Somerset County Young Mens Christian Association Inc

THE Y IS THE LEADING NONPROFIT COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY BY CONNECTING ALL PEOPLE TO THEIR POTENTIAL, PURPOSE AND EACH OTHER. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AND TEEN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IS A KEY AREA OF IMPACT FOR OUR ORGANIZATION. GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA OFFERS PROGRAMS THAT HELP YOUNG PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS NECESSARY TO THRIVE. CHILDREN IN OUR PROGRAMS LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE Y'S CORE VALUES: CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. IN 2021, WE SERVED NEARLY 3,300 CHILDREN BETWEEN 0-17 YEARS OF AGE. THROUGH THE MYRIAD OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT WE OFFER, WE INSPIRE A JOYFUL, HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FAMILY DEVELOPMENT. OUR YMCAS SUPPORT FAMILIES WITH PROGRAMS SUCH AS QUALITY CHILD CARE, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS, ADVENTURE GUIDES, HEALTHY KIDS DAY, FAMILY FITNESS, YOUTH RUNNING CLUBS, YOUTH GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES, SATURDAYS IN MOTION, HOMEWORK HELP AND TUTORING, TEEN PROGRAMS AND MORE. AS WE WORKED COLLECTIVELY TO EMERGE FROM THE PANDEMIC, WE CONTINUED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES BY ADDRESSING THEIR URGENT NEEDS INCLUDING ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTERS FOR REMOTE LEARNING, LEARNING RECOVERY, SWIM LESSONS, FAMILY ACTIVITIES, AND MORE. ALL OF OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE CORE VALUES, TO DEEPEN FAMILY CONNECTIONS, AND TO INSPIRE CHILDREN AND TEENS TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. 'WE BELIEVE EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE TO LEARN AND THRIVE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND TO HAVE A SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE.'-CHILD CARE AND SUMMER CAMP OF THE MANY WAYS IN WHICH CHILDREN ARE ENGAGED AT THE Y, INFANT THROUGH SCHOOL-AGE CARE (AGES 3 MTHS THROUGH 11 YRS) IS ONE OF OUR LARGEST PROGRAM AREAS. NEARLY 170 CHILDREN ARE ENROLLED IN OUR STATE LICENSED FULL-DAY CHILD CARE AND EARLY EDUCATION CENTERS LOCATED IN THREE OF OUR BRANCHES: HILLSBOROUGH, SOMERSET HILLS AND SOMERVILLE. ADDITIONALLY, OUR SCHOOL-AGED PROGRAMS LAST YEAR HAD OVER 520 CHILDREN ENROLLED AND WE SERVED 12 SCHOOL DISTRICTS. OVER $138,000 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TO FAMILIES IN NEED OF QUALITY CHILD CARE SERVICES IN 2021. IN THE SPRING OF 2021, MANY SCHOOLS MAINTAINED HYBRID AND FULLY VIRTUAL SCHEDULES, WHICH LEFT WORKING PARENTS WITH A NEED FOR A SAFE PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO LEARN. WE CONTINUED OUR FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTERS FOR REMOTE LEARNING SO PARENTS COULD WORK WITHOUT WORRY TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES. THE PROGRAMS WERE AVAILABLE AT OUR LOCATIONS IN BASKING RIDGE, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, HILLSBOROUGH AND SOMERVILLE. IN ALL, 216 CHILDREN WERE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAMS ACROSS ALL BRANCHES WITH 11 HRS OF DAILY CARE. IN SEPTEMBER 2021, HURRICANE IDA HAD A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON OUR SOMERVILLE BRANCH. THE ENTIRE LOWER LEVEL WAS FLOODED DUE TO THE HURRICANE, WHICH INCLUDED OUR CHILD CARE AND EARLY EDUCATION CLASSROOMS. WE MOBILIZED QUICKLY TO RELOCATE VITAL SERVICES TO OUR OTHER BRANCHES. WE CONTINUED TO SERVE WORKING FAMILIES WITH CHILD CARE AT HILLSBOROUGH YMCA WHILE RENOVATIONS WERE UNDERWAY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. SUMMER CAMP IS ONE OF THE Y'S SIGNATURE PROGRAMS. FOR THE SUMMER OF 2021, WE LEVERAGED THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS WE ESTABLISHED IN 2020 TO PROVIDE ANOTHER SAFE CAMP EXPERIENCE DURING THE ONGOING PANDEMIC. OVER