YMCA of Montclair

Programs: See schedule o part iii - 4a. Youth developmentthe program goals at the ymca of montclair are to help children grow in self-reliance, confidence and self-esteem while building new skills. Our 6,600 youth are served through classes at our geyer family branch (ages 6 months to kindergarten) and our park street branch (ages 6 and above) where they can learn how to swim or dance, play sports, explore the arts and more. Teens are provided the opportunity to grow into strong adults through our programs designed just for them starting with our 7th grade initiative that offers many programs specific to their age and includes a complimentary ymca membership and swim lessons with demonstrated need. Our leader's club serves teens through high school where they receive leadership training and learn the importance of social responsibility and service to others. Our ymca is primarily supported by membership dues and program fees; school age child care, camp, swim lessons, youth enrichment programs. When people show demonstrated need, we afford them financial assistance gained from contributions from others so all can partake in the healthy lifestyles promoted at the y. Our school age child care program provides a safe and nurturing environment for over 1,100 children through our before and after school programs at 26 different sites. Over 2,550 campers are served daily adventures through our 9 summer camp programs, including our camp at the lake a day camp set on 40 acres in west milford, nj. Our 550 staff members promote an understanding and appreciation of individual differences. Ymca's have a unique approach in their work with families. The goal of the family programs at the geyer family branch is to help the 2,492 individuals that make up a family grow spiritually, mentally and physically together. To accomplish this goal, program activities bring children and families together to grow personally, strengthen positive values, appreciate diversity. They become better leaders and supporters by building developmental assets, leading healthy lives and improve personal and familial relationships. This all occurs most importantly, while having fun, enjoying life and each other.

see schedule o part iii - 4b. Healthy livingdue to the rising obesity rates among our nation's children, the ymca of montclair has partnered with a statewide ymca initiative, healthy u, which educates over 1,100 children and their families on creative ways to include physical exercise in their day and build healthy nutritional habits. We serve almost 5,000 adults through our 153 group exercise class offerings each week. Our classes are for beginners to advance which allow members to work at their own pace to lose weight, increase endurance, and socialize and more. The ymca aquatics programs are part of the ymca's overall goal of building healthy spirit, mind and body. In addition to providing specific swimming and water safety skills, they promote good health through regular exercise for children, active older adults and individuals with special emphasis to those with physical and mental challenges. They also promote teamwork, self-confidence and leadership. The ymca of montclair offers a variety of programs ranging from the basics of water safety, swimming skills to stroke development, water rescue and competitive swimming. We also offer educational workshops, as well as exercise classes to over 800 senior members, keeping their minds sharp and fostering a sense of belonging. With the shared program center for seniors and teens within our park street branch, we offer our senior's a community gathering place during the day and raise their level of connectivity and community. We hold a variety of events for seniors including game tournaments, lectures, arts and crafts and community service opportunities. After school, the space is a resource for teens offering homework help and a place to gather in a supervised environment. The space contains computers/ipads equipped with internet access, a large screen tv and a kitchenette. Perhaps the most important aspect of the ymca of montclair's active older adult program is that it offers the feeling of belonging to a community.

see schedule o part iii - 4c. Social responsibilitythe ymca movement has always had a mission of developing healthy spirit, mind and body for everyone. Ymca's are run by and for the community. The y serves a diverse population of ethnicities and socioeconomic classes. The 12,561 members we serve afford the ymca of montclair a unique opportunity to adjust to their changing needs in order to build a stronger community. Strengthening our community is a critical part of the ymca mission and in implementing our mission the ymca of montclair also provides services to thousands of non-members throughout our community at no cost. Outreach programs are offered at fees affordable to the community at large, with financial assistance available for those with demonstrative financial need. The ymca of montclair community also provides $405,395 of aid to families who demonstrate need. We also collaborate with other social service organizations through several hundred volunteers on projects such as food drives, coat and clothes collections, holiday meal and gift collections and distribution. Participants develop self-confidence, improve physical fitness, learn acceptance of others, and engage in teamwork and sportsmanship. Through the challenges set for them, children learn the values of self-discipline, goal setting and personal commitment. The ymca philosophy emphasizes personal development rather than the importance of winning.