Rick Buro

Monmouth County

Sara Winick

New York City Metropolitan Area

Marlboro-Coltsneck

New Jersey

Holmdel-Hazlet

Carly Baldwin

Matawan-Aberdeen

Manalapan

Red Bank-Shrewsbury

Freehold

Long Branch-Eatontown

Middletown

Karen Wall

Howell

Little Silver-Oceanport

Rumson-Fair Haven

618 Restaurant - Banquets

Join our Y on Thursday, May 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 618 Restaurant in Freehold<a href="https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-2.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier.png" srcset="https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-116x150.png 116w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-200x259.png 200w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-232x300.png 232w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-400x518.png 400w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-600x776.png 600w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-768x994.png 768w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-791x1024.png 791w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-800x1035.png 800w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-1187x1536.png 1187w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier-1200x1553.png 1200w, https://ymcanj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/8514-FHY-Community-Celebration-Flier.png 1545w"></a> for an evening celebrating community impact and honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to positive outcomes for local children and families.
Congratulations to our award recipients! Maureen Fasano RED TRIANGLE AWARD
Freehold Municipal Alliance COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
<a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcaofthejerseyshore-/event/freeholdymcacelebration26/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tickets</a> $75 | <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcaofthejerseyshore-/event/freeholdymcacelebration26/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Table of 10</a> $700 | <a href="https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcaofthejerseyshore-/event/freeholdymcacelebration26/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sponsorships</a>
All proceeds support the Freehold Family YMCA Annual Campaign, ensuring access to Y programs for all.

Local Event: Freehold Family YMCA Community Celebration

Freehold Family YMCA Community Celebration

 Join our Y on Thursday, May 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 618 Restaurant in Freehold for an evening celebrating community impact and...

Dorbrook Recreation Area

Monmouth County, NJ — A new step toward inclusive play and communication access is coming to Dorbrook Park with the installation and official unveiling of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) board, the first of its kind in the local park system.
The communication board is designed to support children and adults who are non-speaking, minimally speaking, or who benefit from visual language supports. By using symbols and pictures representing core words, social phrases, and common playground vocabulary, the board allows users to express needs, make comments, ask questions, and engage more fully with peers during play.
The installation at Dorbrook Park reflects a growing community commitment to accessibility and inclusion in everyday environments—not just clinical or school settings. Advocates emphasize that language learning and communication development happen best across natural contexts, especially in places where children gather, play, and interact.
Speech-language pathologists involved in the project highlight that AAC is not limited to individuals with complex communication needs, but can also benefit early language learners, children with language delays, and those developing social communication skills. Exposure to robust language models in real-world environments helps build vocabulary, support joint attention, and encourage reciprocal interaction between peers.
“This is about giving every child a voice at the park,” said one local clinician involved in the initiative. “When communication tools are available in community spaces, we reduce barriers and increase opportunities for connection.”
The board includes a range of core words such as go, stop, help, want, and play, along with fringe vocabulary related to playground equipment, social interaction, and emotions. Families, caregivers, and peers are encouraged to model language use on the board during play to support natural language development.
The AAC installation at Dorbrook Park is expected to serve as a model for future inclusive communication access points throughout Monmouth County parks and surrounding communities.
<h3>With Gratitude</h3>
This project would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: the Red Bank Rotary, Spot On Therapy Services, Manasquan Bank, and Ivy Hill Preschool. Their commitment to inclusion and community access helped bring this vision to life and expand communication opportunities for all children.
Community members are invited to visit Dorbrook Park to explore the board, learn how it works, and experience how simple tools can create meaningful access for all communicators.
<h3>About AAC</h3>
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication beyond spoken language, including gestures, pictures, communication boards, and speech-generating devices. AAC supports individuals of all ages in expressing themselves and participating more fully in daily life.

Local Event: Unveiling of first AAC communication board at Dorbrook Park

Colts Neck

Unveiling of first AAC communication board at...

Monmouth County, NJ — A new step toward inclusive play and communication access is coming to Dorbrook Park with the...

Unveiling of first AAC communication board at Dorbrook Park

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Freehold Family YMCA Community Celebration

Unveiling of first AAC communication board at Dorbrook Park