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SUMMIT AREA YMCA

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SUMMIT AREA YMCA

Diversity and Inclusion at the Summit Area YMCA

 

 

For the past 2 years, the Summit Area YMCA has been recognized as one of only 74 Y’s in the country with a Diversity and Inclusion and Global Innovation initiative.

Our Y is made up of people from all walks of life who are joined together by a shared commitment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. To be truly inclusive and welcoming to all, it is critical to understand the many factors that make up and influence an individual and their personality. We train our staff in many areas, and inclusivity is one of them. The Y works on 3 pillars: Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. We work each and every day to see that these pillars are upheld and sturdy in foundation.

Becoming a DIG (Diversity, Inclusion and Global) Innovation Y strengthened our social responsibility pillar in many ways- from us holding more global celebrations (Holi Festival at Summit Y, Diwali and Lunar New Year at Berkeley Heights Y, International Week at TLC) to creating more Special Needs programming to training staff with an LGBTQ Safe Space training. We are constantly trying to advance our DIG work to benefit our communities. We refrain from using politics or any outside influences, to ensure that we are following the Y’s mission and DIG initiative mission statements.

 

With the resources that the Berkeley Heights Y, Summit Y and The Learning Circle have, we have the ability to work together with our staff, our members and our communities to welcome, serve and educate people in addition to being a community haven for health, wellness and youth development. Together we work to ensure everyone regardless of ability, age, race, sexual orientation, background, faith, income or ethnicity has a chance to thrive and reach their full potential, and that is our social responsibility.

Here’s to being an us, instead of a them.

YMCA NEWS

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE YMCA

In 1886, we were founded as the Young Men’s Christian Association, but today, we are The Y; an association that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility — For a better us. We are committed to creating equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, age, disability, income, ethnicity, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive culture in which our four core values — responsibility, honesty, caring and respect — are integral to everyday operations.

Each year, as one of the area’s leading 501(c)3 charitable organizations, the Summit Area YMCA serves more than 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the New Jersey communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Our history is rooted in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those in need.

Please note that the Hurst Pool at the Summit YMCA will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024 and will reopen on Monday, April 8, 2024 due to regularly scheduled maintenance. Group Ex Pro will reflect amended aquatics schedules.