West Essex Y Fundraising Campaign Kicks Off

The West Essex YMCA in Livingston is an important community resource that has served the community for many years.

It is a place where children and adults can get an education, socialize and work out.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford its programs and that's where the the Strong Kids Campaign comes in. 

The campaign helps provide financial assistance to families and people in need so they can afford membership fees, summer camp, after-school programs and the pre-school program, said Helen Flores, executive director of the West Essex Y. The organization serves people in Livingston, the Caldwells, West Orange, Roseland and Essex Fells. 

Last year the West Essex Y helped 211 applicants with assistance using $193,000 in funds. The names of the Y members that receive assistance are kept confidential and all members are treated equally, Flores said. 

The goal for this year is to collect $120,000 in donations for the fund. Flores said they have collected $105,000 as of Monday. 

Donations of all denominations are accepted and the contributions are tax-deductible. The Strong Kids Campaign officially ends Wednesday, but donations will still be collected throughout the year. 

People may also apply for assistance if they are facing income restrictions or other family hardships. "My hope is that we don't have to turn anyone away who wants to play," Flores said. 

By donating to the Strong Kids Campaign, you can help make a difference to strengthen local families and help them enjoy the great programs, said Arlene Johnson, a West Essex Y board, long-time member and volunteer. 

One local mother, who identified herself as Crystal, said the West Essex Y programs have been "incredible" since it allows her to spend quality time with her son and not worry about making ends meet at the end of the month. 

Crystal said she previously had to work three jobs to afford daycare for her son before she found out about the West Essex Y program and received a partial scholarship. Now, Crystal said she's able to work one normal 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. job and she has more time to take care of her son. 

"I really feel like he's getting specialized attention, especially in the classroom," she said about the West Essex Y daycare program. "I get a report on him every day. i know what his weaknesses and strengths are. The teachers work with me to try and help him at home.

"You really get individualized attention and that's not true at all places. They work with him effortlessly. If he's a little behind, they sit with him and give him personal attention. They're constantly making themselves available."

All donations given to the West Essex Y will be used by local families and the funds will stay within the community, Johnson said. 

"It's important to know that although a lot of people think Livingston is an affluent community, there are people struggling and there are financial hardships," Flores said. 

The West Essex Y also provides assistance to the community through other programs, Flores said.  

People who have recently become unemployed can get free membership for three months. Currently active military servicemen and women and their families can get free memberships as well, and if deployed, their families can qualify for childcare, Flores said. 

Tax-deductable donations to the Strong Kids Campaign may be mailed to the West Essex Y, 321 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039. 

For more information, call 973-992-7500 or visit the website.