News
Message from the CEO - July 2025 Newsletter
July 2, 2025
Dear Friends of the New Jersey YMCA Alliance,
As I reflect on the past few months, I continue to be inspired by the passion, dedication, and impact of YMCA staff and volunteers across New Jersey YMCAs. Every day, their work brings people together, strengthens communities, and creates a sense of belonging that is truly remarkable.
Over three dozen student leaders from NJ YMCA State Alliance Youth and Government (YAG) programs across New Jersey gathered at the Statehouse on May 22nd to urge legislators to restore $1 million in the proposed FY2026 state budget. Their focus: expand life-saving swim lessons and civic education programs in underserved areas.
The Power of the Youth Vote - July 2025 Newsletter
July 2, 2025
A toolkit is useless without knowing how to use the tools.
Many teenagers don’t realize the value of the opportunities that surround them, and in a world full of twists and turns, and political upheaval, utilizing all possible tools to stay on track is more important than ever before. Now, the expectation that someone will be able to do something without any instructions on how to do it is completely absurd, but these assumptions plague our political system.
Celebrating a $500,000 State Investment in Youth Leadership and Water Safety - July 2025 Newsletter
July 2, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance has secured a $500,000 appropriation in the FY2026 state budget to support two life-changing initiatives: the YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) program and Safety Around Water (SAW) programming.
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, our team facilitated and recorded a Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Navigator Training and Tour at the West Windsor Community Farmers Market, in partnership with City Green and the market manager.
_med.jpeg)
Congratulations to Heather Doerr on earning her certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) instructor. This nationally recognized program equips adults with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth.
We’re excited to welcome Paul as our new Vice President of Alliance Services, where he will work closely with New Jersey YMCAs to advance key initiatives and strengthen statewide collaboration.
PRLog: YMCA Youth Urge NJ Legislators to Restore Funding for Water Safety, Civic Education
May 28, 2025
You can read the full feature story here.