Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission Statement

“The Summit Area YMCA is committed to creating a culture in which diversity and inclusion are integral to everyday operations. Our Y will empower communities through access to the support and connections all people need to learn, grow, and thrive. Through welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, we will welcome and engage all people from all diverse groups of the community to help and impact lasting, meaningful change.”

—Approved by the Summit Area YMCA Board of Trustees, February 2017


MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY

6/1/2020 Black Lives Matter: Together We Can Do Better Statement of Solidarity

1/8/2021 Response to Riots in U.S. Capitol: Remaining Steadfast to our Mission & Core Values

2/24/2021 Surge in Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: Supporting Our Asian Community & Denouncing Racism, Xenophobia & Hate Crimes

5/22/2022 Response to Buffalo: We Have More Work to Do

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.

SUNDAY, APRIL 5: All branches of the Summit Area YMCA will be closed in observance of Easter.