THE COURSE OF THE SUMMER, OVER 1,100 CHILDREN AND TEENS PARTICIPATED IN SUMMER CAMP, WITH MORE THAN $63,000 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO 50 CAMPERS. OUR CAMPS OFFER MANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ADVENTURE PROGRAMS, ARCHERY, OUTDOOR EDUCATION, AND GARDENING. THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC, CHILDREN HAVE ENDURED THE ADVERSITY OF REMOTE LEARNING, WHICH, FOR MANY CHILDREN, HAS CAUSED DEFICITS IN LEARNING. RECOGNIZING THIS ISSUE, WE SUPPORTED OUR CAMPERS DURING THE SUMMER WITH LEARNING RECOVERY TO BETTER PREPARE FOR THEM FOR THE UPCOMING ACADEMIC YEAR. IN ADDITION TO DAILY STEAM ACTIVITIES, WE OFFERED WEEKLY TUTORING SERVICES TO KINDERGARTEN-5TH GRADE CAMPERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY'S SUMMER TUTORING CORPS PROGRAM. IN ALL, OVER 140 CAMPERS ACCELERATED LEARNING IN THE TUTORING PROGRAM. AT HILLSBOROUGH YMCA, WE PARTNERED WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO SUPPORT 3RD GRADERS AT RISK OF FALLING BEHIND IN LITERACY SKILLS. WE OFFERED THE RISE UP PROGRAM, AT NO COST, TO SERVE CHILDREN FROM TITLE 1 SCHOOLS. FOR 4 WEEKS OVER THE SUMMER, 8 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN A LITERACY AND WRITING PROGRAM DURING THE MORNING HOURS AND THEN SPENT AFTERNOONS IN OUR CAMP PROGRAM TO PREPARE FOR THEIR NEXT GRADE LEVEL. IN THE FALL OF 2021, WE LAUNCHED A SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FRANKLIN TWP BOARD OF ED TO SERVE FAMILIES FROM ALL 7 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. AS AN EXPANSION COMMUNITY FOR GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA, WE SERVED OVER 235 CHILDREN IN THE PROGRAM. THROUGH OUR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO 1 IN EVERY 10 CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM. ADDITIONALLY, WE OFFER HOMEWORK HELP, ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES, SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING, AND MORE. 'WE BELIEVE IN THE POTENTIAL OF TEENS.' - YOUTH AND TEEN DEVELOPMENT A GROWING NUMBER OF PRE-TEENS AND TEENS BENEFIT FROM Y PROGRAMS SUCH AS SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS, TEEN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS A MYRIAD OF COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS WITH AREA SCHOOLS AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS. TO HELP ESTABLISH LIFELONG HEALTHY HABITS AT A YOUNG AGE, OUR Y OFFERS FREE MEMBERSHIPS TO ALL 7TH GRADERS OF SCHOOLS IN OUR SERVICE AREA. IN 2021, OUR YMCAS SERVED OVER 650 LOCAL 7TH GRADE STUDENTS. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT SEVENTH GRADE CAN BE A CRITICAL TIME WHEN ADOLESCENTS ARE FACED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIMENT WITH RISK BEHAVIORS. THE Y'S PROGRAM ADDRESSES THAT CHALLENGE IN OUR COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS TO CULTIVATE VALUES, SKILLS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT LEAD TO POSITIVE BEHAVIORS, BETTER HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT. THE MEMBERSHIPS ALLOW 7TH GRADERS TO GET TOGETHER IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND PARTICIPATE IN WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES. WE ENCOURAGE TEENS TO ENGAGE IN LEADERSHIP-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP THEM REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. IN OUR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EXPERIENCED PROJECT-BASED WORK AND GAINED PROFESSIONAL SKILLS. OUR 5 HIGH SCHOOL INTERNS CONTRIBUTED TO GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA THROUGH PROJECTS INVOLVING MEMBERSHIP, HUMAN RESOURCES, PHILANTHROPY, AND PROGRAMS. IN OUR SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM, TEENS LEARNED HOW GUIDE CHILDREN THROUGH ENRICHING ACTIVITIES IN OUR COUNSELOR IN TRAINING PROGRAM. IN ALL, OVER 80 TEENS GAINED THE BENEFITS OF A COUNSELOR IN TRAINING