Our Biggest PRIDE Celebration Yet!

On June 11, 2021, the Summit Area YMCA, in partnership with the Berkeley Heights Diversity Council, the SAGA Club at Governor Livingston High School, the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, the Township of Berkeley Heights and our devoted local social activists hosted our biggest annual PRIDE Celebration yet!

The event took place outdoors at Columbia Park in Berkeley Heights where the community gathered to celebrate and support love and equality. Information tables were available, as well as free books, to help the community learn more about, better understand and embrace the LGBTQ+ movement. Guests gathered with their friends, family, and community for a day of fun that included faux tattoos, arts & crafts, baked goods, games, music and Zumba. The Y strives to be welcoming and inclusive for all. We believe that by celebrating diversity, having open conversations and educating others our community grows stronger and more inclusive every day. "We are inspired by such a strong turnout and what that means for the future of our youth," said Haley Behm, Director of Marketing at the Summit Area YMCA.

  

EVENT PICTURES

“The Summit Area Y was honored to join our allies in our community to celebrate Pride. The SAY welcomes ALL and we would like to particularly thank our partners in Berkeley Heights for putting together an incredible event that educated, inspired, and celebrated our diversity. We look forward to continuing to work with everyone in the community to build a spirit of respect and love for ALL to flourish" said Paul Kieltyka, Summit Area YMCA President & CEO.



The Summit Area YMCA is the first Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation Network YMCA in New Jersey committed to creating a culture in which diversity and inclusion are integral to everyday operations. Through welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, we welcome and engage all people from all diverse groups of the community to help and create lasting, meaningful change. We at the Y realize that in order to better the world around us and for the future, we must unite and work towards the strengthening of the individual in mind, body and spirit. For a stronger individual. For a united community. For a better us.

>> Learn more about Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation at the Y
>> LGBTQ+ Resources

SUMMIT AREA YMCA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS YMCA | SUMMIT YMCA | THE LEARNING CIRCLE 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 15,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Millburn, Springfield, Short Hills, Summit, Gillette, and Stirling. 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. We deepen our impact each time we transform a life for the better and we couldn't do it without you. Help us do more together by making a donation online today!