Freehold Borough YMCA Community Center Welcomes New Director

The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County are pleased to announce the promotion of Jo Ann Rountree to association director of community outreach, overseeing programs and services at the Freehold Borough YMCA Community Center.

A 24-year YMCA professional, Rountree, of Brick Township, brings a deep background in community development and youth programming to her new leadership role at the Freehold Borough YMCA Community Center, located at 41 Center Street.

The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County will merge on Sept. 1, 2019 to become the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County.

In her most recent position as senior director of community outreach for The Community YMCA, Rountree developed an award-winning college readiness program for at-risk youth. Called Y Achievers, the mentoring program is designed to assist youth and teens in less-served communities with all facets of the college admissions process. She also established strong relationships with area school districts and human services organizations throughout Monmouth County.

“We are thrilled to have Jo Ann step up as association director in Freehold. With her strength in youth development and her successful leadership experience, we know she will continue to do great things and help increase the Y’s impact in the communities we serve,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of The Community YMCA and incoming president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Monmouth County.

In her new position, Rountree will lead the Freehold team in providing a host of youth development programs at the community center, including Y Achievers, Youth & Government, Model United Nations, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities and summer recreational camp. The center offers a safe, caring and well-supervised environment for children ages 8 and up, as well as programs for adults and families.

“I am excited for this new position and look forward to continuing the Y’s life-changing work at the center,” Rountree said.

Rountree is a graduate of Berkeley College, Woodbridge. She is a certified Y Professional Director and Facilitator, Darkness to Light trainer, and a member of the YMCA Professional Network (YPN). She volunteers her time with The Source at Red Bank Regional High School Advisory Board, the NAACP of Red Bank, numerous local area Chambers of Commerce, and the Red Bank Family Success Center, among others.

She has received a number of awards for her success with youth including: the 2019 YPN Service Award, 2018 HI Impact Award (for Achievers), 2012 Partners in Education Award, 2011 Outstanding Community Service Award, 2009 Wilbur Ray Community Service Award, 2008 Finalist Drum Major for Youth Impact Award, and the 2000 NJ Minority Achiever Award.

About The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County

The Community YMCA and YMCA of Western Monmouth County are two of the area’s leading nonprofit charities coming together as the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County on Sept. 1, 2019 to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Guided by core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, we are dedicated to helping everyone grow in spirit, mind and body regardless of age, income or background. Our programs and services nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors. In 2018, we provided $925,000 in financial assistance to strengthen approximately 3,000 families in need. For more information, visit www.ymcanj.org/strongertogether.