Dear Summit Area YMCA Members,
At the Y, given that your health and safety is our top priority, all Summit Area YMCA facilities are closed and all programming and events temporarily suspended until further notice. This includes all programs and services provided at or through Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA and The Learning Circle YMCA.
To our knowledge, while no member or staff at our facilities has tested positive for COVID-19, we believe that continuing to operate and run programming during this time would be counterproductive to the protective social distancing measures that have prompted area schools and municipal offices to temporarily close in response to COVID-19. Our goal is to do our part to “flatten the curve” related to the spread of the virus.
We apologize for the disruption this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding. Please know we do not take this measure lightly. We want to reiterate our commitment to serving our community at this time includes continuing to relieve food insecurity for students enrolled in the Summit public schools through our backpack program and checking in on our senior members via the phone to minimize social isolation.
Our Y leadership team is in close contact with state and local agencies, as well as YMCA leadership locally and nationally. We will continue to communicate with you in a timely and transparent manner and expect to update you again via our website www.thesay.org/news, email and text notifications about the status of our facilities and programming moving forward.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick and return to the Y when you are feeling better
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure our YMCA community remains safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Paul Kieltyka
President & CEO
Summit Area YMCA
We understand that you may have questions about the closure of our YMCA facilities:
When will the Y open again?
The Y will continually assess the situation and will update members regarding the status of facilities and programming once updates are available.
Have any Summit Area YMCA members tested positive for COVID-19?
No. At this time, we are not aware of any members or staff at our facilities who have tested positive for COVID-19.
What is the Y doing during this closure?
The Y will continue to our community by easing food insecurity through the Family Backpack Program and food/supplies drives, staying connected via phone with our seniors and other at-risk members, offering a variety of free virtual programming and workout options, and resources for our youth to stay active while at home.
I have general questions about COVID-19
Call the NJ COVID-19 & Poison Center Public Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out-of-state phone line. Trained professionals are standing by to answer your call 24/7 or visit nj.gov/health. NOTE: Hotline is not to locate testing, to get test results, or for medical advice.
Questions? Contact us at:
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About the Summit Area YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need.