TOGETHERHOOD UPDATE

Togetherhood’s food initiative is doing well with 456 items brought to the pantry so far this year. While less than last year, it is very much appreciated considering the higher cost of food for everyone. Volunteers from the food pantry at The First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen told us that they have more and more families signing up for assistance every month. Food insecurity has been and continues to be an affliction experienced by far too many families in and around our community.

The YMCA of Metuchen, with the assistance of volunteers as well as the generosity of our members, will continue to do whatever possible to feed the hungry.

New Jersey Blood Services reports that our YMCA/Together blood drives consistently meet and exceed their goals. Please help us keep this tremendous effort going. Blood Drives for 2023 are scheduled on the following dates:

• Sunday, 4/23/23 9:00 AM –1:30 PM

• Sunday, 6/25/23 9:00 AM –1:30 PM

• Sunday, 8/27/23

AM –1:30 PM

• Sunday, 10/22/23 9:00 AM –1:30 PM Tuesday, 12/26/23 2:00 PM –6:30 PM

If you wish to sign up to donate blood, please visit www.nybc.org/njdrive and enter sponsor code 15750. Enter the date range you wish to return to see results.

As

Grace Early Learning Center welcomed Rose Cushing, YMCA President & CEO, to their classrooms for Read Across America Day! Rose visited and read to two of the preschool classrooms, engaged with the children, asked questions about the books, and even offered a friendly hug.

Celebrating this day helps kids get excited about reading, fosters growth in their imagination, and encourages continual learning. The children and the teachers were so excited to have a such a special guest read such fun stories!

-ContributedbySamantha Coté

The Edison Y celebrates Read Across America Day by reading to their preschoolers.

Cindy Shields, Senior Child Care Director and Leanna Felipe, attended NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. from 2/26-3/1. They listened to presentations by the nation’s leaders at organizations at DHHS and Administration for Children & Families, learned about advocacy and messaging, and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the offices of Sen. Corey Booker and Sen. Bob Menendez in the Senate Office Building, as well as with legislative aides from House of Representatives Frank Pallone and Chris Smith. The purpose of these visits was to advocate for equitable and affordable access for families, high quality programs for children, and major federal investments in the Early Care and Education Workforce.

-ContributedbyCindyShields

Grants And Donor Recognition

Columbia Bank Foundation $5,000 To support our Livestrong Program

YMCA NJ State Alliance $35,000 To support Working Families Program

Y-USA $3,500 To support Teen/Adult Swim Lessons

Provident Foundation $2,500 To support Summer Learning Loss Program (‘23-’24)

Students from Harborview Early Learning Center visited Perth Amboy City Hall as part of their Building Study. They toured City Hall and met with Mayor Caba, who gave them each a special sticker and proclaimed them “Deputy Mayor” for the day!

-ContributedbyRitaMacNeill