The Gateway Family YMCA Annual Report 2016

ACHIEVE MORE

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA Elizabeth, NJ

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 $660,041 in FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE in 2016, ensuring that EVERYONE has access to programs and services.

WE ACHIEVE MORE TOGETHER Since 1900, we have served the communities surrounding Northern Middlesex and Eastern Union Counties.

Our Members work together with us to build a stronger community every day

In 2016, we served over 23,000 members of the community through membership, programs and services. Because the Y is open to all, we ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to achieve more

James Masterson Chief Volunteer Officer

By working with the community, we are able to fulfill our mission and truly understand what it means to be FOR ALL Looking back on 2016 and the stories our members have shared, we hope that you feel inspired to continue to work with us to

ACHIEVE MORE

For Strength. For Achievement. For All.

The Y.™ For a better us

Krystal R. Canady Chief Executive Officer

ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

MEMBERS

President

James Masterson***

Jeffrey Beck

Philip Krevsky, Esq.

Vice President

Eugene Maxwell

Derek Chiao

John Ludington

Vice President

Karen Ensle

Anne Evans Estabrook*

Eugene Mitchell

Treasurer

Michael Minitelli**

Paul Fernandez

Elsa Muniz

Assistant Treasurer Christine Hrycenko

John Forrester

Ann Zwiebel Revaitis

Secretary

Sharon Patel**

Maria Irizarry

Calvin Sierra

Past President

Joseph Venezia

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

*Y Homes, Inc. (CHDO) Board Member ** YMCA, NMTC, Inc. *** YMCA, NMTC, Inc. and Y Homes, Inc. (CHDO)

PROUDLY SERVING

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

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 SHANNON L. FRANK Associate Executive Director

WELLNESS CENTER BRANCH

1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ 07083 COLLEEN A. CLAYTON Interim Branch Executive Director

WISE CENTER YMCA BRANCH

2095B Berwyn Street, Union, NJ 07083 COLLEEN A. CLAYTON Interim Branch Executive Director

FISCAL

RESPONSIBILITY REVENUE Contributions and Grants

$ 3,414,929

Membership

$ 2,792,007

Childcare and Camp

$ 5,085,571

Housing

$ 2,613,970

Program

$ 1,428,792

Other

$ 328,857

TOTAL REVENUE

$ 15,664,126

EXPENSES Program Expenses

$10,826,726

Supporting Expenses

$ 2,326,844

Transfer to Reserves & Financial Assistance

$ 2,510,556

TOTAL EXPENSE

$15,664,126

*2016 unaudited Financial Statements, excludes subsidiaries

GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA

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.



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.



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.

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.

We will identify, cultivate and create new partnerships annually that will foster our promise to strengthen the foundations of communities.

We will evaluate our plan regularly and revise as needed for the greatest impact.

2016 OUR MEMBERS

23,632 SERVICE UNITS

46,925

DIABETES PREVENTION ACHIEVING LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA SWIMMING IMPACT HEALTHY U AFTER SCHOOL CARE SUMMER CAMP12,026 BASKETBALL HOUSEHOLDS ADULT DAY SERVICES 7TH GRADE INITIATIVE CHILD CARE GROUP EXERCISE SOCIALIZATION TOGETHERHOOD 9,823 CHARITY HELP HOPE DANCE YOUTH HOUSING HEALTHY EATING ELR TEAMWORK COMMUNITY

LEARN A SKILL SAVE A LIFE MEGAN’S STORY

Megan, a lifeguard at the Five Points Branch, grew up at the Y in our swim lessons. She speaks about the importance of water safety in Safety Around Water, a free community program and why she takes her responsibilities as a lifeguard seriously.

Megan’s Mom was pro-active by enrolling Megan and her brother in our early progressive swim lessons. Megan remembers growing up, “For the entirety of my childhood, Friday nights meant swimming lessons and when we were older, staying for free swim after lessons. My parents could never get me out of the water when they wanted to go home!” Megan recalls that she loved to impress her friends with all the strokes she learned at our Y during neighborhood summer pool parties. Even at a young age, Megan was learning water safety.

When Megan was old enough for her first job, that responsible, caring mentality influenced her to become a lifeguard. Megan said, “I knew I wanted a job that would involve my greatest love: Aquatics.”

When she signed up for the Red Cross lifeguard course, she discovered it was being taught by one of her favorite swimming instructors from our YMCA. Megan spends summers as a lifeguard and winters as a competitive swimmer. “Neither of those would have been possible if I had not taken swimming lessons at the YMCA”, said Megan.