EXPERIENCE. BECAUSE LIFE EXPERIENCES INFLUENCE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT, WE BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG ADULTS THAT BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE AND BRIGHT FUTURES. TOWARD THAT END, WE EXPANDED OUR STUDENT ADVOCATE PROGRAM THAT ENGAGES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH ADULT VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBERS. THE STUDENT ADVOCATES ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS AND LEAD PROJECTS THAT SUPPORT THE Y'S MISSION. THE PROGRAM HELPS TO BUILD LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND PROVIDES A PLATFORM FOR YOUNG VOICES TO BE HEARD AND CONSIDERED. IN ALL, 17 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME AND SKILLS AS TEEN ADVOCATES FOR OUR BRANCHES. AS A VOLUNTEER-LED ORGANIZATION, WE VALUE INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES WHO CONTRIBUTE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO THE Y. IN 2021, WE HAD THE SUPPORT OF OVER 130 SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE TEENS WHO VOLUNTEERED AS SERVANT LEADERS IN VARIOUS PROJECTS TO ADVANCE THE Y'S MISSION. ADDITIONALLY, GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA IS ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS OF TEENS IN OUR SERVICE AREA. FOR MANY TEENS, THEIR FIRST EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IS AT THE Y; SO, WE STRIVE TO ENSURE IT IS A FOUNDATIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH A BALANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND VALUES THAT LEADS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE. OF GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA'S FULL- AND PART-TIME STAFF, 199 EMPLOYEES ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 19; REPRESENTING 33% OF OUR WORKFORCE. 'WE BELIEVE THAT A CONNECTED FAMILY IS A HEALTH FAMILY.'- FAMILY STRENGTHENING PARENT-CHILD PROGRAMS AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES ALL CONTRIBUTE TOWARD STRENGTHENING THE BONDS BETWEEN PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN. OUR VOLUNTEER-LED SATURDAYS IN MOTION PROGRAM, IN ITS 30TH YEAR, IS THE LONGEST RUNNING, NON-PUBLIC RECREATIONAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM IN THE COUNTRY. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IS MORE PREVALENT IN NEW JERSEY THAN NATIONALLY. SATURDAYS IN MOTION IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW TEEN VOLUNTEERS TO WORK AND PLAY, ONE-ON-ONE, WITH CHILDREN WHO ARE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. THROUGH THIS TRANSFORMATIVE PROGRAM, CHILDREN WITH AUTISM HAVE FUN PLAYING AND MAKING FRIENDS, WHILE TEEN VOLUNTEERS GAIN LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND PARENTS ENJOY CAREGIVING RESPITE. FOR MANY LOCAL FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN, THE PANDEMIC CAUSED PROFOUND STRESS. TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS, WE TRANSITIONED THE SATURDAYS IN MOTION PROGRAM TO A VIRTUAL FORMAT THAT ALLOWED THE TEEN VOLUNTEERS TO REMAIN ENGAGED WITH PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO MITIGATE FEELINGS OF SOCIAL ISOLATION RESULTING FROM SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES. IN 2021, THE PROGRAM CONNECTED NEARLY 300 TEEN VOLUNTEERS AND CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING: IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITIES FROM THE BEGINNING, OUR YMCAS HAVE PROVIDED HEALTH AND FITNESS PROGRAMS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR MISSION. THE LIST OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES IS QUITE EXTENSIVE AND INCLUDES A ROBUST VARIETY OF FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES SUCH AS GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES, PERSONAL TRAINING, SWIMMING AND YOGA, AS WELL AS STRESS, WEIGHT AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT. EVERY