West Essex YMCA Launches Family First Initiative With Free Parent-Child Classes Starting in January

The West Essex YMCA is launching a Family First Initiative, offering certain children’s classes for free and the lowest rates for other programs to families with a facility membership.

“Families are the backbone of society, and this initiative is designed to make it even more affordable for them to take advantage of Y classes that foster health, personal growth and fun,’’ said West Essex YMCA Executive Director Helen Flores.

Swim lessons for young children that require parents to be in the pool are among the free offerings, as are Let’s Dance And Youth Yoga. In Let’s Dance, children ages 4 to 8 learn easy-to-follow dance moves in a setting that promotes teamwork, physical activity, leadership skills and fun. In Youth Yoga, children ages 5 to 11 learn the basics of relaxation, focus, breathing and balance.

“The Y has long offered free family events throughout the year, free wellness classes and free family swim time, and now, families will get the lowest program rate possible for all classes,’’ Flores said. Each family with a facility membership may take two free programs per eight-week session starting in January.

The West Essex Y serves Livingston, West Orange, Roseland, the Caldwells and surrounding communities, providing affordable classes, programs and events for people of all ages. To learn more, stop by the West Essex Y at 321 South Livingston Ave. in Livingston, visit westessexymca.org, or call (973) 992-7500.