The YMCA OF METUCHEN, EDISON, WOODBRIDGE & SOUTH AMBOY launched its annual campaign on January 9, 2018 at an event held at the JFK Social Center in Edison, NJ. The campaign’s goal is to raise $300,000. The funds raised by the YMCA will ensure that everyone in the communities served by the YMCA of MEWSA have access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Every day, the YMCA of MEWSA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, such as school readiness, chronic diseases like Parkinson’s Disease, diabetes and cancer, child care for working families, and programs for elder adults who need to stay active and socialize.
“Throughout the communities we serve, countless people know the Y. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think, said Bruce Peragallo, Chief Volunteer Officer of the YMCA of MEWSA. “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. We’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”
At the Kick Off Event there were speakers who shared how the YMCA has impacted their lives. Vivian Z., ESL Program participant, spoke of arriving in America knowing very little English and knowing only one other person—her husband. Taking matters into her own hands, she googled “ESL Programs” and found a new family at the Y who helped her assimilate into American culture and learn to communicate more effectively. Judy R., a participant in the LiveSTRONG® at the Y Program for cancer survivors, spoke about how taking classes at the Y gave her the confidence and ability to navigate in a world so no longer felt a part of. “I found strength in me I didn’t know existed”, said Judy. “I was intimidated walking into the gym, but Dean Seda, Edison YMCA Health and Wellness Director, took my hand and told me everything was going to be fine. And it was.”
Last year, charitable gifts from donors strengthened the YMCA of MEWSA making it possible for the Y to open its doors to over 1,500 kids to have a safe place to learn and build confidence in summer camp, for 2,470 youth and teens to join the Y as members and program participants, for 575 volunteers to invest 16,950 hours in service to Y members and programs, for 42 cancer survivors to get strong in the LiveSTRONG® at the YMCA Program, and for 1,200 people to have access to YMCA facilities and programs.
To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Katie McAdoo at 732-516-2089 or by email: katie.mcadoo@ymcaofmewsa.org or visit www.ymcaofmewsa.org/give for more information.