Hunterdon County Young Mens Christian Association

Programs: Youth development in 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. In 2017, there were 92 students who participated in the program. 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 2017, there were 86 participants in this program, as well as 50 youth who participated in the world's largest swim lesson and 32 more on learn to swim day.

healthy living our 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 women's 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 2017. 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 2017.

social responsibility the hunterdon county ymca has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical social needs for over 115 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, providing financial assistance to families in need, or preventing chronic disease and building heathier communities through collaboration with policymakers, the y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Our ymca works in collaboration with more than a dozen government and community agencies to provide a variety of programs that help accomplish our mission to help people grow in spirit, mind, and body. In these programs, we work to make sure every child, family, and individual has what they need to achieve their greatest potential. These programs include partnerships with organizations such as: - darkness to light - a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, and creators of award-winning stewards of children sexual abuse prevention curriculum. The hunterdon county ymca has achieved "partner in prevention," a nationally recognized public standard to end child sexual abuse. All ymca staff are trained in this curriculum, and the training is currently being offered to any interested adults in the community. By partnering with darkness to light, the hunterdon county ymca will educate and empower adults to become agents of change to protect children from sexual abuse. - special olympics of new jersey - a program where mentally and physically challenged swimmers of all ages and levels are invited to join the special olympics swim team at the hunterdon county ymca. - togetherhood - a member-led volunteer program that gives y members and friends the opportunity to select, plan and lead meaningful community service projects that benefit people and organizations right here in our neighborhood. The ymca's emphasis on social responsibility encourages individuals to bring about meaningful change to strengthen the family unit, develop the social skills and values of youth, and develop a sense of appreciation of other racial/ethnic groups and cultures. Examples of these programs include: - senior programs - providing activities geared toward socialization, physical activity, and friendship for active older adults. Majority of the programs offered are provided at no cost to the participants. - bilingual programs - includes a study group for legal, permanent residents to obtain united states citizenship. Through this program, participants gain confidence as they study for their citizenship test, as well as learn how to complete and submit their application. As a us citizen, they become able to vote in elections, serve as jurors, travel with us passports, become elected officials, and obtain government benefits. Since we piloted the program, over 50 have completed their citizenship. The ymca also utilizes the help of 629 volunteers to add value to our programs, and aid in our annual campaign. In 2017, with the funds raised through the annual campaign, more than $464,000 in financial assistance was awarded to over 1,450 unique individuals in our community.