Valley Shore YMCA Inc

HEALTHY LIVING - The Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, over 6000 people in our community may receive the support, guidance and resources they need to achieve greater health in spirit, mind and body. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis, families struggle with work/life balance and individuals search for personal fulfillment and socialization. We typically provide a variety of classes, sports leagues, instruction, weight loss programs and wellness activities, including swimming, to ensure members can maintain an effective lifestyle. We opened a new state-of-the-art fitness center in 2022 and a new family friendly locker room in 2025. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. In 2025, we provided $160,000 in financial assistance to people who otherwise may not have been able to afford to participate. Additionally, approximately 26% of our members are active older adults and we provide opportunities for senior members to socialize, improve their physical fitness to be able to lead more active and productive lives in retirement. 60% of our seniors in 2025 were on a no-cost or low cost insurance plan and 40% receive senior discounts subsidized by our membership and donors.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Our YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That is why we help young people cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Our YMCA programs, such as before and after school care, summer camp, youth sports, youth swim programs, and other youth activities offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. Our Before and After School programs provided over 380 children in three towns with opportunities to play, socialize and learn with their classmates in a safe and fun environment which enables parents to work with peace of mind that their children are well cared for. We recognize that there is a lack of affordable day care in our area for our community's youngest children. The YMCA believes that camping significantly contributes to the healthy growth of children by teaching them independence, decision-making, creativity and important social skills. Day camp has also become a primary source of childcare for working parents during the summer months and was there was a critical need to get kids back to play and socialization. In 2025 we welcomed over 350 children to play, swim, make friends, and just be a kid during the summer on our multi acre wooded campus. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children. We are committed to ensuring that the kids who live in our shoreline communities have the basic safety and swim skills to be safe around and within the water. In 2025 we provided over 3000 swim lessons to over 1300 children. In 2025 we also operated our competitive swim team comprised of over 60 young athletes to allow them to learn strokes, develop relationships and be part of a team. In 2025 we continue to expand adaptive swim lesson programs for children and adults with disabilities to improve safe swimming skills.