Spring 2021 Newsletter

TRANSFORMING LIVES SPRING 2021 LETTER FROM THE CEO Dear Friends and Supporters, Spring is a season of hope, inspiration and promise. This spring, that seems especially true. With the recent easing of social restrictions, it’s been wonderful to welcome back more people to the Y. After all, that’s what the Y is all about… it’s not the space between the walls, it’s the people in the halls that make the Y a special place in our community. I am hopeful we are on the road back, and want to personally thank all of you for your invaluable support during this trying time. UNITY FOR COMMUNITY Annual Campaign Update This spring, we were thrilled to honor all of our donors and volunteers at our Annual Campaign Celebration and Volunteer Spirit Awards, which was held as a virtual event. Our donors and volunteers are vital to our organization. Your steadfast advocacy of the Y’s mission inspires our work every day. On April 14, we held our Annual Campaign Celebration to mark the fundraising accomplishments toward our 2021 Annual Campaign goal of $1,150,000. Thanks to your generous support of the Y’s mission, we came close to reaching our goal. As our community looks ahead to recovery following the pandemic, your charitable gifts are more essential than ever. One hundred percent of your generosity goes directly to the community in the form of financial assistance for child care and summer camp, mission-based services such as rehabilitation programs for cancer patients, enrichment programs for individuals with special needs, career guidance for the unemployed, food security initiatives, and more. Your continued support of the Y holds great promise for the community by allowing vulnerable neighbors to have access to the resources, relationships and opportunities that allow them to thrive. We’ve been so inspired by you, our donors, through your expressed passion for the Y’s mission and the many ways in which you have stepped up to support the organization and the community. Thank you to all of our donors, including: 188 New donors who contributed to the 2021 Annual Campaign On behalf of everyone who benefits from your generosity, thank you. 319 Chairman’s Roundtable donors who give at a level of $1,000+ Gratefully, 126 Donors who secured employer matching gifts and/or matched the gifts of other donors 22 Donors who donated more than one charitable gift David M. Carcieri President/CEO Your generosity flows through the Y to the community. You provide individuals and families with the support they need to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. With your belief in the Y’s mission as our inspiration, we will continue our efforts to meet and exceed our campaign goal to ensure access for all. SELFLESS SPIRIT 2021 VOLUNTEER SPIRIT AWARDS During National Volunteer Month, we proudly presented 22 Volunteer Spirit Awards to individuals and partners who volunteer their time and talent for the benefit of others. The awards recognize volunteers for their commitment, service and leadership toward helping Greater Somerset County YMCA to fulfill its mission of strengthening community. Volunteerism is deeply rooted in the history of the Y, and volunteers remain as important to our organization today as they were in the beginning. Over the past year, we’ve been truly inspired by the valiant contributions of all our volunteers in supporting the Y’s response to the public health and economic crises. From helping with food distribution, to supporting individuals with special needs, to projects that inspire equity and inclusivity, our volunteers help neighbors to thrive and they are shining examples of social responsibility. We are so grateful for all of our donors and volunteers who share a passion for transforming lives and propelling our community forward by investing in our kids, our health and our neighbors. Congratulations to the 2021 Volunteer Spirit Award recipients. YOUTH Paige Griggs Swim Team Volunteer <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">YOUTH </li><li style="flex:1">YOUTH </li></ul>Sydney Hayes Saturdays in Motion Volunteer ADULT <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Victoria Mlynarski </li><li style="flex:1">Janis Goldfeder </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Swim Team Volunteer </li><li style="flex:1">Camp & Child Care Volunteer </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">ADULT </li><li style="flex:1">FAMILY </li></ul>Janet & Jesse McCrea Family <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">FAMILY </li><li style="flex:1">ACTIVE OLDER </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Colleen Ogden </li><li style="flex:1">Kelly Stoffers & </li></ul>Peter Caputo Family Program & Branch Board Volunteers ADULT Gymnastics Team Volunteer Jim Richart Financial Assistance Committee Volunteer Food Security & Branch Board Volunteers Your generous support helps to strengthen community. