Winter Program Session

Throughout the global Covid-19 pandemic, The Gateway Family YMCA has supported the local community through critical and essential services including housing and social services, child care, remote learning spaces, virtual chronic disease management and WISE Adult Services programs.  The Y also continues to provide virtual, indoor and outdoor group exercise programs, in-person wellness access, adult and family lap swimming, private swim lessons and a monthly swim team stroke clinic through six YMCA branches located in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union.

Today, the YMCA announced the launch of registration for the Winter Program Session, including a variety of virtual and in-person programs to meet the needs of the community.  Group Exercise favorites include Yoga, Zumba, SilverSneakers, Enhance Fitness for Arthritis and Boot Camp, as well as Get Fit Kids for younger members.  Y programs are offered utilizing the Y’s online platform or in person at the YMCA branch.  Recorded Y program content is also available to members 24-hours a day through Virtual Y On Demand.   Most programs are offered on a monthly basis to allow greater flexibility in attendance.

“Early on, we realized the great need for virtual programs and were able to pivot immediately to providing continuity and socialization for our members and community,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA.  “While we shifted our focus to immediate and critical community needs – housing and social services, food insecurity, and virtual chronic disease programs – we knew that the Y had a responsibility to continue the connections we have built with our members, and our community.”

Chronic disease management programs include Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring and the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program, both free to the community throughout the pandemic and offered virtually to enable greater access and safety.  Registration is available online at www.tgfymca.org and interested participants can email Paul Mickiewicz, Senior Director of Healthy Living at bpsm@tgfymca.org

YMCA branches are open, providing traditional wellness and fitness opportunities and adult or family lap swimming, along with unique options like a Private Fitness Studio available by reservation for members who wish to remain isolated during their workout.

The February Program session includes Private Swim Lessons and a Swim Team Stroke Clinic, as well as expanded facility access and hours and Basketball Gymnasium Reservations for individual or family Y members.  The YMCA also offers Infant, Toddler and Preschool Child Care, Remote Learning Spaces for children attending school virtually, Summer Day Camp and a Virtual WISE Adult Services program.

“The global pandemic has provided a need for new and innovative options to meet the needs of our community, and reach the most vulnerable of our neighbors,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO.  “We see our virtual programs as an extension of our Y programming.  Our goal was to facilitate the same experience online, while promoting social distancing for our members. We do this while also providing the in-person YMCA experience they have come to expect, with a safety-first attitude and commitment.”  Many programs are offered both in person or online allowing members the greatest flexibility.

The Gateway Family YMCA offers membership options for individuals or families, including a low-cost Virtual Only membership for those who are not yet ready to commit to in-person access.  The Y is offering a Membership Special, waiving the joiner fee for a limited time at www.tgfymca.org/join-the-Y  A special, short-term membership option is also for 3 Month Individual or Family Memberships, available for a limited time.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faiths or incomes.  The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, visit www.tgfymca.org or contact 908-355-9622.