Megan teaches adults and children how to swim, to be safe in the water and, “Hopefully, to love the water as much as I do”.

OUTREACH

TO THOSE WHO SERVE US THE SANTANA FAMILY’S STORY

We believe that the strength of a family begins with the physical and mental well-being of their parents. We support our military families by giving parents a sense of independence and the means to invest in their own health—making them stronger and more able to cultivate the overall well-being of their family. We know how challenging it can be to find balance in life, especially when your spouse is serving our country. Thanks to the YMCA Military Outreach Program, we are able to offer special membership programs for families and spouses of service men and women.

The Santana family is no stranger to military life. Sergeant Brian Santana has served in the United States Army for 9 years and has been deployed twice to Iraq. The Santana family recently moved to Elizabeth where Brian is currently Center Commander at the Elizabeth US Army Recruiting Center.

“Since moving to Elizabeth, my entire family has been a Y member due to the Army’s relationship with the YMCA. My membership is free and my family gets to use the Y as part of the Military Outreach Program. My wife uses the gym daily and takes advantage of the spin and Zumba classes, while my daughter participates in art class, swimming and dance,” said Brian.

Brian’s wife Clara couldn’t agree more; “My YMCA membership has allowed me to stay active and healthy,” she said. “More importantly, it has helped me cope during the stressful times that all military families go through.”

FAMILY TIME AT THE Y

THE ALTAMIRANO FAMILY’S STORY Family and health

have always been a priority for Victor Altamirano. His family has been involved with

The Gateway Family YMCA for many years. When the children were younger they participated in activities such as basketball, the 7th grade initiative, teen nights and swimming. This experience at the Y grew into Lifeguard training and family workouts.

“Our membership allows us to spend time as a family bonding through activities we all enjoy and love.

One of the great things about the Y is that there is something for everyone in the family. My children have taken classes, gained job skills and now that they are older, we are able to visit the Y and work out together. There is nothing better than having a place to go to do something together as a family.”

Families join the Y for many reasons. Sometimes they begin their journey when registering one person for a class, like Summer Camp or a Basketball program. Whatever the reason that brings them into our doors for the first time, they often find that the Y is a place for the entire family to learn, grow and thrive.

Our goal is to create the type of bond the Altamirano family has experienced at The Gateway Family YMCA.

We hope to become a part of your family for many years to come.

CELEBRATE

SOCIALIZE, ENJOY LIFE EMILY’S STORY

Emily Boczon, a WISE Adult Day Services Program member since February 2014, celebrated her 100th birthday with her WISE “family”

on July 15th with gifts, balloons, cake, and candles fully extinguished by her. Emily came to the WISE Center when the other adult day program she was attending was forced to close. Her daughter, Joan Knapp, wanted to keep her Mom active and engaged stating that her involvement in the program, “has done wonders for her”. Although Emily was relatively healthy, she was physically frail due to her age and has some age-related cognitive loss. The one thing that belied Emily’s age is her zest for life and the joy that sparkles in her eyes when she is singing and moving to music.

“She absolutely loves music and singing” says her daughter, Joan. “Being a part of a social group instead of sitting at home watching TV makes her life more fulfilling and helps her feel part of the mainstream”. Joan adds that her Mom “lights up” when she tells her it’s her day to go to her “senior club”. Knowing her mother is in a safe place that she enjoys has provided peace of mind to Joan as she has gone through health challenges herself over the past couple years.

Emily proudly reminisced about being raised in Linden with her 3 brothers and 3 sisters – one who was her twin! When she married, she and her husband stayed in Linden where they owned and ran a bakery for many years. Emily outlived her siblings and credits “keeping happy” as the reason she lived so long.

Emily spent 3 days a week at the WISE Center and asked what she likes best about coming she simply says with that huge smile of hers, “I

like EVERYBODY here”!

Emily never missed a moment of the daily exercise programs (AM chair yoga and PM cardio!) and is one of an elite contingent of “party animals” at our WISE celebrations. She particularly enjoyed late afternoon sing-a-longs and Name That Tune boldly letting loose with popular oldies, standards, and especially patriotic songs. She also doesn’t hesitate to join in with a “Hot Damn” while exercising to “Uptown Funk”. It should also be noted that Emily has never had a sick day during her time at the WISE Center.

They say with age comes wisdom. So take some advice from a 100 year old woman considered a “playmate” by her three great-grandchildren, “Keep

happy, keep joyful, and years just won’t matter much”.