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">GROUP </li><li style="flex:1">GROUP </li><li style="flex:1">LEADERSHIP </li><li style="flex:1">LEADERSHIP </li></ul>John Cassimatis Annual Campaign & Branch Board Volunteer Somerville YMCA Food Plainfield YMCA Food Donna Nejad Security Distribution Team Security Distribution Team Food Security & Branch Board <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Food Security Volunteers </li><li style="flex:1">Food Security Volunteers </li><li style="flex:1">Volunteer </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">LIVING OUR CAUSE LIVING OUR CAUSE </li><li style="flex:1">RAY OF LIGHT </li></ul>Charlotte Flower Philanthropy Volunteer RAY OF LIGHT Jenna Langer Philanthropy Volunteer Lisa Wax Togetherhood Committee Volunteer Joe Antico Branch Board Volunteer RAY OF LIGHT Rutgers University Student Athletes <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">COMMUNITY </li><li style="flex:1">BOARD LEADERSHIP BOARD LEADERSHIP </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Ana Duarte-McCarthy </li><li style="flex:1">John McManus </li></ul>PARTNER Board of Directors Volunteer Board of Directors Volunteer Vanas Construction Facility Development Partner Saturdays in Motion Volunteers PHILANTHROPY Shamala & Rama LIFETIME UACHIEVEMENT Ramaprasad Martin Scheidl Swim Team Volunteer Philanthropy Volunteers <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">INVESTING IN </li><li style="flex:1">UNITING NEIGHBORS </li></ul>TRANSFORMING LIVES Shailee’s Story COMMUNITY Just before the pandemic began, a Little Free Pantry was installed at Somerville YMCA on January 1, 2020. The project was the inspiration of Shailee - a high school student and dedicated Y volunteer – and it quickly became a vital resource in the community. The Little Free Pantry, which is stocked daily by volunteers and available 24/7, offers donated food and necessities. Shailee thought the Y would be a perfect place for the pantry because of the Y’s warm and welcoming environment. Eric’s Story Through the Y’s Adventure Guides program, Eric has enjoyed opportunities to bond with his two sons. He credits the program with helping him to balance the long hours of his demanding job with precious time on weekends with his boys… camping, enjoying the outdoors, and building friendships with other kids and their dads. As a longtime donor, Eric is inspired by the impact that the Y has not only on his family but also on the community. Through your support of the Y, you transform lives every day. The measure of your impact is best illustrated in the words of those who benefit from the Y’s programs and services. “The Little Free Pantry strengthens community by uniting neighbors – those in need and those who can give. Unlike other food pantries, it levels the playing field through anonymous taking and anonymous giving. Every one approaches the Little Free Pantry equally – there is no distinction, no judgement, and no shame. It warms my heart to see the community come together through a project like this to lift people up, especially during a critical time when so many people are struggling with food insecurity.” “Adventure Guides is just one of the many ways that the Y helps to make families and communities stronger. I’ve always been a fierce advocate for the Y, and have inspired many fellow Adventure Guides families to also donate. I love the fact that the Y is a hyper local organization. I trust the Y to maximize my donation for the benefit of our community and to ensure that everyone has the resources they need. Over the past year, during the pandemic, I have been especially inspired by the Y’s work. In particular, the Y ensures that local families have access to affordable child care, and the Y has been helping individuals who are facing food insecurity. These are important services. I challenge anyone to find another organization that is this effective at making a difference locally. I know that my donation to the Y is an investment in my community. To me, that is a wise investment!” Your generous support helps to strengthen community. <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">PEACE OF MIND </li><li style="flex:1">FULL CIRCLE </li></ul><ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">Nichole’s Story </li><li style="flex:1">Marvin’s Story </li></ul>For many parents and children, the Y’s Academic Support Centers for Remote Learning have been a lifeline. While learning remotely is difficult for most children, it’s perhaps especially so for children with special needs. When Nichole chose the Y’s program for her son, Aidan, it put her at ease knowing he was in an inclusive learning program so she could work with peace