WELLNESS OFFERING IS DESIGNED WITH THE OVERARCHING GOAL OF PROMOTING A HEALTHY BALANCE OF SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY THAT IMPROVES OVERALL WELL-BEING. WITH ONGOING CHALLENGES RELATED TO THE PANDEMIC, INCLUDING SOCIAL DISTANCING, WE CONTINUED TO OFFER ON-DEMAND, VIRTUAL, AND OUTDOOR WELLNESS OPTIONS IN ADDITION TO IN-PERSON OPTIONS IN ORDER TO SUPPORT PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING AND MEET THE COMFORT LEVEL OF EACH PERSON. OVERALL, OUR WELLNESS PROGRAMS OFFER MEMBERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY AND PARTICIPATE IN A COMMUNITY THAT IS BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY BEHAVIORS AND RELATIONSHIPS. FROM NUTRITION TO ADULT SPORT LEAGUES TO PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES, WE WORK TO REMOVE BARRIERS SO THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND LIFESTYLES, WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY. 'WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD LEARN TO SWIM AND TO BE SAFE AROUND WATER.' - AQUATICS SWIMMING IS A LIFE SKILL THAT MAKES COMMUNITIES SAFER BY PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL DROWNINGS. WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD LEARN TO SWIM AS AN IMPORTANT LIFE SKILL. IN 2021, OVER 1,700 INDIVIDUALS WERE ENROLLED IN SWIM INSTRUCTION CLASSES. THE Y NOT ONLY TEACHES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES HOW TO SWIM, BUT ALSO OFFERS CLASSES TO ENHANCE ENJOYMENT OF THE WATER SUCH AS SAFETY SKILLS, RECREATIONAL SWIMMING AND WATER EXERCISE. TEACHING CHILDREN TO SWIM IS ALSO INTEGRAL TO OUR CAMP PROGRAMS. WE ALSO INTEGRATE SWIM SKILLS INTO OUR SUMMER CAMPS. IN OUR GO FOR GREEN PROGRAM, WE EVALUATE OUR CAMPERS SWIM SKILLS TO DESIGNATE A RED, YELLOW OR GREEN WRISTBAND THAT INDICATES THEIR SWIM LEVEL. THROUGH LESSONS, CAMPERS LEARN TO PROGRESS TOWARD THE GREEN BAND, WHICH INDICATES THEIR ABILITY TO SWIM IN THE DEEP END OF THE POOL. THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS, OVER 65 CAMPERS IMPROVED VITAL SWIM SKILLS BY AT LEAST ONE LEVEL. ADDITIONALLY, IN THE SUMMER OF 2021, WE INVITED PLAINFIELD AREA RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A ONE-WEEK SAFETY AROUND WATER PROGRAM OFFERED AT NO COST. THE PROGRAM PROVIDED FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES WITH KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO HELP BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE AND SAFETY IN AND AROUND THE WATER. OUR SWIM TEAM ATHLETES VOLUNTEERED TO TEACH THE PROGRAM TO PARTICIPANTS WHO RANGED IN AGE FROM 3 TO 80+ YEARS OLD. OVER 60 PARTICIPANTS LEARNED LIFE-SAVING SKILLS THROUGH THE PROGRAM. OUR YMCAS ALSO OFFER AQUATICS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, INCLUDING STARS (SHARING THERAPY AND REALIZING SELF STRENGTHS), SPECIAL OLYMPICS, AND SATURDAYS IN MOTION, A RECREATIONAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. THESE MISSION-DRIVEN PROGRAMS DEMONSTRATE THE Y'S COMMITMENT TO NURTURING AND SAFEGUARDING ALL OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS IN OUR COMMUNITY. 'WE BELIEVE IN MOTIVATING WELLNESS TO HELP EVERYONE LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFE.' - HEALTH AND FITNESS OUR YMCAS OFFER MEMBERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY AND PARTICIPATE IN A COMMUNITY THAT IS BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY BEHAVIORS AND RELATIONSHIPS. IN 2021, OVER 7,300 ADULTS WERE INVOLVED AT THE Y, PURSUING HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND LIFESTYLES, WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVED HEALTH AND A LOWER INCIDENCE OF CHRONIC DISEASE IN OUR COMMUNITY. GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA HAS JOINED A NATIONAL MOBILIZATION EFFORT TO COMBAT RISING LEVELS OF OBESITY, ESPECIALLY AMONG OUR YOUTH. BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN