THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
YOUR STORY OUR LEGACY
OUR
MISSION
THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA
Is a community-based organization rooted in Christian principles and committed to building healthy lives through programs that strengthen spirits, minds and bodies for people of all ages, religions and cultures.
ENSURING ACCESS
FOR ALL THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA
Provided over $690,000 in FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE in 2015, ensuring that EVERYONE has access to programs and services.
STORY YOUR OUR LEGACY Our members are the reason we do the work we do in the communities surrounding Northern Middlesex and Eastern Union County.
Joseph R. Venezia President, Board of Directors
Their stories are the legacy that inspires us every day.
In 2015, we served over 24,000 members of the community through membership, programs and services. Because the Y is open to all, we ensure that everyone in the community has a Y story.
By listening to their stories, we are able to catch a glimpse of their hope and determination, and learn what is possible when we work together.
As we look back on 2015 and the
Krystal R. Canady Chief Executive Officer
communities we have served for 116 years, we hope you enjoy our member’s stories of inspiration as much as we do!
For Inspiration. For Hope. For Strong Communities.
The Y.™ For a better us.™
ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS President
Joseph R. Venezia**
Vice President
James Masterson
Vice President
Eugene Maxwell
Secretary
Sharon Patel**
Treasurer
Michael Minitelli
Assistant Treasurer John Forrester Past President
John Ludington
MEMBERS Jeffrey Beck
Maria Irizarry
Derek Chiao
David Jenkins
Mark De Noble
Philip Krevsky, Esq.
Karen Ensle
Eugene Mitchell
Anne Evans Estabrook*
Elsa Muniz
Paul Fernandez
Calvin Sierra
Christine Hrycenko
Ann Zwiebel Revaitis
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM KRYSTAL R. CANADY
Chief Executive Officer
MELYNDA A. MILESKI
EVP, Chief Operating Officer
DENNIS J. MCNANY
SVP, Chief Financial Officer
MARILYN D. PHINN
VP, Chief Human Resources Officer
*The Gateway Family YMCA CHDO Board Member ** Also The Gateway Family YMCA CHDO Board Member
PROUDLY SERVING
For over 116 years . . . .
Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Colonia, Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Port Reading, Rahway, Roselle, Roselle Park, Sewaren, Union, Vauxhall, Winfield Park, Woodbridge
ASSOCIATION OFFICE
144 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
ELIZABETH BRANCH 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 DANIELLE B. CIOFFI
District Executive Director
TIA C. SARGENT
Associate Executive Director
FIVE POINTS BRANCH 201 Tucker Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 DANIELLE B. CIOFFI
District Executive Director
JESSICA L. SAMOLEWICZ
Associate Executive Director
RAHWAY BRANCH 1564 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065 RODGER D. KOERBER
Branch Executive Director
MICHAEL J. TONZOLA
Associate Executive Director
WELLNESS CENTER BRANCH 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ 07083 E. PAUL MICKIEWICZ
Branch Executive Director
ALEXANDRIA B. ANDERSON
Senior Director of Healthy Living
FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY REVENUE Contributions and Grants
$
856,631
Membership
$ 2,797,634
Childcare and Camp
$ 4,689,540
Housing
$ 3,046,701
Program
$ 1,496,270
Other
$
TOTAL REVENUE
$13,179,158
292,382
EXPENSES Program Expenses
$10,272,307
Supporting Expenses
$ 2,143,403
Transfer to Reserves & Financial Assistance
$
TOTAL EXPENSE
$13,179,158
763,448
*2015 unaudited Financial Statements, excludes subsidiaries
GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA 2011 AND BEYOND We are part of a larger movement anchored in more than 10,000 neighborhoods nationally. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. We are a powerful association of men, women and children from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion to strengthen the foundations of community with a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Though the world may be unpredictable, one thing remains certain – the Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities.
Youth Development Nurturing the Potential of Every Child and Teen We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve.
Healthy Living Improving the Nation’s Health and Well-Being The Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests.
Social Responsibility Giving Back & Providing Support to Our Neighbors Across the country, the Y helps people give back and assist their neighbors by offering them opportunities to volunteer, advocate and support programs that strengthen community. Groups of individuals, through their involvement in the Y and collaborations with policymakers, are able to address many of the most critical social issues facing our communities.
STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY Our impact promise… Strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
To begin, we’ll focus on…
Becoming the leaders in intentionally building healthy, connected, committed and secure families in the communities in which we serve.
