A Better You for a Better Us: New Jersey YMCAs Come Together to Build Community

Every January, nearly 70 percent of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution, often related to making healthy lifestyle changes. Whatever the resolution, the Y is dedicated to helping everyone live healthier. For the second year, YMCAs across New Jersey have come together to host a statewide Open House, inviting individuals and families to visit their local Y on January 9 and learn how to make positive changes. This year’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Community YMCA’s Family Health & Wellness Center, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank.

Creating personal change takes effort, active involvement, encouragement and support. Local YMCAs partner with individuals on their quest to achieve personal goals, providing programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities. Whether it’s becoming healthier, trying new activities, spending time with family, making new friends, or making a difference in the community, the Y is where building a better individual, builds a better community.

To encourage individuals and families to make their resolutions a reality, Ys step in every day to give people a place to play, learn and be healthy. “With the start of the new year, everyone resolves to improve. We help people and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives,” said President & CEO Rhonda Anderson. “Our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when neighbors come together for the common good.”

With their doors open to all, YMCAs bring together people from all backgrounds to demonstrate the power of what can be achieved as a community. “When you’re a part of The Community YMCA, you’re a member of a community that’s committed every day to helping you and your family, through programs focused on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We’re proud to participate in another statewide event hosted by dozens of YMCAs to promote healthy change,” Anderson added.

New Jersey’s Ys are part of nearly 2,700 Ys across America joined together to make a greater impact in 10,000 communities. The Community YMCA offers individuals, seniors and families a unique sense of community by providing a place to gather and support each other in a healthy, social environment. Because the Y is a nonprofit and believes everyone should have the resources to achieve health and wellness, financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Individuals and families are encouraged to visit The Community YMCA’s Open House on January 9. Some of the planned activities include:

• Getting active: Join a Zumba fitness class at 11 a.m. or a Les Mills Grit Series class at 12:15 p.m.

• Fun surprises: Drawings for Y gear, healthy snacks and a one-week guest pass for a friend to those who join the Y on January 9.

• Nutrition/health information: Free health assessments and information on the Y’s LIVESTRONG and Diabetes Prevention programs.

• Bring the family: Activities for the kids and free babysitting for children whose parents/guardians are participating in a fitness class.

To learn more about The Community YMCA Open House, visit www.TheCommunityYMCA.org/openhouse or call 732.741.2504.

Visit njymca.org for information on other YMCAs in New Jersey.

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net.

About The Community YMCA

The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $550,000 in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.