February 2024 Board of Directors Newsletter

ANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN: YOU CAN CHANGE A LIFE

Hey there! It's that time again when the YMCA is asking for your help with fundraising. You might be thinking, "Why do we have to do this every year? Didn't we just do this? I really don't like asking my friends for money."

The struggle is real. But there are bigger struggles out there that families are experiencing – and the Y is here to help! Not everyone enjoys asking friends and family for a donation, but hold on. Listen to Jennifer. She’s going to tell you why YOU, yes…YOU, made an impactful difference during a difficult time in her life. After recovering from a divorce and getting herself back on track, her fiancé suddenly passed away. Where did that leave her 6year-old son? Others might have hesitated, not knowing how to help, but you didn’t. You made a difference for her and JJ. But don’t take my word for it, let’s hear from Jennifer:

Jennifer faced a challenging journey when she went through a divorce in 2019, moving in with her parents with her three children, including 6-year-old James. Unemployed and seeking work, she found YMCA's before and after care for James, enabling her to find and keep her job. Then, when summer rolled around, she realized, “I wouldn’t have to quit because there was someone that could watch him during the day”. Before the YMCA, James stayed home during the summer, hindering Jennifer from accepting job offers. She says, “It was really tough.”

In January 2023, she secured a job and an apartment, but tragedy struck when her fiancé passed away. “That’s when things started to go downhill. How am I going to do this on my own? I planned on doing this with someone else and now I have to do it alone.” Jennifer recalls, “Every time I emailed the YMCA to say I’m having a problem this week, I

can’t pay, they were so understanding and made it so clear they were willing to work with me. There was never a point I was scared that my son wouldn’t be able to return to the Y.” James thrived at the YMCA, eagerly looking forward to each day and making lasting memories. “He always came home happy.” The YMCA not only helped Jennifer maintain employment but also provided stability and opportunities for her and James, who is now 10.

WHY ARE DONATIONS IMPORTANT?

“

The impact it has on the lives of others is tremendous and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of such programs for families in temporary financial crises. If I did not have the YMCA, I would not have been able to work and I wouldn’t have my own apartment now or my own car. James wouldn’t be happy.”

To Jennifer, “It’s important to help other families. If you are struggling financially, you are afraid people are going to look down on you or that there is no help available. Knowing that the YMCA is there helps tremendously. It made it less embarrassing to admit that we are having financial troubles. The impact it has on the lives of others is tremendous and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of such programs for families in temporary financial crises. If I did not have the YMCA, I would not have been able to work and I wouldn’t have my own apartment now or my own car. James wouldn’t be happy. We are doing so well now that we are on our own and that wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have a place like the Y, especially during a difficult time in my life. It helps. It means a lot.”

WE NEED YOU

This February, our goal is to help 1,200 families in our local communities get the care and services they need and deserve. Will you join us? As a board member we ask that you rise to this challenge and be an ambassador for our mission. This month why not make it a goal to reach out to three new people to tell them what the Y has been doing for the last 100 years and how we are helping people like Jennifer? By giving and encouraging others to give you ensure we can continue to be a place that provides a bounty of resources to keep our community strong.

YOU CAN CHANGE A LIFE

-James’s Mom, Jennifer

Scan the QR code here for more materials on how to make the cause for support, because as Jennifer said ”It helps. It means a lot.”

-Contributed by Fund Development Director

Elizabeth Bennett

COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE METUCHEN & SOUTH AMBOY

Community coming together to support one another is what it's all about. On

Thursday, February 8, we had a big turnout at the Parlor at Hailey's for our Cocktails for A Cause event, all thanks to Lindy Rutter, our awesome Child Care Specialist! Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and Metuchen Police Chief and 2024 Barnes Community Champion Award Winner Artie Flaherty both turned out for the fun (see below).

Then, on Thursday, February 15th, we did it again at Teddy's in South Amboy, with food donated by Sciortino's Harbor Lights Restaurant and Pizza in South Amboy and support from Jay Elliot, a member of the Board!

A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us in backing the Y and contributing to our Annual Support Campaign. Each restaurant generously donated a portion of the proceeds to the Campaign which aids in providing financial assistance, enabling kids to attend summer camp, supporting childcare, and much more!

DOUG WHEELER YMCA OF MEWSA BOARD

ALEX REISIG

30 UNDER 30

TOGETHERHOOD UPDATE

The Metuchen Branch Togetherhood Committee is ready to go in 2024 with ongoing food drives, the restart of our ESL class, blood drives starting in February, and Green Initiative events planned for the year. We are able to move smoothly from 2023 to 2024 because of the leadership and thoughtful planning of our team. In 2024, we are looking to grow core volunteers who can help plan events and enhance outreach efforts to motivate our communities to participate in events and give back. Please support these efforts by spreading the word about Togetherhood, including sharing events on your social media:

BLOODDRIVES

Lesley Briggs has joined Kathy Liss as co-lead of our Blood Drive team. Learning from the success of our December 26 drive (64 units collected, potentially saving 192 lives, and 7 volunteers working 17 hours), the blood drive team aims to enhance our donor experience, focus on peak hours for donors (9am-1:30pm), and increase units collected. 2024 blood drive dates have been confirmed for:

February 25, 2024, April 28, 2024, June 23, 2024, August 18, 2024, and October 20, 2024.

