Military Family Month Provides Opportunity to Support Local Families

Since 1993, YMCAs have celebrated Military Family Month, providing Americans the opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and service of military personnel and their families. Throughout the year, and especially this November, the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties supports military families with programs and initiatives that improve their well-being and provide opportunities to connect with other families waiting at home.

“The Y understands that military families are under enormous strain when a loved one is away from home,” said Bob Lomauro, interim president and CEO, YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “We support these families by providing a warm, supportive environment, where families can spend time together, kids can make friends and have a sense of belonging and adults can meet health goals. We’re a place where military families can connect with other families who relate to their unique situation.”

With funding from The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation, the Y is honoring those who serve by providing military families in the area with free one-year Facility Memberships. To qualify, the following requirements must be met:

· Active Duty Military, Reservists and their immediate families

· Pay Grades E1-E7

· Live off base in southern New Jersey

Additionally, the YMCA of the USA, in partnership between the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and the Armed Services YMCA, provides families of active military personnel free access to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility at local YMCAs across the country through its Outreach Initiative. This initiative includes YMCA memberships for eligible military families and personnel to give them extra support to stay connected during this difficult time.

Through the $31 million initiative, membership fees for up to 18 months will be funded by the DOD for eligible Title 10 personnel, which includes:

· Family members of deployed National Guard and Reservists

· Active Duty Independent Duty personnel and their families

· Relocated spouse/dependent children of deployed Active Duty personnel

· Wounded Warriors

Those who are not eligible for memberships through The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation or the Department of Defense Outreach Initiative can join the Y at a special rate, with a 10 percent discount on Facility Memberships. This includes military personnel that are retired, veterans, disabled and on active duty. Facility Memberships offer unlimited access to the Mt. Laurel YMCA and Burlington-Riverfront YMCA

All Facility Memberships described above offer unlimited access to the Mt. Laurel YMCA and Burlington-Riverfront YMCA, including:

· 145+ FREE Group Fitness Classes Weekly

· 30+ FREE Water Exercise Classes Weekly

· FREE Child Watch, a free babysitting service while working out

· State-of-the-Art Fitness Center

· Indoor Pool (family swim & lap swim)

· Basketball Court

· Priority Registration

· Reduced Fees for Programs and Classes

· Guest Passes

To learn more about the Y and programming that supports military families, contact the Burlington-Riverfront Welcome Center at 856.231.9622 x317 or the Mt. Laurel Welcome Center at 856.231.9622 x212 www.ymca-bc.org.

About the Y

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community's health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 70+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 37,500 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.