ESTABLISHING HEALTH HABITS AT A YOUNG AGE, OUR CHILD CARE AND EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS INCLUDE HEALTHY SNACKS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EACH DAY. THE Y'S WELLNESS PROGRAM GEARED TOWARDS YOUNG PEOPLE INCLUDES YOUTH WELLNESS ORIENTATIONS, SPORTS AND YOGA. ADDITIONALLY, WE OFFER GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES AFTER SCHOOL THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN AGES 7 - 12 TO MAKE FITNESS FUN AND ENCOURAGE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES. WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO OFFERING NOTEWORTHY WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON CHRONIC DISEASE. IN 2021, THERE WERE OVER 85 ADULTS WHO SOUGHT TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH IN OUR PROGRAMS. ENHANCEFITNESS IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM FOR ARTHRITIS PATIENTS THAT IS DESIGNED TO HELP PARTICIPANTS MAINTAIN THEIR FLEXIBILITY, MOBILITY AND BALANCE. LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA SUPPORTS CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS BY HELPING THEM TO REGAIN THEIR HEALTH. THIS 12-WEEK RECOVERY PROGRAM IS OFFERED FREE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY THANKS TO FUNDS RAISED THROUGH THE Y'S ANNUAL CAMPAIGN. THE PROGRAM PROVIDES CANCER SURVIVORS WITH A PLACE TO GO TO BUILD STRENGTH WHILE GAINING CAMARADERIE AND HOPE. WE ALSO OFFER DELAY THE DISEASE, A FITNESS PROGRAM DESIGNED TO EMPOWER THOSE LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE BY HELPING DELAY THE PROGRESSION OF SYMPTOMS AND SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE THE DISEASE AND IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE. ADDITIONALLY, THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM OFFERS SMALL-GROUP WELLNESS COACHING TO SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS IN REDUCING THEIR RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES. WITH A FOCUS ON FITNESS AND CAMARADERIE, WE OFFER PROGRAMS THAT ENCOURAGE ADULTS TO ENJOY HEALTHY, ATHLETIC COMPETITION. OUR U.S. MASTERS SWIM TEAM, ADULT SPORTS LEAGUES, PERSONAL TRAINING AND FITNESS CHALLENGES DREW OVER 440 PARTICIPANTS WHO TRAINED TO BUILD STRENGTH, ENDURANCE AND FRIENDSHIPS. THROUGHOUT 2021, WE CONTINUED TO INNOVATE TO OFFER FITNESS OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOST HEALTH AND STRENGTHEN IMMUNE SYSTEMS. NEARLY 50,800 PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED IN VIRTUAL, OUTDOOR AND ON-DEMAND FITNESS CLASSES, WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES AND LAP SWIM. 'WE BELIEVE IN THE VALUE OF PLAY TO NURTURE THE POTENTIAL OF CHILDREN.' - SPORTS AND RECREATION FROM CLASSES TO RECREATIONAL LEAGUES, CLUBS TO COMPETITIVE TEAMS, OUR YMCAS OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF SPORTS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES. PROGRAMS, FOCUSED ON PROMOTING STRENGTH AND ATHLETICISM, ARE ALSO DESIGNED TO DEVELOP A CHILD'S MIND BY INSTILLING POSITIVE VALUES LIKE TEAMWORK, HONESTY AND FAIR PLAY. WE OFFER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES, INTERESTS AND ABILITIES, WHICH AIM TO TEACH SKILLS THAT ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. IN 2021, IT WAS CHALLENGING TO BRING BACK MANY OF OUR SPORTS PROGRAMS DUE TO ONGOING RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO THE PANDEMIC, HOWEVER, OVER 1,000 SWIMMERS GAINED THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE AND SPORTSMANSHIP IN OUR SWIM TEAM PROGRAM. IN FACT, A FEW OF OUR SWIMMERS QUALIFIED FOR THE OLYMPIC TRIALS. AS PART OF OUR SPORTS INITIATIVE, IN A TYPICAL YEAR, OUR STAFF CONTRIBUTES SERVICES TO SOME LOCAL SCHOOLS AS A COMPLEMENT TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. ADDITIONALLY, WE PROVIDE ACTIVE PROGRAMMING FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS' FIELD DAYS, AND INTRAMURAL SPORT PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ATHLETICS. 