YMCA celebrates 75 years of service to community during event

On Wednesday, January 26, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA kicked off its “75 STRONG” Campaign during a virtual event. The campaign represents the Y’s efforts to raise much needed funds that support valuable, life-enriching programs for children and families who live in our community.

During the virtual kick off, attendees learned about the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y’s history and heard inspirational speeches from those who have been helped by the Y. There was a spotlight on the Y’s 7th Grade Initiative Program, which provides a free Y membership to 7th graders in Fanwood, Scotch Plains and Clark, and gives them the tools needed to lead a healthy lifestyle at a young age. This program was brought back to the Y in September 2021 and currently serves over 80 local teens, many who lacked active programming due to the pandemic and were looking for a safe space to exercise.

“When you join the Y and it's a free membership, it gives you opportunities,” said one 7th Grade Initiative participant, noting that the program helps with both his physical and mental health. “Mental health is bigger than physical health,” he added, “You need mental health to bring you through a lot of tough times in life.”

Guests also heard from one of the Y’s financial assistance recipients who spoke about the ways the Y has helped her family. Faced with a health challenge and unable to work, the Y provided her with financial assistance so she could send her daughter to Summer Day Camp as well as the Y’s after school program.

“The YMCA really helped just be that family and support for us that we really need,” she said. “I really don't know how I would have gotten through the summer without the Y.”

She added of the financial assistance program, “It's not like those other programs where, you don't know where your money is going to, you don't know if these resources are really going to the families that need it. I can say the YMCA 100 percent makes sure it goes to the families that need it.”

The YMCA’s leaders also spoke about their upcoming building project, which is pending approval from the Township of Scotch Plains. The plan is to add two new fitness studios for spin and yoga; expand the Wellness Center on the first floor and the second floor mezzanine, which will allow the Y to add more exercise equipment; add in seating for pool viewing for the Y’s Swim Team, and the addition of a new campsite and two playgrounds for Child Care participants.

“We feel like this project will ensure that the Y is serving today's generation with an eye on the future,” said Kim Decker, CEO of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. “This project will give us the ability to meet the needs of the members where they are today, but then also give us the ability to continue to expand to serve the needs of children, families and seniors, and anyone that needs to come to the Y.”

To learn how you can support the Y’s 75 Strong Campaign and support our neighbors, visit fspymca.org/give-today.

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The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.