Northfield Bank Foundation Supports Swim Lesson Scholarships at The Gateway Family YMCA

The Northfield Bank Foundation presented a $10,000 donation to The Gateway Family YMCA in support of swim lesson financial assistance for the local community.The donation was presented by Diane Senerchia, Executive Director, Northfield Bank Foundation at The Gateway Family YMCA – Rahway Branch, 1564 Irving Street, Rahway.

“In an ideal world, everyone would have access to life-saving water safety skills and swimming lessons. As a charity, we are dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors,” stated Laura Margeotes, District Executive Director, The Gateway Family YMCA.“The Northfield Bank Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of our YMCA and the individuals in the communities we serve. We thank them for their joint commitment to water safety.”

The Northfield Bank Foundation award supported 63 children from low-income households with YMCA Swim Lesson scholarships in 2025-2026, providing a foundation of safety around water and life-saving skills through swimming lessons at The Gateway Family YMCA.

YMCA Swimming Lesson programs are designed to engage and educate children and parents about the importance of water safety skills and provide a fundamental basis to support swim safety.The YMCA focuses on reaching underserved communities where risk of drowning among children is highest, through financial assistance opportunities and outreach.

In YMCA Swimming Lessons, children learn water safety habits and practice safe swimming skills necessary to prevent drowning, gain confidence and promote exercise. During the program session, children learn how to respond if they find themselves in unexpected water situations—from how to reach the water’s surface if they submerge—to safely reaching a pool’s edge or exiting any body of water.

“Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children,” stated Jodi Pelano, Senior Executive Director of Branch Operations, The Gateway Family YMCA. “Swimming lessons are provide a foundation to not only get kids comfortable in the water but also communicate the importance of developing water safety skills with their entire family.”

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening community through programs For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility.

To learn more about The Gateway Family YMCA’s Annual Support Campaign or programs, visit www.tgfymca.orgor contact The Gateway Family YMCA – Rahway Branch at 732-388-0057.