Join The Gateway Family YMCA 7th Grade Initiative

Registration is open for the 7th Grade Initiative at The Gateway Family YMCA. As part of the NJ YMCA 7th Grade Initiative, a state-wide strategy designed to support and encourage teens to maintain a healthy lifestyle, The Gateway Family YMCA offers a complimentary membership for all 7th Grade Students in the local community as well as a supportive 7th Grade Leaders Club. Students in 7th Grade are invited to visit the YMCA and join for free with proof of grade and a guardian’s signature. Registration is available in person at The Gateway Family YMCA – Elizabeth Branch - 135 Madison Avenue, Five Points Branch -201 Tucker Avenue, Union, Rahway Branch – 1564 Irving Street, Rahway and Wellness Center Branch – 1000 Galloping Hill Rd, Union.

All 7th Grade students are provided a complimentary full YMCA membership including wellness and fitness access, group exercise programs, basketball, pickleball, soccer, swimming, virtual YMCA360 and a variety of other programs specifically created based on their interests and feedback. The goal of the 7th Grade Initiative is to increase physical activity and support teens in the development of lifetime healthy habits, volunteerism and leadership skills while providing a safe and supportive environment with role models at the YMCA.

“We know that 7th grade is a pivotal time in youth development, and teens begin to make their own decisions on life choices. We remain committed to support the youth in our community and work together to ensure a bright future for all,” stated Melynda A. Disla, President and CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “As they approach their teens and sports become more competitive, there is a chance of becoming sedentary. The Y is here to provide activity, socialization, leadership skills, and staff role models to encourage healthy habits to last a lifetime.”

The 7th Grade Leader’s Club, a structured program offering teens leadership and volunteer opportunities is also available for registration. With a focus on team building, personal growth, character and job skill development, service and volunteerism, the 7th Grade Leader’s Club empowers teens to create a chart of work and volunteer projects specific to the needs in their community, identified and completed by students.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services for all. The Gateway Family YMCA has been proudly serving Eastern Union County and Northern Middlesex County, for 125 years. The Gateway Family YMCA has six YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union, serving the communities of Avenel, Carteret, Clark, Colonia, Elizabeth, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Plainfield, Port Reading, Roselle, Roselle Park, Sewaren, Union, Vauxhall, Winfield Park and Woodbridge, NJ.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA’s 7th Grade Initiative, visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch at 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch at 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch at 732-388-0057 or Wellness Center Branch at 908-349-9622.