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NJ YMCA & McKinney-Vento Regional Partnership Continues for Third Summer - October 2025 Newsletter
October 6, 2025
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.
This August, in partnership with the Virtua Eat Well Team, NJYSA conducted a Veggie Van Training and Mobile Grocery Unit Tour for New Jersey SNAP-Ed educators. This interactive experience demonstrated how the Veggie Van mobile market model can help create healthier, more equitable food environments and increase access to fresh, affordable produce in lower-income communities.
Calling All 9th and 10th Graders: Start a Youth and Government Program at Your School or YMCA! - October 2025 Newsletter
October 6, 2025
Do you want to build leadership skills, learn how government works, and make your voice heard on issues that matter? The NJ YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) program gives high school students the chance to step into the shoes of elected officials, judges, lobbyists, journalists, and more – all while connecting with peers from across the state.
Message from the CEO - October 2025 Alliance Newsletter
October 6, 2025
Dear Friends of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance,
As the crisp air of autumn arrives and the leaves begin to turn, exciting things are happening in YMCAs all across New Jersey. The start of the school year always brings fresh energy, and we are so proud to see children back in their classrooms during the day and thriving in safe, nurturing afterschool programs at their local Ys. These programs do so much more than provide care – they create a place where young people feel a true sense of belonging, build strong friendships, and develop the confidence to grow and thrive.
The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (NJYSA), through a new partnership with the New York Yankees, created a memorable opportunity for 45 students and staff from the West Essex YMCA. On July 31st, the group traveled to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees take on the Tampa Bay Rays, enjoying a day filled with excitement, team spirit, and connection.
Equipping Community Leaders with Youth Mental Health First Aid Training - October 2025 Newsletter
October 6, 2025
In September, NJYSA facilitated a Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for SNAP-Ed nutrition educators and YMCA staff who work directly with children and teens. 15 attendees joined the training, which equips participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of potential mental health and substance use challenges among youth ages 12–18, listen nonjudgmentally, provide reassurance, and connect individuals to appropriate professional support.
The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance coordinated a CATCH PE Journeys training session in September at the Hamilton Area YMCA Sawmill Branch, specifically for staff involved in Out of School Time (OST) programs. The training equipped participants with innovative strategies and practical techniques to engage children in enjoyable, developmentally appropriate activities that promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).