FOODSECURITY

In 2023, due to the leadership of Rich Husar, Lorraine LeSter, Leigh Levy, Christine Tolley, and Marisha Wignaraja, and the generosity of our community members, a total of 4,094 food items and $465 dollars in grocery store gift cards and cash were dropped off with partner, First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen (FPCM) Food Pantry. In addition to continuing year-round food collections at the Y, in 2024, we are hoping to increase donations through special Y events (like Healthy Kids Day in April; the Summer Camp, “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation” drive; and Green Initiatives events), increasing street drives, and direct outreach to members attending Y classes. In December 2023 alone, these donations served 138 Food Pantry clients representing 417 families. Food was also delivered to 21 families and 18 Women

Aware (a domestic violence service organization) clients who were unable to get to the Pantry. In addition to onsite deliveries, the Food Pantry also has an Amazon Wish List where you can purchase needed food items.

ESL

Volunteer instructors Janice Donnola, Adam Fensterheim, and Kathy Higgins (also our Togetherhood ESL lead) continue to teach our “Sit-and-Talk” class on Friday mornings at 9:30am. We are hoping to add a second class in the evenings to meet student need for an after work option. Attendance has dropped in early 2024 (from a high of 12-14 students per class in 2023) due to students getting jobs, moving to other towns/states, and transportation and weather challenges. We are hoping that the addition of a second class will increase our numbers. Please share the attached flyer developed by membership engagement director, Alex Reisig, with your networks.

GREENINITIATIVES

The November 5, 2023, Greenway Walk, in partnership with the Middlesex Greenway Coalition (MGC), was a success, attracting 61 participants, two thirds of whom were not Y members. This walk also brought in 70 donations for the FPC Food Pantry, which was matched by an anonymous donor. Our deep appreciation to Michelle and Mike Schutz at What’s the Scoop and Whole Foods for providing refreshments to walk participants. Walter Stochel has joined Eun Salton as co-lead, planning two-three events in 2024, including a potential Naturalist Walk and Scavenger Hunt on the Greenway. If you know anyone who is interested in raising awareness of our green spaces and the Y, and helping people to enjoy the outdoors, please ask them to join the Green Initiatives team (we need core volunteers to help plan events).

As always, a huge thank you to Chrissy and Alex for providing leadership and supporting Togetherhood! Please contact Marisha (mwignaraja@yahoo.com) or Chrissy (christine.tolley@ymcaofmewsa.org) for further information on Togetherhood.

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

LIVESTRONG® IN EDISON

The Edison Branch celebrated their LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Winter Class of '24 with a graduation on January 30, 2024.

These women completed the 12-week program, consisting of strength, cardio, balance, and stability training, with our certified instructors, Angela, Sandy and Preeti. Congratulations to them, and the entire staff is extremely proud of the amazing progress they made.

-Christine Jaffe, Edison Branch Healthy Living Director

COOKIES for a CAUSE

-December, the staff at the Edison YMCA planned & executed a bake sale to benefit our Annual Support Campaign. Led by their own McKenna Carey, member service associate & social media coordinator, the Edison staff all pitched in donating baked goods from their kitchens to our lobby.

The sale made close to $500.00 to be contributed to our campaign. This served as a great way to bring the staff together to kick off our campaign strong & was a great way to educate members on all the good we do in our community.

Erin Siemers, Edison Branch Director

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

NEW ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS START IN EDISON

Starting in mid-January, the Edison YMCA began NEW enrichment programming afterschool at James Madison Intermediate School in North Edison.

With a goal of only 20 students in total, just looking to re-engage with the Edison Board of Education after admitting defeat & letting go of their afterschool care program this past September, Edison YMCA ended up engaging 83 students in total for this NEW afterschool enrichment model.

This new model helps us continue to serve Edison Public School students, without the need for busing, which had been a significant challenge in there years following the pandemic. In addition to solving the transportation challenge, it helps us enrich & engage these students in a familiar, safe environment. The 54 Robotics students & 31 Public Speaking students are taking part in structured, team based & hands-on activities to help grow their academic and social skills.

The principal has already inquired about offering a second spring session & we can’t wait! We are hoping to spread this model to other Edison Public Schools in the future. Stay tuned!

-Erin Siemers, Edison Branch Director

BRIGHTON GARDENS GIVING

The Metuchen Branch organized a “Giving Tree” for the holidays, and wishes to thank everyone who generously supported this effort to gather gifts for Brighton Gardens of Edison.

Wellness Director Brenda Werneiwskei and Fitness Instructor Li Han delivered the gifts personally in December.

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

THE ART OF PICKLEBALL

The Metuchen Branch was amazed and delighted to receive this incredible Pickleball fan art from their member Robert.

Next time you visit the branch, stop by to see this original work as well as Robert and the rest of the amazing Pickleball crew!