Reaching and maintaining long term financial sustainability to advance our mission as a vital and thriving non-profit community organization.
Gaining greater recognition as a leading cause-driven, non-profit organization in the communities we serve.
By doing so, our strategies Will include…
Creating and sustaining opportunities for families, children and teens to be together in a nurturing and healthy environment fostering a greater sense of connection to each other and to the community.
Strategically partnering and developing collaborative relationships to position the Y as a community leader and a convener on critical issues related to building stronger families, youth and teens.
Providing financial resources to support families, children and teens unable to afford Y programs and services.
MEASURING OUR SUCCESS Increase family membership retention by 2% annually; participation in one or more Y activities will increase by 2% annually. New partnerships with other organizations will be formed aimed at increasing the health and well-being of youth and families in our communities. A solid communications plan will focus on the Y’s mission impact, cause, and the essential benefit it contributes to the community. We will conduct focus groups, surveys and collect feedback from community leaders, our community and members annually to drive our program initiatives.
Fostering a strong culture of philanthropy by developing a sound financial development plan grounded in YMCA best practices to ensure the long-term viability of the Y.
Seeking partnerships and strategic alliances with other non-profit organizations and YMCAs in our vicinity with a goal of developing operational efficiencies and revenue generating opportunities.
We will identify, cultivate and create new partnerships annually that will foster our promise to strengthen the foundations of communities.
The Y’s cause will be evident and compelling through the stories shared, how our facilities are presented, and the welcoming manner in which our staff and volunteers engage with all those who enter our doors.
We will evaluate our plan regularly and revise as needed for the greatest impact.
THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA Elizabeth, NJ
MEMBERSHIP
OUR MEMBERS
24,468 SERVICE UNITS
49,347
Thank you for joining our cause.
OUR MEMBERS
EARLY LEARNING READINESS
RUTH’S STORY
210
YOUTH AND CAREGIVERS
“I just wanted to give a special thanks to
everyone involved in the program. I am a parent assisting the Monday and Wednesday classes with Mrs. Maira whom is absolutely great with all the kids. Thank you for allowing my family to be a part of this program. We have only been involved a few weeks; my son is only one year and a half and has learned so much. We are amazed that he has learned his entire alphabet, can count to ten, dances and sings to the songs he has been taught during class time. It's been truly an amazing experience for us. This program has also helped me grow as a first time parent as to how to guide and educate my son.” ~ Ruth Early Learning Readiness is provided to the community at no charge for preschool children and their caregivers. The Gateway Family YMCA offers this program in both Elizabeth and Rahway.
PARTICIPANTS
1,001
SUMMER CAMP
“That’s MY Y!”
SAADIAH’S STORY “When I came into the Y to speak about the summer program we were unsure where to place our Saadiah for the summer. In March of 2012, Saadiah was diagnosed with a developmental delay which shocked us, but also thrust us into 20+ hours of therapy each week with early intervention. She continued to have therapy in school and at home as well. It had been a difficult 3 years of not knowing what the future would look like for her. Because of all of her therapy, Saadiah has made fantastic progress and no longer requires therapy. Lisa, speaking to you about your summer program and our concerns, put my husband and I at ease. We were excited about all that she could get from your program. Saadiah had an amazing Summer at the Y ! She continues to talk about her friends and teachers. The experience of putting her in a program with no special needs services or therapy, and everyone ready to assist her if need be, gave her more independence, confidence and allowed her to experience a kid fun program for the 1st time! Thank you for hearing my concerns as a mom 1st, having a program that gave our sweet girl the perfect summer and gave my husband and me the peace of mind that we needed! Now, every time we ride past the Five Points Branch, Saadiah yells, "look guys, that's myyyyy camp!!!" ~ Saadiah’s Mom
SWIMMING LESSONS
PARTICIPANTS
2,827
DANIEL’S STORY Daniel is a boy in one of our Polliwog 1 classes who was very fearful in the water. While the other children in the class wanted to stay in the water between turns he would get right back on the wall and sit on the side. When the instructor took him in the water he would activate his death grip and start to tear. The instructor would talk to Daniel each class telling him “I know you can do this.” By the third week of lessons Daniel was still afraid of the water but slowly started to loosen his grip and started to let the instructor move his arms for him. By the fourth week Daniel was a little more comfortable in the water trying new things that the class was working on. Week five he decided to try more by himself with the instructor in close reach of him. The instructor told him he was doing great and to keep trying new things. Finally in week 7 Daniel started to swim a couple of strokes by himself on his front and then started to swim on his back by himself. Daniel has been all smiles since the fourth week of the session and continues to try more and more. He is also in the water between his turns like the rest of the children in the lessons. Daniel has gained confidence now and his parents are sure he will continue to grow confident in swimming and in other things he might find difficult in the future.
