We understand that this can be a confusing time for our members and the local community. Information changes by the minute, and many of you are under severe levels of stress.
We want you to know that The Gateway Family YMCA remains HERE FOR YOU and together, we will get through this. During this time while our branches are closed, our commitment to YOU remains strong.
Please know that our commitment to the community continues through these troubled times, and our housing programs in Elizabeth and Plainfield remain open and accessible to those in need. Each evening, we host more than 300 individuals, families and veterans that call the YMCA home and our staff will continue to support them 24-hours a day through this worldwide pandemic. If you know of someone who is homeless and in need of shelter, please contact NJ 2-1-1.
While we serve approximately 25,000 members each year through our six YMCA branches, our virtual reach continues to grow. Over 27,000 individuals receive our email blasts, more than 15,000 individuals follow us on social media, 13,000 utilize our mobile app and tens of thousands visit our website, www.tgfymca.org on a monthly basis.
Our Y staff team is in the process of planning virtual opportunities, programs, events and activities to assist in your daily wellness routine while many of you practice social isolation within your homes. Shortly, our members will be receiving an email with a link to a NEW Virtual Wellness Program. We will continue to communicate via email and through our social media platforms and website. Our staff is working tirelessly to ensure you know that you are not alone!
For the moment, we suggest that you breathe some fresh air, spend quiet moments in reflection and practice kindness in all you do. In this virtual world, we remain connected always, but sometimes you just need to take a short . . . PAUSE.
For those already feeling the stress of the moment and need some immediate wellness inspiration, we suggest the following free partners on YouTube:
SilverSneakers
ZUMBA
AARP Morning Stretch
We intend to communicate regularly with you throughout this time. Our Y Leadership Team continues to (virtually) meet regularly to assess the situation and our response. While we don’t have all the answers, our members, staff and community remain in our constant thoughts.