, volunteerism and leadership skills while providing a safe and supportive environment with role models at the YMCA. All 7th Grade students are provided a complimentary full privilege membership including wellness and fitness access, group exercise programs, basketball, pickleball, soccer, swimming, YMCA360 and a variety of other programs specifically created based on their interests and feedback.
“7th grade is a pivotal time in youth development, where teens begin to make their own decisions and life choices. Our Y is committed to support the youth in our community and work together to ensure a bright future,” stated Melynda A. Disla, President and CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “At this time in their lives, many teens become sedentary as sports become more competitive. We are here to provide activity, socialization, leadership skills, and role models to encourage healthy habits to last a lifetime.”
The 7th Grade Leader’s Club, a structured program offering teens leadership and volunteer opportunities is also available for registration on August 15th. With a focus on team building, personal growth, character and job skill development, service and volunteerism, the 7th Grade Leader’s Club empowers teens to create a chart of work and volunteer projects specific to the needs in their community, identified and completed by students.
The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faiths or incomes. Providing services for Eastern Union County and Northern Middlesex County, for 123 years, The Gateway Family YMCA has six YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union, serving the communities of Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Colonia, Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Plainfield, Port Reading, Roselle, Roselle Park, Sewaren, Union, Vauxhall, Winfield Park and Woodbridge, NJ.
For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA’s 7th Grade Initiative, visit tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch at 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch at 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch at 732-388-0057 or Wellness Center Branch at 908-349-9622.