'WE BELIEVE VALUES AND SKILLS LEARNED EARLY ARE VITAL BUILDING BLOCKS FOR QUALITY OF LIFE.' - ARTS AND HUMANITIES (INCLUDING GYMNASTICS) THE ARTS TEACH CHILDREN TO MAKE GOOD JUDGMENTS ABOUT QUALITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS. UNLIKE MANY OTHER CURRICULA WHERE CORRECT ANSWERS AND RULES PREVAIL, THE FOCUS IN THE ARTS IS ON INTERPRETATION RATHER THAN RULES. OUR YMCAS OFFER PROGRAMS FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES, SUCH AS READING AND DISCUSSION GROUPS, LITERARY, PERFORMING, AND VISUAL ARTS, PLUS MUSIC AND CRAFTS. DUE TO THE ONGOING PANDEMIC, MANY OF OUR PROGRAMS WERE PAUSED IN 2021, AS WELL. HOWEVER, OUR GYMNASTICS AND DANCE PROGRAMS REMAINED ROBUST WITH OVER 330 CHILDREN ENROLLED. THROUGH OUR GYMNASTICS TEAM, BOYS AND GIRLS ALIKE LEARN CRITICAL LIFE SKILLS SUCH AS SETTING GOALS AND THE VALUE OF HARD WORK WHILE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES CREATIVELY THROUGH THEIR PERFORMANCES. OUR DANCE CLASSES AND DANCE TEAM CONTINUE TO BE STRONG.

FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS AS A CAUSE-DRIVEN, VOLUNTEER-LED ORGANIZATION, THE Y CONSISTENTLY PROMOTES THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL THAT WE DO AND AT ALL LEVELS OF THE ORGANIZATION. WE BELIEVE THAT WHEN WE ALL WORK TOGETHER WITH SHARED PASSION AND COMMON PURPOSE, WE CAN ENHANCE OUR COLLECTIVE QUALITY OF LIFE, LIFT UP VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS AND DEEPEN COMMUNITY IMPACT. AS AN ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, WE OFFER DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FINANCIALLY INSECURE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, AND WE OFFER FREE OR LOW-COST, MISSION-BASED PROGRAMS THAT MEET URGENT AND EMERGING COMMUNITY NEEDS. THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VOLUNTEERS, IN LARGE PART, ENABLE US TO DELIVER ON OUR CAUSE OF STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY. VOLUNTEERS ARE EXTREMELY VALUABLE TO GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA AND WE CONTINUALLY SEEK TO FORTIFY OUR VOLUNTEER BASE, WHICH REMAINS ROBUST. ADDITIONALLY, WE ENGAGE WITH A BROAD ARRAY OF COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS TO MAXIMIZE THE WELL-BEING OF COUNTY RESIDENTS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS. WE PARTNER WITH MANY NONPROFIT AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS IN A SPIRIT OF COOPERATION TO OPTIMIZE RESOURCES THAT ACHIEVE GREATER OUTCOMES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY. 'WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW AND THRIVE.' - PROGRAMS FOR ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OUR YMCAS HAVE PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES INCLUDING WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES, FINANCIAL LITERACY, CONTINUING EDUCATION, VOLUNTEERISM, AND JOB-TRANSITION FORUMS. WE SUPPORT ADULTS WITH FREE AND LOW-COST PROGRAMS THAT FILL GAPS IN COMMUNITY SERVICES. TO KEEP SENIORS HEALTHY AND ENSURE AFFORDABILITY, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE ON FIXED INCOMES, WE OFFER REDUCED MEMBERSHIP RATES AND LOW-COST 'DROP-IN' PROGRAMS. IN 2021, OVER 1,700 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN PROGRAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS INCLUDING WATER EXERCISE, INDOOR CYCLING, STRENGTH TRAINING, PICKLE BALL AND MORE. SENIORS ALSO BENEFIT FROM SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO HELP THEM FEEL CONNECTED TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND ENGAGE THEIR MINDS AS THEY HAVE FUN. