The Gateway Family YMCA Hosts 124th Annual Meeting

The Gateway Family YMCA hosted their 124th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The Annual Meeting, which serves as a celebration of the prior year’s accomplishments and community impact, was hosted in a hybrid format with individuals joining both in-person and remotely. The Young Men’s Christian Association of Eastern Union County dba Gateway Family YMCA has served the communities in Eastern Union County and Northern Middlesex County since 1900, and is headquartered in Elizabeth, NJ.

At the end of his welcome, James Masterson, President, YMCA Board of Directors shared, “A sincere thank you to each of you on our Board of Directors, and the dedication of our Senior Leadership Team, YMCA staff and volunteers.” As part of the agenda, the Annual Membership and President’s Report was presented to those in attendance.

The Gateway Family YMCA’s impact on the community in 2023 included serving 18,400 individuals through programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y served 1,400 children through YMCA child care programs, 1,800 children through life-saving drowning prevention programs and youth swim lessons and 9,000 adults and 2,700 seniors through wellness, chronic disease management programs and WISE Community Services.

“94% of our members were extremely satisfied or satisfied with their Y experience in 2023,” stated Rodger D. Koerber, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, The Gateway Family YMCA, “And, 93% stated that our programs helped them feel socially connected.”

The YMCA’s commitment to health equity, diversity and inclusion, and digital innovation were also shared through mission-based impact programs such as the 7th Grade Initiative with 245 youth in 2023, and the Y’s commitment to the Boys and Young Men of Color strategy, ensuring equitable outcomes for boys and young men of color by removing systemic barriers, providing relevant services and support systems creating nurturing environments that promote confidence and growth.

Additionally, The Gateway Family YMCA was named as a Top Non-Profit Organization in the NJBIZ Business of the Year 2023 category for Non-Profit Business of the Year (101+ Employees) for the second year in a row.

“We are fully committed to support our local community and raise funds to provide financial assistance as well as mission based and community service programs,” stated Melynda A. Disla, President and CEO. “Through the generosity of our donors and community partners we continue to provide food for those who are hungry, housing for those in need, a safe, nurturing space for kids to learn, grow and thrive, mentorship to teens and outreach and socialization for seniors who are feeling isolated.”

In 2023, YMCA Residential Housing provided 855 housing insecure individuals, families and veterans with supportive programming and shelter, and the YMCA provided 136,000 meals for those suffering from food insecurity. WISE Community Services provided innovative programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment and/or other functional challenges, their families and caregivers.

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other. The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch 732-388-0057, Wellness Center and WISE Center Branch 908-349-9622 or Youth Development Branch 908-355-3061.