Hunterdon County YMCA

Youth DevelopmentIn light of the rising obesity rates in this county, our YMCA participates in the Living Our Cause initiative, and engages in a variety of events and community activities designed to help the at-risk population develop habits and relationships that lead to more active lifestyles. Currently, all seventh grade students in Hunterdon County are able to receive a Full Facility Membership, at no cost to them or their families. The central focus of all YMCA Childcare programs are to nurture the development of every child and teen, as well as provide support to their parents and families. These educational programs help children learn foundational skills. They develop healthy and trusting relationships, build self-esteem and self-confidence, participate in group membership, and develop leadership skills. The YMCA is the largest provider of childcare in Hunterdon County. In many instances, the YMCA childcare makes it possible for the parents of young children to remain gainfully employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe, supportive environment.Children participate in enrichment programs, while learning the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. At the YMCA, children learn positive behaviors, while exploring their unique talents and interests. The Hunterdon County YMCA operates a full-day childcare program, which has an average number of 60 children per year participating, with 37 individual children receiving financial assistance throughout the year.The School Aged Childcare program operates in elementary schools, collaborating with nine public school systems. There are 16 program sites, serving 17 schools and more than 900 children during the school year. There are also preschool programs operating in two different townships in the county. These programs create an educational, early learning center for children between three and five years old. Over 80 children participate annually.During the summer months, when school is not in session, the YMCA provides childcare for working parents through specially designed YMCA day camps. These camps operate with the same goals and participant population as the YMCA School Aged Childcare program - only in an outdoor setting for 11 hours a day, Monday through Friday. The camp programs enable the children to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories, while having fun. Ultimately, the children build positive self-esteem and values, including cooperation, respect, good citizenship, and social responsibility.20% of camp and childcare participants receive financial assistance, and are enrolled at a reduced program fee. Additionally, the YMCA has partnered with Make a Splash, a national child-focused water safety program, created by the USA Swimming Foundation. This program aims to provide the opportunity for every child in the United States to learn to swim. With accidental drowning as the second leading cause of childhood deaths, the Hunterdon County YMCA started the Second Grade Learn to Swim initiative in the Fall of 2015, to provide all second graders in Hunterdon County the opportunity to enroll in two, seven week swim programs, at no cost to the individual. In 2019, there were 86 participants in this program, as well as 50 youth who participated in the Worlds Largest Swim Lesson and 32 more on Learn to Swim Day.

Healthy LivingOur programs enhance health and well-being for our members and program participants by providing opportunities for every family to build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance, and become more engaged in their community. Beyond fitness facilities, we provide educational programs to promote healthier decisions, and offer a variety of programs that support physical, intellectual, and spiritual strength. The Womens Living Well Program, which is currently serving over 50 women, was designed to help create realistic goals for self-improvement, and to emphasize disease prevention through regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, and health education.The YMCA Aquatics Program provides Learn to Swim programs, water based fitness, and water based therapy programs. There are also certification programs, which aid in developing water safety and aquatic accident prevention. These topics are also covered in all aquatic lessons. The YMCA served over 3,000 participants in aquatics areas in 2019.The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is open to cancer survivors at any point after their diagnosis. The classes meet three times a week for cardio and strength training. Participants have an opportunity to interact with other cancer survivors in a positive environment focused on improving their health. Staff has been trained in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA curriculum to provide specialized assistance and guidance. In addition to attending classes at no charge, survivors and their caregivers/families also receive a free membership to the YMCA for the 12 weeks that they are participating in the program.These Healthy Living Programs were made available at fees affordable to the vast majority of people living in the Hunterdon County service areas, with financial assistance provided routinely for these in need. More than 1,450 people received assistance through these programs in 2019.