Greater Somerset County YMCA Receives Pandemic Response Grant

Press release from Greater Somerset County YMCA:

Feb. 26, 2021

Greater Somerset County YMCA announced that the organization is honored to receive a $25,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation as part of the “Investing with Purpose” initiative. FirstEnergy’s initiative was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which created health, financial, and educational hardships across FirstEnergy’s six-state territory and in response to the events of 2020 that highlighted racial and social injustices impacting our nation.

The contribution supports the YMCA’s mission work to address urgent and emerging community needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and economic crises over the past year have brought about many barriers that prevent local residents from living productive, healthy and connected lives. As a nonprofit community-impact organization, the Y has mobilized to address inequity, food security, health disparities, learning gaps and more within our community. With these shared goals, FirstEnergy provided the grant to support emergency childcare for healthcare and essential workers, food security outreach in collaboration with multiple community organizations, and blood drives in partnership with the Red Cross and Robert Wood Johnson.

“Throughout this challenging time, the Y has remained ever more committed to our mission of strengthening the community. We are so grateful for philanthropic support, which allows us to maintain the financial resources needed to sustain Greater Somerset County YMCA as we focus on vital community needs now and in the future,” said David Carcieri, President and CEO of Greater Somerset County YMCA. “The generosity of FirstEnergy Foundation helps us to transform the lives of vulnerable neighbors.”

For over 145 years, Greater Somerset County YMCA has been responding to pressing community needs, which is ingrained in the organization’s mission and history. With a focus on strengthening community for the good of all, the Y leverages its experience and partnerships to respond to social needs, deliver effective solutions and ensure that neighbors have the resources and support they need to thrive, especially in times of crisis.

“The Y is vital to Somerset County,” said Elaine Vincent, FirstEnergy Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement Advisor. “Greater Somerset County YMCA’s vast support of the community has been remarkable. From providing safe child care and summer camp options for working families, to food security initiatives, to employment sources, to wellness offerings, the Y has truly stepped up to help so many people to thrive through the crises we face.”

For more information about charitable support of Greater Somerset County YMCA, contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Kelly Castro at kcastro@gscymca.org or 908-630-3535 x100, or visit www.gscymca.org/give.

This press release was produced by Greater Somerset County YMCA. The views expressed here are the author's own.