7TH GRADE INITIATIVE
PARTICIPANTS
327
ALEX’S STORY Alex’s mother approached our Youth & Teen Coordinator, concerned about her son’s general behavior and wanting to find a program that would allow him to interact with his peers as well as learn a few new skills. Alex’s mom was concerned because he was becoming anti-social, displaying trouble controlling his anger and was being bullied in school. She hoped his involvement with the Y would help change his behavior. Alex was able to join the YMCA at no cost, through the 7th Grade Initiative. He learned about healthy habits in our Youth Strength Fitness program, participated in sports activities and made new friends.
“The YMCA has made an incredible impact on Alex’s behavior. He loves to come to the Y and participate in programs with his new friends.” ~ Alex’s Mom
ADULT MEMBERS
14,252
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
CHARLES’S STORY Charles became involved with the Y through his children’s involvement in our programs. After a health scare, Charles joined his family at the Y. “Over the years the Y has become such a significant part of my everyday life, I really miss it when I can’t get here.” “I know the benefit of health can transform and support all aspects of one’s life, spiritually, emotionally as well as physically.” He hopes to encourage and inspire others to join the Y and better their health, both inside and out. Charles’s story began with his children’s involvement at the Y and grew into a long-term family commitment to healthy living. The entire family still works out at the Y, and now his granddaughter, Zoe, is beginning swimming lessons, the very program that brought him into our doors 14 years ago.
“In 2010, I suffered an injury to my tendon in my foot and needed rehab to get back to being active. My doctor suggested that I join the Y and the experience has been so rewarding. The community of friends that I have met, the support, is unbelievable. And, the atmosphere is very welcoming.” ~ John
PREVENTION
DROWNING
SAFETY AROUND WATER
ERYN’S STORY “It’s so very important to teach our children water safety—one of the reasons I chose the Y! No other gym focuses as much on the family as what YMCA’s provide.” ~ Eryn Jean Safety Around Water is a free community program designed to address this important community need. Each year, an estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to near drowning. Drowning is the third leading cause of death for children under 5. Through collaborations with local school districts, the Y provides Safety Around Water in local 3rd grade classrooms, as well as at the Y. During the course, children learn how to respond if they find themselves in unexpected water situations -- from how to reach the water’s surface if they submerge to safely reaching a pool’s edge or exiting any body of water.
“Safety Around Water is a great way for us to go out into the community and teach the importance of water safety. The Y has been a leader in aquatics for over 100 years.” ~ Charles Cook, Aquatic Director.
LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
SUPPORT
PROVIDING
ONE SURVIVOR’S STORY “Strength, determination, and rebirth are the words that come to mind when I think of this program. During our journey with cancer, we’re taught to fight our best fight, but what about after. What do you do after treatment, surgeries and after your hair grows back? You must continue to fight and be determined and dedicated to living a healthy and fulfilled life. This program gives you HOPE….hope that you can live vibrantly, hope that you can embrace your new normal, hope that fitness and wellness can be a part of your everyday life, hope that you WILL regain your strength and balance, and hope that there is someone else out there that understands your struggle. I gained confidence in myself that I can walk into a gym and not be afraid of the machines but yet knowledgeable and ready to work out. I embraced my Lymphedema and the pace at which I needed to progress. I met other beautiful women who fought the same battles. I learned from a team of health and wellness professionals who were not only educated but passionate about helping survivors. It gave me HOPE to LiveSTRONG!”
LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA is a free, community program designed to help cancer survivors improve their strength and quality of life
THE ARTS
COMMUNITY
CREATING
LINDA’S STORY Linda Rosen, a Cranford resident was one of the first tenants to secure an Artist Loft work space at the Rahway Branch following the recent YMCA renovations. She stated, “My experience here at the Y has been and continues to be a wonderful one. The decision to rent a loft here and carve out a space for myself to paint has brought me such joy. I look forward to coming in every day. The loft is so conducive to art making. The natural light and the space is great. My loft space is more than fabulous!” Rosen is a retired art teacher who shares her love of art and creativity with the local community. She has won many awards at local art shows, and is a dedicated artist. Samples of her artwork are now on display at the Van Gogh’s Ear Café in Union, NJ. We are very proud of Linda and her accomplishments. She is a dedicated artist and having her as a part of the Rahway Branch community is a wonderful addition to our dedication to the arts. The Rahway Branch offers Arts programs for all ages, as well as five artist lofts for local artists to use as work space. “At the Rahway Branch, we provide specialized arts programming dedicated to the needs of all individuals. To have a local artist, such as Linda be a part of our community is very special and sets a great example for the aspiring artists within our programs,” ~ Rodger Koerber, Rahway Branch Executive Director.
TOGETHERHOOD
100
POUNDS OF FOOD COLLECTED
CHUCK’S STORY Chuck Cababe, a long-term member of The Gateway Family YMCA, and the chairperson of the Union Knights of Columbus Food Drive, was in the unique position to incorporate both entities into a partnership that worked to raise awareness and helped to combat food insecurity in the local community. Because of Chuck’s vision and leadership, the Food Drive was extremely successful, to the benefit of both St. Michael’s Food Pantry and Elizabeth Branch Housing Programs. Y Members and the local community donated 16 large boxes of food to help combat food insecurity and continued to raise awareness of the issue within Union County. Chuck has been an integral part of the Togetherhood™ program team from it’s inception. Togetherhood™ is a member-led community service program, inviting members to lead and participate in volunteer service projects that benefit the local community. For Chuck, this was what drew him to the program, “When I heard about Togetherhood™, I thought it was great that the Y was encouraging members to get out and support service projects in the local community.”
SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING
604
PARTICIPANTS
JULIA’S STORY At 27, Julia found herself homeless, in a position of no longer being able to support herself and her child. When she came to The Gateway Family YMCA for help and support, we were able to place her in our program, providing the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to live independently and become gainfully employed. While at the Y, Julia worked closely with her case manager, attending job training and family skills classes, including nutrition education. She really wanted to once and for all improve her life and provide for her son. Julia’s future goals include going back to school, getting a job, getting married and having a family. She really felt that all of these things were only possible if she successfully took charge of her life and moved forward. Julia made a critical life decision in coming to the YMCA and asking for the help her family so desperately needed.
“The nutritionist taught us about feeding our family healthy foods on a budget.” ~ Madison House Resident
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
YOUNG ARTISTS
INSPIRING
JARDINE ACADEMY
Jardine Academy is a school based from the Cerebral Palsy League in Cranford, NJ. The YMCA provided a 4 week specialized art program at the Rahway Branch. The Gateway Family YMCA partners with local organizations and offer programs dedicated to the needs of the individuals they serve. Through the collaboration, students were instructed on and participated in projects spanning the realm of visual arts, working hands-on to create artwork that is currently displayed in the Rahway Branch. The students created an acrylic painting based on the artworks of Sonia Delaunay. They looked at images of her work and modeled their paintings after her geometric style. They incorporated bold colors, geometric shapes and bold black outlines in order to replicate her style of painting. Students also made traditional arts and crafts for the summer to experience “summer camp”; The students created a keychain, summer art pictures and name designs for their desks.
“The program was a huge success, and we are hoping to continue to increase these types of collaborative programs here at the YMCA.” ~ Lara Kennedy, Arts Director.
W.I.S.E. ADULT DAY SERVICES CENTER
142
PARTICIPANTS
THE SULLIVAN FAMILY’S STORY “Words cannot adequately express our deep appreciation for how you cared for our mother when she was able to be a part of your day care. It was a great comfort to know that while we were at work each day, she was in good hands. You all seemed to go above and beyond each day to make sure mom was happy. Without the wonderful caring services you provided Mom, she would not have been able to stay in the house she loved for as long as she did. Mom liked to talk about her day at “Seniors” with her friends (you all). The W.I.S.E. Center definitely has a positive impact on the quality of her life . . . And ours, her family as well! Thank you all! ~The Sullivan Family
DONORS
A STRONGER COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF YOU
THANK YOU
TO OUR DONORS Every year, countless donors play an integral part in supporting the work we do in the communities we serve.
The Y.™ For a better us.™
THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA
tgfymca.org