NJ YMCA & McKinney-Vento Regional Partnership Continues for Third Summer - October 2025 Newsletter
This summer marked the third year of NJYSA’s partnership with the regional McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program. Together, we connected youth experiencing homelessness and their families to local YMCAs for summer programming, to nurture health, belonging, and community beyond the school year. In 2025, 48 youth across 8 YMCA branches participated in day camp and overnight camp at no cost. Participating youth hailed from Sussex, Bergen, Passaic, Somerset, Mercer, and Monmouth counties.
A standout moment this summer was the collaboration of two local YMCAs, who supported local outreach and enrollment, and coordinated access for Paterson youth to attend overnight camp at Camp Bernie.
"Through Ridgewood YMCA's Camp Bernie partnership with the McKinney-Vento Regional Program, the NJ YMCA State Alliance and our work with the Paterson YMCA, we’ve once again been able to open camp to every child, no matter a family’s financial situation. At YMCA Camp Bernie, we see how the joys of camp—making friends, trying new things, and feeling a true sense of belonging—spark growth and confidence that young people carry with them long after summer ends.” - Charitie Bruning, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Bernie
“The collaboration…was very important in connecting kids who would normally not see each other and exposing youth in urban areas to outdoor activities. Given the current cultural wars that are going on in our country it is important that the YMCA continue to be the bridge that brings people together, especially our youth.” – Gerard Gilliam, CEO, YMCA of Paterson
NJYSA is proud to continue this collaboration with McKinney-Vento Regional Directors, school district liaisons, and YMCAs across the state to ensure equitable access to quality out-of-school time experiences for New Jersey’s youth.
“My son loved it! He said he had a lot of fun. He felt comfortable with the staff, stating that everyone was really nice. He also made some friends and wants to go again.” – Parent of Camp Bernie Camper