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS AT THE Y INCLUDE BOOK CLUBS, KNITTING, GAMES, AND PRESENTATIONS ON INTERESTING TOPICS SUCH HEALTH, NUTRITION AND MORE. THE Y ALSO COLLABORATES WITH OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO FURTHER BENEFIT SENIORS BY PROVIDING ADDITIONAL WELLNESS OPTIONS THAT ENCOURAGE HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIVING. OUR PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS DEMONSTRATE THE Y'S COMMITMENT TO ENSURING EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY HAS A CHANCE TO LEARN, GROW AND THRIVE. TOWARD THAT GOAL, OUR YMCAS EMPLOY SEVERAL STAFF MEMBERS WITH DISABILITIES WHO FLOURISH IN THE Y'S NURTURING, INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT. THROUGH OUR SPECIAL NEEDS ADULT PROGRAM (SNAP), 25 INDIVIDUALS HAD OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SOCIAL CONNECTIONS. ADDITIONALLY, 20 ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE THEIR COMPETITIVE ATHLETICISM IN OUR SPECIAL OLYMPICS PROGRAM. OUR YMCAS SUPPORT AND ENHANCE THE LIVES OF NEIGHBORS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BY WORKING WITH OTHER NONPROFITS, AS WELL AS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS BETHEL RIDGE, SPECIAL OLYMPICS, OUR HOUSE, INC., HOPE AUTISM, MONTGOMERY SCHOOL AND AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTS. CAREER FORUM IS OUR FREE, VOLUNTEER-LED PROGRAM THAT IS OPEN TO EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND PROVIDES VALUABLE SKILLS AND SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUALS IN JOB TRANSITION. WE CONTINUED VIRTUAL SESSIONS OF THIS LONG-RUNNING PROGRAM TO HELP ADULTS STRUGGLING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT. WEEKLY SESSIONS OFFERED PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE, MORAL SUPPORT AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. THE PROGRAM CONTINUED TO BE A VITAL RESOURCE IN THE COMMUNITY DURING 2021 WITH OVER 390 PARTICIPANTS, WHO BENEFITTED FROM ACTIONABLE ADVICE ON THE JOB HUNT PROCESS, INTERVIEWING AND NETWORKING TO HELP ADVANCE THEIR JOB SEARCHES. 'WE BELIEVE THAT LASTING PERSONAL AND SOCIAL CHANGE CAN ONLY COME ABOUT WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER' - COMMUNITY SUPPORT & VOLUNTEERISM AT THE Y, WE BELIEVE THAT WHEN WE ALL WORK TOGETHER, WE MOVE INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES FORWARD. BY INSPIRING A SPIRIT OF SERVICE AND BRINGING TOGETHER PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, PERSPECTIVES AND GENERATIONS, WE ENSURE THAT WE ALL HAVE ACCESS TO THE OPPORTUNITIES, RELATIONSHIPS AND RESOURCES NECESSARY TO LEARN, GROWN AND THRIVE. IN 2021, FOOD INSECURITY REMAINED A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. THROUGH NEW AND EXPANDED PARTNERSHIPS, WE COLLABORATED WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND ESTABLISHED A FOOD SECURITY PROJECT TO ENSURE HUNGRY NEIGHBORS HAD FOOD ON THEIR TABLES. WE PROVIDED FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT TWO OF OUR LOCATIONS: PLAINFIELD AND SOMERVILLE. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WE DISTRIBUTED OVER 146,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND SERVED OVER 58,000 NEIGHBORS. ADDITIONALLY, OUR "LITTLE FREE PANTRY" AT SOMERVILLE YMCA WAS FULLY STOCKED DAILY WITH DONATED FOOD AND TOILETRIES AND CONTINUES TO BE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. TO ENSURE THESE LOCAL FAMILIES HAD ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS PRODUCE, WE ALSO MAINTAINED COMMUNITY GARDENS AT THREE LOCATIONS TO SUPPLEMENT OUR FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM. ANOTHER CONTINUOUSLY PRESSING NEED HAS BEEN THE CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF BLOOD SUPPLIES AT AREA HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RED CROSS, WE HELD 14 BLOOD DRIVES AND COLLECTED 390 PINTS OF BLOOD, WHICH EQUATES TO 1,170 LIVES SAVED. HEALTH IS A KEY PILLAR OF THE Y'S MISSION, AND THE DRIVER BEHIND OUR WORK TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY'S RECOVERY FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. TO DO OUR PART IN HELPING TO STEM THE TIDE OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS, WE