2015 ANNUAL REPORT

OUR LEGACY Y OUR STORY

THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA

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.

The Y.™ For a better us.™

Joseph R. Venezia

President, Board of Directors

Krystal R. Canady

Chief Executive Officer

OUR LEGACY OUR STORY Y

Our members are the reason we do the

work we do in the communities surrounding

Northern Middlesex and Eastern Union

County.

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

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.

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

Derek Chiao

Mark De Noble

Karen Ensle

Anne Evans Estabrook*

Paul Fernandez

Christine Hrycenko

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

Maria Irizarry

David Jenkins

Philip Krevsky, Esq.

Eugene Mitchell

Elsa Muniz

Calvin Sierra

Ann Zwiebel Revaitis

PROUDLY SERVING

ELIZABETH BRANCH 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

DANIELLE B. CIOFFI District Executive Director

TIA C. SARGENT Associate Executive Director

RAHWAY BRANCH

WELLNESS CENTER BRANCH

1564 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065

RODGER D. KOERBER Branch Executive Director

MICHAEL J. TONZOLA Associate Executive Director

1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ 07083

E. PAUL MICKIEWICZ Branch Executive Director

ALEXANDRIA B. ANDERSON Senior Director of Healthy Living

FIVE POINTS BRANCH 201 Tucker Avenue, Union, NJ 07083

DANIELLE B. CIOFFI District Executive Director

JESSICA L. SAMOLEWICZ Associate Executive Director

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

FISCAL

RESPONSIBILITY REVENUE

EXPENSES

TOTAL EXPENSE

Contributions and Grants $ 856,631

Membership $ 2,797,634

Childcare and Camp $ 4,689,540

Housing $ 3,046,701

Program $ 1,496,270

Other $ 292,382

TOTAL REVENUE $13,179,158

Program Expenses $10,272,307

Supporting Expenses $ 2,143,403

Transfer to Reserves $ 763,448

& Financial Assistance

$13,179,158

*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 responsi-

bility.

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.

THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA

Elizabeth, NJ

MEMBERSHIP

24,468 OUR MEMBERS

49,347 SERVICE UNITS

Thank you for joining our cause.

OUR MEMBERS

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RUTH’S STORY “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.

EARLY LEARNING READINESS

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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

SUMMER CAMP

“That’s MY Y!”

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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.

SWIMMING LESSONS

“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

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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.

7TH GRADE INITIATIVE

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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.

FOR HEALTHY LIVING

“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

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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

“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.

“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 af-ter. 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

ONE SURVIVOR’S STORY

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LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA is a free, community program designed to help cancer survivors improve their strength and quality of life

THE ARTS

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. C

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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 mem-bers to lead and participate in volunteer service pro-jects 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.”

CHUCK’S STORY

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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.

SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING

“The nutritionist taught us about feeding our family healthy foods on a budget.” ~ Madison House Resident

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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.

JARDINE ACADEMY

“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.

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W.I.S.E. ADULT DAY SERVICES CENTER

“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 14

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THE SULLIVAN FAMILY’S STORY

DONORS

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

A STRONGER COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF YOU

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