Message from the CEO - December 2024 Newsletter
December 23, 2024
Dear Friends of the New Jersey YMCA Alliance,
As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been a remarkable and inspiring first year as CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. I am immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful for the dedication of our extraordinary staff team and the partnerships we have cultivated.
This year has been both productive and impactful, as we have worked tirelessly to support the 30 YMCA associations across New Jersey. Together, we have created meaningful opportunities and provided essential resources to help improve the lives of the people who live and work in our communities. Below are just a few highlights of what we’ve achieved together in 2024:
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11th Annual Culture of Health Conference: In May, we hosted this cornerstone event, bringing together over 300 attendees who engaged in thought-provoking sessions focused on the Social Determinants of Health. This gathering demonstrated the strength of our collective commitment to advancing health equity throughout New Jersey.
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Arthritis Program Launch: In response to community health needs, the Alliance introduced an Arthritis Program in partnership with several YMCAs across the state. We are excited to expand this life-changing initiative to even more local YMCAs in 2025.
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Food Access Programs: Through SNAP-Ed and SNAP-Navigator initiatives, YMCAs across the state, in collaboration with other partners, significantly expanded access to nutritious food. These programs have been a lifeline for many families, reinforcing our mission to nurture the potential of every individual and promote healthy living.
Looking ahead, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance is excited to continue building on this momentum. In 2025, we plan to launch quarterly newsletters to share more stories of impact and highlight the outstanding work being done by local YMCAs and our valued community partners. These updates will keep you connected to the heart of our mission and the communities we serve.
As we celebrate the holiday season, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for your unwavering support of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. Your belief in our mission strengthens our ability to make a difference, and I look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.
Julie Gallanty, Ed.D
CEO
New Jersey YMCA State Alliance