YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF RIDGEWOOD NJ

Since 1902 the Ridgewood YMCA has been an essential, charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of our community through programs that nurture the potential of children, promote individual health and well-being, and give back by providing support for our neighbors. Your participation with the YMCA will bring meaningful change not just within yourself, but to others in the communities we serve.

When you support the Y, you join an organization that offers more health, more hope and more opportunity to children, adults and families. Our Y is helping a number of families. Allow me to share with you a couple of stories that exemplify some of the ways we help.

Summer camp is a major part of a child’s development. During the summer children still need structure and an opportunity to make friends, grow, and learn new things in a nurturing and supportive environment. Unfortunately, some kids miss the chance to attend camp because of financial challenges their families may face. However, at the Ridgewood Y, we never turn anyone away for their inability to pay. This summer alone we provided support to over 50 children needing financial assistance.

One local family that was the recipient of a camp scholarship for their 4 children
had this to say;
“I was so excited when you called with the news and I became so emotional.  As an educator, it's extremely important to me that my kids are in a learning environment where they can be active while building on social and emotional skills. I was really struggling mentally with them being home every day with my mom, knowing that I could not afford to send them all to camp. I am beyond grateful to the Ridgewood YMCA for making a difference in our family's life. It is greatly appreciated”. 

We are asking you to consider donating to the Y cause and support the programs that help those most in need. This will allow us to continue programs that make a tremendous impact on many people’s lives and around the world including: those managing their symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or the effects of being diagnosed with cancer and related treatments; scholarships for members and children to attend summer camp; World Service efforts in Haiti and around the world; swim lessons for children that otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn to swim and be safe around water; Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); or youth working through the grieving process that have experienced a significant loss in their lives.

Thousands of people’s lives are better because of the services we provide. Your donation will help us continue to promote our focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.