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A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Creating a Legacy - Together
Thanks to your generosity and unwavering support, our 2025 Annual Support Campaign reached its ambitious $2 million goal—the largest in our history—in record time. This year’s theme, LEGACY, resonated deeply across our association, as many of our branches celebrated milestone anniversaries. We honored our proud past while uniting our communities to build a brighter future for generations to come.
That legacy is already taking shape. We anticipate record-breaking camp enrollment this summer, and new capital projects are underway to enhance how we serve our members in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our strength continues to grow thanks to new board members, passionate volunteers, and rising youth leaders. In April, we honored six extraordinary Youth Service Champions who are already making a lasting impact.
As we look ahead to serving even more families in 2025, we know that partnerships with volunteers, businesses, and local leaders will be more important than ever. We are deeply grateful to all who have helped us create a legacy of hope, and we invite you to continue building that legacy with us.
Yours in service,
Rick Gorab
Chief Executive Officer
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
LOCAL NEWS
EAST ORANGE YMCA
The East Orange YMCA is proud to announce the addition of Tommy Riggins as our new Aquatics Coordinator. With a strong background in aquatics and a deep passion for youth development and water safety, Tommy is well-equipped to lead and grow our swimming programs.
His experience spans multiple roles in the aquatics field, including time as a competitive swimmer, swim instructor, and pool deck supervisor. These roles have shaped his comprehensive understanding of swim programming and his commitment to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive aquatic experiences for all participants.
Tommy brings a positive energy and a strong alignment with the YMCA’s mission and core values. He is eager to build on the success of our current programs while introducing fresh ideas to expand offerings for youth, families, and adults in our community.
FAIRVIEW LAKE YMCA CAMPS
This summer, Fairview Lake YMCA Camps is celebrating an extraordinary milestone—our 110th summer of adventure, friendship, and growth. Since 1915, we’ve welcomed campers with open arms and open hearts, rooted in the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. For over a century, our camp has been a place where memories are made, lives are changed, and the spirit of the YMCA shines bright.
To honor this momentous occasion, we’re hosting a celebration June 13-15, filled with joy, connection, and wonder. From tree plantings that will grow our legacy to hot air balloon rides, reunions of old friends, and camp traditions that never fade, it will be a weekend to remember. Join us as we celebrate 110 unforgettable summers—and look ahead to the many adventures still to come.
NEW MILFORD YMCA PROGRAM CENTER
The New Milford YMCA Program Center/Greater Bergen County Y is excited to welcome Jason Mitchell, "J.Mitch," to our team as our new Sports & Recreation Director!
J.Mitch brings an impressive background in athletics and community recreation, with years of experience as the Director of Parks and Recreation in Cresskill, NJ. He’s also held key roles including Director of Operations for Princeton University’s football team and Director of Coaching Administration with the New Orleans Saints. His journey in collegiate sports also includes serving as Director of External Operations for the Rutgers University football program, where he began his career and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies with a minor in Psychology.
We’re thrilled to have J.Mitch on board as he steps into this role with energy, vision, and a deep commitment to youth and family enrichment. He’ll be expanding and creating new, inclusive programming designed to benefit families and children throughout our community—helping us further our mission to nurture the potential of every child and teen through the power of sports, teamwork, and belonging.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN YMCA
The South Mountain YMCA had the joy of partnering with Together We Bloom to host our very first Inclusive Egg Hunt—an event designed to give children of all abilities the chance to enjoy the fun and tradition of collecting eggs in a way that works for them.
Upon arrival, families were welcomed with a variety of activities, from open gym play to calming coloring stations. Our sensory-friendly bunny led each of the three egg hunt sessions, guiding the kids through a gentle and supportive experience. Outside, the atmosphere remained calm and inviting, with bubbles, playground fun, play-dough, and fidgets adding to the sensory-friendly environment. We also had the South Orange Sensory Activation Van on site, offering a peaceful space for anyone needing a moment of calm.
This event was possible with the dedication and enthusiasm of our incredible volunteers and staff, whose efforts brought the vision to life. The collaborative spirit and innovative approach to this new programming help us create inclusive, welcoming spaces where individuals of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive at the Y. A special acknowledgment to Nicole Renee Josey, our Birthday Party coordinator, whose leadership and passion were instrumental in shaping this inclusive experience.
SUSSEX COUNTY YMCA
This year’s 23rd Annual Sussex County YMCA Golf Outing is more than just a day on the greens—it’s a celebration of legacy, leadership, and 20 years of impact at our Hardyston facility. Since opening our doors in 2005, the Sussex County Y has grown into a vibrant hub of health, connection, and support for more than 650 families every year. In honor of this milestone, we’re proudly recognizing the incredible individuals who helped make this journey possible—our past honorees, with each of the 18 holes dedicated to someone who helped shape our Y story.
But the true power of this event lies in its purpose. Proceeds from the outing support our Annual Support Campaign, providing life-changing scholarships for camp, swim lessons, child care, and transformative programs like LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA—free wellness support for cancer survivors. Every swing, every sponsorship, every moment on the course helps us open doors for more families to thrive. Thank you for being part of our story—and for helping us build a stronger, healthier Sussex County.
WEST ESSEX YMCA
This year the West Essex YMCA, supported by funding from the Flagstar Foundation, introduced an arts and culture enrichment program for West Orange students enrolled in the Y's School Age Child Care program and Universal Pre-K program at Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center in Livingston.
At the end of the program year, we will bring together families, community members, and staff for a joyful culminating celebration that highlights the children’s creative journey through arts and culture. This special event will serve as both a showcase and a celebration, with performances, a curated art exhibition, and opportunities for participants to reflect on their experiences.
