The Community YMCA has been supporting individuals and families in our area for over 130 years. While times have changed and society has evolved beyond the imaginations of Y founders, The Community YMCA has adapted and continues its mission by providing programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

These programs and services are available to everyone, and the YMCA makes a very compelling promise: No one is turned away from our services or programs because of an inability to pay. Those who come to the YMCA and require assistance are able to receive financial aid on a need-based, sliding scale through YCares. This program is funded through our six-week, adult volunteer campaign, Reach Out To Youth (ROTY). This campaign is aimed at spreading the word about the benefits The Community YMCA provides as well as to raise funds to support YCares.

In recent years, the need for assistance has dramatically increased.

In 2002, over 2,675 individuals and families received assistance, and in 2003 that number extended to 3,614. With the rise in requested assistance, the value of services provided jumped 25 percent to over $3.2 million.

While there are so many causes that vie for support, the YMCA is able to promise that all funds raised through ROTY will go directly to individuals in need. They will not be used for administrative costs or the like.

In addition, when donations are given for ROTY, a person you pass on the street, a person standing in line with you at the grocery store, or your neighbor may be the one receiving assistance. The funds generated are reinvested in your very own community.

It is difficult to determine where your philanthropic support should be aimed, but when you can help your neighbors in need, you will in turn help your community to grow and prosper.

The Community YMCA is at the heart of all the communities that benefit from its services and programs.

Individuals, families, children, teens, adults and seniors have their own reasons for coming to the Y, whether it is to get healthy and stay fit at our Red Bank branch, regain a grip on their lives troubled by substance abuse at our Family Services branch, or provide their children with a safe place to go for child care at our Northern and Coastal Monmouth branches, the Count Basie Achievement Center branch for after-school care, a great summer experience at Camp Arrowhead and Camp Zehnder, or to express their creativity at the Children’s Cultural Center.

With services and programs being offered throughout all of Monmouth County, The Community YMCA continuously adapts to the communities it serves.

If you would like to find out more about The Community YMCA, its eight branches, the Reach Out To Youth campaign or YCares, please contact the administration office at (732).530.5144.

Bonnie Featherstone Johnson

Timothy J. Hogan

campaign co-chairs

Reach Out To Youth

Community YMCA

Red Bank