LIVESTRONG® IN METUCHEN

We would like to extend our congratulations to our two most recent LIVESTRONG® participants for successfully completing their wellness journey.

Here they are graduating in December 2023. They are an inspiration to us all!

- Wellness Director Brenda

SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels have recently been installed on the roof of the Metuchen Branch building in an effort to reduce energy costs.

In fact, all branches have undergone efficiency audits and various steps are underway to implement the recommendations.

The South Amboy branch will hopefully have solar panels installed

GO RED DAY

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

The Metuchen Branch recently celebrated Go Red Day for National Wear Red Day, celebrated on the first Friday of February during American Heart Month. The goal is to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. The Metuchen Branch offered blood pressure screening for members and & New York Life joined us to offer information and show support for women during heart disease month.

- Wellness Director Brenda Werneiwskei

CAREER FAIR

Staff members Jeff & Cisco represented the YMCA at the Piscataway Community Center’s high school career fair. The event showcased the YMCA as a impactful, fulfilling community-minded career path for those wanting to use their talents to make a difference. More than 100 high school students — juniors and seniors from Piscataway High School participated in the event that highlighted opportunities outside of four-year colleges. 30 different presenters spoke about the military, trade school, law enforcement, cosmetology, fitness, and many more professions as part of the district’s focus in recent years to expand opportunities for non-college bound learners.

- Director of Operations Kyle Strohman

SWIM SUCCESS

The Metuchen Branch swim team had 63 swimmers attend the 2024 YMCA Bronze Championship on February 3-4, with 13 of them placing in the Top 10 at the meet. We also had 17 swimmers attending the 8year-old and under Championships on February 10. Five of our swimmers are attending the 2024 YMCA Silvers in Gloucester, New Jersey; two in the 9-10 old class, two in the 11 12 year old

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

BUSY SPRING AHEAD FOR SOUTH AMBOY BRANCH

A new 8-week Pickleball program has been introduced and is running on Thursday evenings. Two new Silver Sneakers Programs (Silver Sneakers Classic focusing on overall fitness) and Aquasize (centered on water based aerobics) have begun. We into a new cooperative agreement with the Sayreville Soccer Club in order to provide facility space to enhance their sports program. Our wellness center is being upgraded with new equipment. Coming on the horizon are enrollments for Martial Arts classes, Youth Basketball clinics and leagues, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and a special 4-week aquatics program for ages 3-12. Last but not least, we are getting ready to participate in the upcoming South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 17 (2:00 p.m.) and are looking for donations to help decorate our float.

- Wellness Coordinator Tom Ryan

CONGRESSMAN PALLONE’S YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. hosted the first meeting of his 2024 Youth Advisory Council at the YPCC on February 3. During the meeting, 101 high school students from New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District discussed key issues with the Congressman and staff and possible solutions to our country’s most complex challenges. Congressman Pallone’s Youth Advisory Council was created in 2016 and has continuously given young leaders a platform to become civically engaged. This year, Congressman Pallone welcomed 118 high school students on his council the largest group of members to date. This diverse group of students hails from 26 high schools and 23 towns.

To join the council, students must demonstrate a commitment to governance and public service, answer a series of questions, and provide letters of recommendation. The culmination of their work will be a presentation of their legislative agenda to Congressman Pallone. Shown here is an impressive gathering of future leaders!

- Director of Operations Dan Hontz

SOUTH AMBOY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

The 2023 Holiday season may seem like a very long time ago now, but memories of the incredibly successful First Annual Breakfast with Santa at the South Amboy Branch are still fresh in the minds of the organizers and hundreds of

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION UPDATE

Bennett attended the swearing-in of Speaker Craig J. Coughlin as Assembly Speaker in Trenton. Along with his wife, YMCA of MEWSA Board Member Tish Coughlin, they are wonderful partners to the Y. New Jersey is better due to their commitment to building a vibrant, sustainable future for Middlesex County.

In January, the YMCA of MEWSA and Raritan Bay Area YMCA Board Members came together for an amazing training on fundraising facilitated by speaker and trainer Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE, a development professional and prominent speaker for more than 25 years. Everyone who attended had the opportunity to learn from the useful and inspiring information presented. Thank you to all our Board and Branch Board Members for attending and to the Metuchen Elks for providing a beautiful space for our meeting. We appreciate you taking the time to focus on the mission of the Y and work together to build a strong community for all.

February is American Heart Month

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 25 and April 28

Metuchen Branch

April 21 Lakeview School, 8:30am

ANNUAL DINNER

Threads of Togetherness”

May 16

Save the date for the YMCA of MEWSA Annual Dinner on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at The Pines Manor starting at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s Honorees are:

Jay Elliott

Charles S. Edgar Memorial Award

Metuchen Police Chief

Arthur Flaherty

Barnes Community Champion Award

Halecon, Inc. Community Partner Award

FAMILY BASEBALL NIGHT

July 19

TD Bank Ballpark

Metuchen Golf & Country Club

October

March 2024

April 2024