West Morris Area YMCA

Youth Development - Our Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We serve over 200 children daily in our before and after school programs, located in seven offsite school locations in the Rockaway Township and Allamuchy school districts. These programs focus on developing social/emotional, cognitive and physical development through experiences held in a safe environment. Financial assistance is available for this program. Located onsite at our Y is our state funded Universal Pre-K program where 30 children ages 3-4 receive a rich learning experience entirely free of charge to eligible students in the Dover School system. This program offers a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills. Teachers carefully monitor students' progress through 38 research - based objectives to allow for a seamless transition to kindergarten. Transportation, lunch, and snack are also provided. Certified educators, directors and teacher's aids provide bilingual assistance to those children and families who require additional communication methods. This year our summer camp will enrich the lives of over 300 children for nine weeks during the months of June, July, and August. An emphasis on tutoring will be provided for all children who register, to help combat the significant learning loss challenges experienced as an ongoing result from the Covid pandemic. This effort was made possible by receipt of $3000 grant funded through TCNJ and the New Jersey Y Alliance partners. Our CIT (Counselors in Training) program provides the opportunity for children in grades 9 and 10, the ability to develop their leadership skills, while enjoying the activities of day camp under the guidance of trained experienced camp directors. Our Y provides full financial assistance to one family, as chosen by faculty of the Dover School System at the conclusion of the school year. This will allow for one full year of access for that entire family to the pools, gymnasium, fitness center, track and fitness classes, as well as our monthly specialty Family Night Events, fostering relationship building, fun and social/emotional well-being.

HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM ACTIVITIES - Our Y is committed to improving the health of all members of our community through fitness, sports, fun, social activities and shared interests. We are welcoming to all, supportive and provide a safe environment where no one is judged, and everyone is celebrated for their unique abilities. Through our partnership with Atlantic Health Systems and Atlantic Rehab satellite physical therapy located in onsite, we bridge the gap for those patients who are not yet fully functional once their allotted physical therapy sessions are completed. We offer ongoing rehabilitative sessions in our Warm Water Pool with ATRI certified aquatic rehab specialists. This program has received multiple international awards for our outstanding program in the area of aquatic fitness and rehab. Our ADA Accessible/Family Changing Locker room which allows for easy access to our Warm Water Pool, was made possible and funded through generous donations to our Building What Matters Campaign. We help hundreds of clients suffering from chronic conditions, and those who are recovering from injury, surgery or illness. Our Rock Steady Boxing program for people with Parkinson's, offers hope for many who are suffering with a progressive, debilitating disease. In addition to land classes, this program also offers a one-of-a-kind aquatic component featuring underwater boxing bags, bikes, trampolines and balance beams. We believe the Y is the antidote to the ongoing repercussions many in our community are experiencing and will continue to experience for many years as a result of the pandemic. The Y provides an opportunity to deliver programming, compassion and friendship to support all aspects of wellness- inclusive of mind, body and spirit.