MOBILIZED TO OFFER OUR LOCATIONS AS VACCINATION SITES. WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SOMERSET COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WE HOSTED SIX VACCINE CLINICS WITH COMPLIMENTARY BABYSITTING TO REMOVE THAT POTENTIAL BARRIER FOR PARENTS. IN ALL, 72 ADULTS WERE VACCINATED. THE Y IS A COMMUNITY CONVENER. WE OFTEN COLLABORATE WITH LIKE-MINDED ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE ENHANCED BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY. IN 2021, WE DEVELOPED OVER 45 NEW AND EXPANDED PARTNERSHIPS WITH MANY NONPROFIT AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING SOMERSET COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, BERNARDSVILLE ROTARY CLUB, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION, EMPOWER SOMERSET, STAR FISH FOOD PANTRY, AND RUTGERS CENTER FOR DISABILITY WELLNESS, AMONG OTHERS. WE ALSO PROVIDED FREE USE OF OUR FACILITY TO A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS SCHOOLS, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS, HOUSES OF WORSHIP, BUSINESS AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, YOUTH SPORT ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER NONPROFITS. ONE EXAMPLE IS OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH MONTGOMERY ACADEMY, WHICH IS A SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN, AGES 5 - 21, WHO EXPERIENCE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES. SINCE THEY DO NOT HAVE SPACE AT THEIR SCHOOL FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION, THE Y OFFERS WEEKLY USE OF OUR GYMNASIUM AND POOLS TO THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS SO THEY CAN INCLUDE PHYSICAL EDUCATION AS PART OF THEIR CURRICULUM. IN 2021, THE Y WAS FORTUNATE TO RECEIVE THE SUPPORT OF OVER 1,400 VOLUNTEERS WHO GAVE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO OUR YMCAS FOR AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 9,000 HOURS. AT THE CURRENT VALUE OF $27.20 FOR EACH VOLUNTEER HOUR OF SERVICE THEY PROVIDE, THE WORTH OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS EQUATES TO $256,860. THE VOLUNTEERS HELPED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS; FROM POLICY TO PROJECTS, OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF THE Y. OF THOSE VOLUNTEERS, OVER 360 PARTICIPATED IN OUR TOGETHERHOOD PROGRAM, WHICH INSPIRES Y VOLUNTEERS TO RALLY AROUND COMMUNITY NEEDS AND DONATE THEIR TIME AND TALENT TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR NEIGHBORS. THEIR EFFORTS PROVIDED SUPPORT OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS THROUGH DONATIONS OF HOLIDAY GIFTS; SUPPORT OF FOOD INSECURE INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH MEALS PREPARED AND SERVED AT A LOCAL SOUP KITCHEN AS WELL AS FOOD DISTRIBUTION THROUGH OUR BRANCHES; SUPPORT OF SENIOR CITIZENS THROUGH YARD WORK DURING THE FALL SEASON; AND MANY OTHER INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY NEEDS. TO ENSURE THE Y REMAINS A SAFE SPACE WHERE ALL ARE WELCOME, WE STRENGTHENED OUR COMMITMENT TO AND WORK TOWARD DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION. WE EXPANDED OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION TASK FORCE OF Y STAFF, BOARD MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO WORKED TOGETHER TO ESTABLISH A CHART OF WORK. WE PROMOTED OPPORTUNITIES FOR Y STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO CONTINUE BUILDING DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMPETENCIES THROUGH TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES THAT ENCOURAGE HONEST DIALOGUE. WE ALSO ENGAGED IN CULTURAL APPRECIATION IN COMMUNICATIONS TO FOSTER GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND INCLUSION WITH THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE. ADDITIONALLY, WE PROMOTED PARTICIPATION IN THE US CENSUS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.