TRANSFORMING LIVES

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

®

FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

SUMMIT AREA YMCABerkeley Heights YMCA • Summit YMCA

2012 Annual Campaign Feature Special Edition, July 2012

and families, focusing on the wellness of the whole person: spirit, mind, and body and weaving the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility into the fabric of all we do.

We are more than a “swim and gym.” Our four branches are vital, vibrant, and valued centers of the community that provide rich, memorable, fun, and meaningful experiences for individuals and families. Our programs and services

THE YMCA MOVEMENT AND MISSIONThe Summit Area YMCA is a cause-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit community service organization. Our mission is to strengthen the foundations of community by nurturing and developing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility in the community.

Founded in 1886, the Y offers the most comprehensive youth development and health programs for individuals

CALL TO ACTION

“I was overweight for as long as I could remember and in 2003, when I tipped the scale at 300 lbs, something inside of me snapped. I started eating better and exercising and lost 100 lbs. But, then I was “stuck” - literally and figuratively. I was in the midst of an unhappy divorce, single, a stressed-out working parent with two young children, disconnected, still very over-weight and feeling unhealthy. Sometimes ordinary days come along and change our lives in extraordinary ways. For me,

that day was when I joined the Y.

That I was able to go to a welcoming, non-judgmental place where people cared about my well-being and supported me in my goals to become more healthy was a true blessing. Being able to work out in group exercise classes every day relieved my stress and enabled me to be a more attentive and energetic teacher at work and a calmer, more present parent for my children at home.

More recently, I have begun working out with a supportive trainer at the Summit Y who encourages and pushes me to be my most healthy self. I’ve dropped 2 dress sizes in the last four months and am on track to lose the remaining 26 lbs. I have the energy to do what I need to. I feel connected because of the friends I’ve made at the Y. People like being around me. My self-confidence is sky high. I feel like a million bucks. I found myself at the Y.”

PROGRAM TESTIMONIALS:

The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading charitable 501(c)3 organizations. Our programs and services are open to all through our financial assistance programs made possible through the generosity of our members, donors and partners. To help us help others, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org.

Summit Area YMCA Association Services, 490 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 (P) 908 273 4270 (F) 908 273 4272 (W) www.theSAY.org

Summit YMCA Youth Center • The Learning Circle YMCA

“My performance at work and my GPA at school has gotten better and I rest easier knowing that at TLC my daughter is happy, connected, and secure. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”

“Words cannot express my appreciation to the Y. Not only did the Y’s support strengthen my family as a whole but it also gave me a sense of comfort knowing that my family was engaged in healthy activities and making friends while I was away on duty.”

Social ResponsibiltyChildcare Assistance

Military Outreach & Assistance

“It is a miracle that I found this YMCA program, that the Y provided me with financial assistance to participate, and that I successfully completed the regimen! The Y gave me my life back at a time when I most needed it!”

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

Healthy Living

Youth Development

“As a graduate of the Achievers Program, I grew in confidence as I learned good habits of discipline, hard work, and independence. I know I have the Y to thank for my success! The Y believed in me and opened up my whole world.”

Achievers Program

are designed to teach values, build character, and enhance self-esteem.

The Summit Area YMCA has an open door policy through our Y Cares Financial Assistance Program, and all people regardless of race, religion, age, gender, or financial circumstance have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Y Cares is made possible because of the generosity of members, donors, and partners to our Annual Campaign.

When you give to the Y, your tax-deductible gift has a direct, real and meaningful impact in the lives of those struggling and most in need.

Your donation matters! You make a difference! Just read the testimonials and Jodi’s story, all examples of the way lives have been transformed.

With the support of volunteers, members and the business community, the Summit Area YMCA provided nearly $1 million dollars in financial assistance and program support to those in need in 2011—all within our local community.

Please help us meet the continuing and growing needs of those in our community by making your 2012 gift today. You may also make your gift on-line at www.theSAY.org.

Thank you for your support!

JODI’S STORY

Jodi today

Jodi before the Y