News
Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast: YMCA Roundtable with YMCA CEO's Ernest Lamour, Laurie Goganzer & Diana Zita
May 26, 2021
You can watch the full podcast here.
Spotlight on: Buddy Evans, President/CEO, YMCA of Montclair & State Alliance Board Chair
May 13, 2021
With more than 28 years of experience in the YMCA movement, Pennsylvania native Buddy Evans is certainly a YMCA veteran. He began his Y career right out of graduate school as a Youth Services Director at a YMCA in Massachusetts and progressed through leadership positions in Rhode Island, Atlanta and Orlando. In March 2018, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Montclair.
The Ready, Set, Healthy! Highlight Report showcases the unique partnership between Novo Nordisk and the NJ YMCA State Alliance, as well as nine local partners, the Trenton School District and residents, to support building a culture of health around young people in Trenton.
Diabetes Prevention Program
May 13, 2021
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Since Union County resident Lynne O’Connor joined the local Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), she has learned three key healthy lifestyle changes: eat healthier, lose weight gradually and exercise regularly.
Twelve seniors will be designated “leaders of change” as the Newark YMCA pilots a resident-lead Policy, Systems, & Environmental (PSE) Change program with their senior residents. The Healthy at Home program, created by the NJ YMCA State Alliance and the Newark YMCA housing program, is part of the NJ SNAP-Ed program. The program aims to support SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligible community members in living healthier lives by providing nutrition education and options to remain active. The program debuted in December 2020, and is designed specifically for senior housing sites.
Community Conversations Update
May 13, 2021
The featured art work is one of the 581 submissions received from community residents across the state as part of Community Conversations, NJ’s COVID-19 Storytelling Project, a program created by the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and the New Jersey Department of Health. The statewide effort collected personal accounts of New Jersey residents regarding the challenges faced during the pandemic, how they overcame struggles, and where they found support in their communities during this unprecedented time. These honest, heart-felt contributions from across NJ were expressed through many creative outlets, such as: music, videos, poetry, artwork, interviews, and vlogs.
Children Need Camp More Than Ever Before
May 13, 2021
Camp Mason and Fairview Lake YMCA locations are both idyllic. There is access to the Appalachian Trail for hiking, and to the Delaware River for a variety of watersports. Thrill seekers can explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Fairview Lake YMCA Camps sit on mile-long Fairview Lake in Stillwater, Sussex County on 660 acres. Both sites offer specialty camps for all kinds of activities, including arts and crafts, theater arts, sailing, science, farm, and ranch.
National Advocacy Days
May 13, 2021
Youth advocates met with Representative Andy Kim during National Advocacy Days, March 16-18, 2021. As part of the event, 11 students participated in training and workshops where they learned how to be effective advocates and better cause-driven leaders.