The Mission Continues #StayWithUs | Resources for You & Ways You Can Help

For over 130 years, the Summit Area YMCA (SAY) has provided programs and services dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

STAY WITH US

We've always been committed to supporting our community and during this critical time, we’re more committed than ever. We like to think our Y is at the center of our community as well as your hearts, since we could not be more impressed, motivated, and inspired by the outreach we have received over the last few weeks from those who support our mission and our efforts. Your love and support for the YMCA will help us come out of these trying times stronger and more connected than ever. Help us continue serving our community's needs #StayWithUs

"I've said this before and I will keep saying this over and over again. Our doors may be closed, but our mission is open. So long as the Y is in a community, we will never stop finding ways to strengthen and support families, our youth and seniors, and those who are in need. These virtual resources are just the tip of the iceberg of what we are doing to help out." said Paul Kieltyka, President and CEO of the Summit Area YMCA. "Our staff and volunteers are working hard to develop activities and methods of keeping in contact with our members and families. We are calling seniors and at-risk members to check in on their safety. Through the Family Backpack Program, we are delivering backpacks of food from the Community Food Bank to families facing food insecurity. We are collecting supplies and food in collaboration with GRACE. And we are only able to do this with the support of our community, setting up blood drives at the Y with the American Red Cross. At this critical time, we ask that our members stay with us, so that we can continue to do this important work and to get through these challenging times together. The need is now greater than ever."

RESOURCES FOR YOU

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to opportunities to learn, grow and thrive, we have put together a number of free resources to share with the community. From virtual workouts to stay active and healthy, to activities for all ages to continue learning and discovering, to mindfulness resources to help maintain mental wellness, we hope you find these helpful, whether you are at the Y or at home. View all >

FITNESS WORKOUTS
Just because you have to stay inside doesn’t mean you can't stay active -- exercise is our best way to build a strong immune system and stay healthy! Bring the workout right to your living room with our growing library of free virtual exercise options. Access virtual workouts >

FOR SENIORS
Stay active, connected and inspired with low-impact exercises, audiobooks, healthy living articles and mindful tips. Learn more >

KIDS ACTIVITIES
Our youth should never stop learning or active, whether you are at the Y or at home! Get creative with fun activities and resources for you and your children to enjoy at home! From learning to games, family exercise sessions and virtual field trips around the world! Resources for kids >

To celebrate Census Day on Wednesday, April 1, we've included some family resources to help kids understand why the Census is important. The Census website offers more than 100 activities and lesson plans for kids from Kindergarten to High School. Explore lesson plans >

FOR TEENS
Find resources, tips and activities for teens at home to stay healthy, busy and engaged -- both on and offline. Tips for Teens >

FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Resources for college students are also available to use as they cope with moving out of school and back home. Explore >

FOR PARENTS
Parents and guardians will also find valuable resources and tips on guiding their children and families through these challenging times. Learn more >

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

FOOD & SUPPLIES COLLECTION
Many of our local families and community partners like GRACE and Family Promise are in dire need of food and supplies. If you're able, please consider donating much needed items to our collection drive at the Summit YMCA, every bit helps. View requested items >

EMERGENCY BLOOD DRIVE
American Red Cross and medical professionals across the state are desperate to resolve the current critical blood supply shortage in light of the coronavirus. To assist, the Summit Area YMCA, in partner with the American Red Cross will be hosting two blood drives on Saturday, April 4 at the Berkeley Heights YMCA & Friday, April 10 at the Summit YMCA to assist in resolving the current critical blood supply shortage in light of the coronavirus. All blood types are needed and special safety protocols will followed to make the blood donation as safe as possible for our donors, recipients, staff, volunteers and blood supply. View details >

GIFT YOUR TIME
If you're healthy, have a heart of gold and a mid to large size vehicle, our year-round Family Backpack Program is in need of volunteers. Once a week, Summit Area YMCA Volunteers serve as drivers to deliver packaged food from the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to designated schools in the Summit area, for teachers and school staff to distribute to families who are facing food insecurity during this time. Sign up to volunteer >

GO ABOVE & BEYOND
We invite you to support each other and our community by continuing to pay your membership fee or making a special one-time gift to the Y. Your donation allows us to maintain the financial resources needed to continue the important work we do, focusing our time, people and energies to where our community needs it most and to help the sustainability of the Summit Area YMCA. We offer our sincerest thanks for your gifts and to the many you have already made. Donate to the Y >

COMPLETE THE CENSUS
In alignment with our goal to connect and strengthen our community, one fast, simple way you can help is completing your 2020 Census online. The Census determines how many people represent us in Congress and how much money our communities receive for local schools, hospitals, roads, and more for the next 10 years. Responses to the census are safe, confidential and protected by law. The law ensures that your private data is protected and that your answers cannot be provided to any other government agency or court. So fill out the Census to make sure our community counts – and that we get the resources we need and deserve. Complete the Census online >

For the most updated information and news regarding the Summit Area YMCA during the state mandated closure, please visit www.thesay.org/news.

May all stay healthy and be safe!

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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.