of mind. Marvin volunteers for Plainfield YMCA’s food security program. He became involved to help others and, through his experience, he found how willing others are to help him. Marvin grew up in Plainfield and has lived his life with kidney disease. In April 2019, he became ill and his status quickly went from acute to chronic. By the end of the year, his illness required him to retire from his 22-year career as a corrections officer. Giving back feeds Marvin’s soul through the social connections he is making with other volunteers who are passionate about making a difference, and the satisfaction of knowing he is helping others who are less fortunate. “Trying to work from home full-time and support my son, who has special needs, with remote learning was stressful and frustrating. When Aidan’s school planned to open in the fall with remote learning, I knew we would need help but I was worried. Aidan doesn’t adapt to change well. I was concerned about putting him in a new environment and that he might not make friends. When I met with the Y staff about the program for remote learning, I felt so comfortable with the care they would give Aidan, and, wow, have they lived up to my expectations. The Y staff communicate with Aidan’s school teachers to ensure he stays on track with his lessons, and his teachers have complimented the quality of the Y’s program. Having Aidan in the Y’s child care dissolves my worry. I know he is safe, happy, learning, exercising and making friends. If we didn’t have the Y, I honestly don’t think I could work full-time and I think Aidan would struggle academically. But, now, I can do my job better knowing that Aidan is thriving. His personality is blossoming, he is becoming more outgoing, more athletic and, even, funnier! The Y has the most caring, loving staff. At the Y, there are no labels…my son is simply sweet, funny Aidan.” “My dialysis treatments made it hard for me to continue working. So with the time I have not in treatment, I decided to volunteer because I love humanitarian work. That is when I found the Y’s Food Security Program in Plainfield. I have some difficult memories from growing up; my family was not close and I had a hard time connecting with other kids. It was difficult to return, but I thought this would be an opportunity to give back to myself and the community. I believe there is more to life than working to make money. There is always someone who has it tougher than you. It’s sad to see people struggling but this is a way I can help. When my health started to decline, my social worker explained that I would need to name two people as caregivers in order to be placed on a kidney transplant list. Without close family ties, I don’t have a strong circle of support. I want to live but, in order to live, I need a kidney.” While volunteering one day, he shared his situation with the Y’s project lead, who asked permission to reach out to the other volunteers to see if any would be willing to step up and act in the capacity of caregiver for Marvin. Within a short timeframe, two volunteers who had never met him in person agreed and, now, Marvin has a place on the transplant list. “I never knew how gracious people could be until I started volunteering with the Y. I feel like all the goodness I am putting into the world is now being returned to me. My prayers are being answered and it is all thanks to my experience volunteering with the Y. The Y staff and volunteers have become like family to me.” Rotary Club of the Somerset Hills helps to rebuild the Giving Garden at Somerset Hills YMCA. School Age Child Care in Franklin Township FOR A BETTER US Summer Vibes... getting ready for camp with counselor training at Hillsborough YMCA. Healthy Kids Day coming in the fall… Stay tuned! Together again. Forever exploring. Making a splash. <a href="/goto?url=http://gscymca.com/camp" target="_blank">gscymca.com/camp </a>GREATER SOMERSET COUNTY YMCA ASSOCIATION OFFICE 140 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 | 908 630 3535 BRIDGEWATER YMCA 601 Road Bridgewater, NJ 08807 908 526 0688 HILLSBOROUGH YMCA 19 East Mountain Road Hillsborough, NJ 08844 908 369 0490 <ul style="display: flex;"><li style="flex:1">PLAINFIELD YMCA </li><li style="flex:1">SOMERSET HILLS YMCA </li><li style="flex:1">SOMERVILLE YMCA </li></ul>2 Green Street Somerville, NJ 08876 908 722 4567 504 Madison Avenue Plainfield, NJ 07060 908 766 5770 140 Mt. Airy Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 908 766 7898 The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we believe everyone, regardless of age, income or background, should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at <a href="/goto?url=http://gscymca.org" target="_blank">gscymca.org</a>. J0055

Spring 2021 Newsletter

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