BE THE CHANGE THE AQUA SIX’S STORY

Each year, The Gateway Family YMCA raises money through various fundraisers for the Annual Campaign. The Rahway Branch hosted the Express to Success event at the Rail House. During the early stages of planning, we were contacted by a group of members, now infamously known as the “Aqua Six”.

After being inspired by the story of a guest who had been attending their aquatics fitness class and in need of financial support to continue attending, this group of members rallied.

The Aqua Six made it their mission to ensure our Express to Success event was successful, so that their new friend, and others in our community, could receive support to participate in all of the great programs and services the Y has to offer.

For weeks the Aqua Six pounded the pavement, going door to door, soliciting donations from local businesses and others, to support our raffles taking place on the evening of the event. In addition to soliciting donations, they sold numerous tickets and helped to increase the awareness of the public on the importance of the Y in our community.

With over 60 people in attendance, and 90 tickets sold, this single event raised over $900 for our Annual Campaign.

While the event itself was successful, the impact it had was even greater. Not only did we raise money for our Annual Campaign, a group of members became empowered, new friendships and new partnerships were made.

AWAY FROM HOME KIND AND SUPPORTIVE CIARA & TIARA’S STORY

The YMCA is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of child care in our country. Our Summer Camp impacts the community by giving each camper a safe place where they belong. At the Y, campers develop new friendships, explore creativity, experience new opportunities and learn life lessons. This is exactly what Renee was looking for when she enrolled her twin girls at The Gateway Family YMCA summer day camp for the very first time.

Ciara & Tiara, attended The Gateway Family YMCA Summer Day Camp and they absolutely loved it. Renee said, “They were excited about the trips they went on, and the fact that they were able to swim every day was just the highlight of their day! Through their experience at the YMCA they developed interpersonal skills which helped them to make new friends from different ethnic backgrounds, and they still communicate with these friends today.”

Renee said that the girls interacted well with the camp counselors and their summer days were filled with active games and sports, arts and crafts, fun activities like scavenger hunts, dancing and special events.

“Ciara & Tiara enjoyed their experience so much that they will be attending again next summer! Kudos to the YMCA for providing a great family oriented environment for all children with love, care, and concern and lots of fun!”

TOGETHER FOR CHANGE CHUCK’S STORY

Our members do amazing things both for the YMCA and for the communities we serve. 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 the Elizabeth Branch Housing Programs. Y Members and the local community donated 16 large boxes of canned and packaged 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.”

BUILDING BONDS GERBY’S STORY

Gerby Janvier is and always will be a familiar face in our building. His bright smile and goofy charisma can be recognized as soon as he walks through the door. He is an honor student that grew up in Elmora with his 2 brothers, sister, mom, dad, and grandparents. Gerby’s family holds close to their Haitian values and lives up to that close knit, hardworking, do whatever it takes family mentality. Both parents work long late hours which means Gerby doesn’t get to see them much.

“Just before I was in 7th grade I would walk from my house in Elmora to the YMCA, a total of 3 miles, and wait outside the building or in the lobby hoping someone I knew was going to walk in so I could come in as a guest just so I could play basketball for an hour or so. I love to play basketball but sometimes no one came,” Gerby said.

Thomas Galuppo, Youth and Teen Director pulled Gerby aside and explained to him he was eligible for the 7th grade Initiative Membership and what he needed to do. “Needless to say, I took advantage of it right away and was in the lobby later that week with my school ID, completed my orientation and was officially a YMCA member. I took full advantage of my 7th grade membership and became involved in various teen programs such as Teen Basketball Skills and Drills, Teen Dodge Ball, Swimming, Teen Nights, and used the fitness center for exercise. I worked hard to improve my basketball skills,” Gerby said.

Gerby improved his basketball skills, began living a healthier lifestyle through exercise, met new friends, but most of all gained confidence in himself. Gerby played for The Gateway Family YMCA YBA Basketball Team which made it to the Final 4 in the State Tournament. He made his middle school basketball team and went on to play Varsity as a freshman at St. Mary’s High School. Gerby is also now utilizing a free membership through a partnership with the YMCA and his High School.

According to Gerby, “The Five Points Branch, through the 7th grade Initiative, was able to provide me with a safe place to go after school and the weekends and gave me an outlet for my passion, basketball!”

VIEW GERBY’S Y STORY ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

THANK YOU

TO OUR DONORS Every year, countless donors, members and volunteers play an integral part in supporting the work we do in the communities we serve, ensuring our Y has the resources to help others ACHIEVE MORE.

TOGETHER WE BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF

YOU

The Y.â„¢ For a better us

tgfymca.org