Greater Bergen County YMCA in New Milford Appoints Associate Director

NEW MILFORD, NJ - The Greater Bergen County YMCA - New Miford Center has promoted former Y youth sports director Jason Kelly to be the new Associate Executive Director, working alongside the Executive Director to enhance programs and services that uphold the Y’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

As Associate Director, Kelly will oversee the day-to-day operations of programs including health and wellness, child care, and summer camps, and help lead the Y’s transition in New Milford from its former Hackensack headquarters. His first day was Aug. 29.

“I am excited to be a part of something brand new in New Milford, and to see how we can leverage local partnerships to create opportunities that help fulfill the Y’s mission and meet the needs of families in the community,” Kelly said.

“We’re thrilled to have Jason on board to help lead our operations in New Milford. His leadership experience, deep knowledge of athletics, and collaboration abilities will enable us to establish new relationships that support a robust youth development program at the Y,” said Executive Director Glenn MacAfee.

The Greater Bergen Y has not had an Associate Director since 2020.

Kelly, a Verona resident, previously served as Senior Director of Youth Sports and Wellness at three Metro Y branches: East Orange, South Mountain, and Greater Bergen County, and was based at the South Mountain Y in Maplewood. In his four years in that role, Kelly was instrumental in spurring the creation of new programs for both adults and children, and growing enrollment in these programs. Kelly has a long history as a champion of youth development. He has more than a decade of experience working with kids as a coach, teacher, and mentor in school athletic programs.

At the Y, he developed new ways to engage youth and families during the pandemic with the launch of sports pods and Esports, as well as virtual 5Ks across the entire Metro Y association. Under his leadership, he also introduced the empowering “Her Time to Play” program, in partnership with the WNBA and Jr. NBA, at the South Mountain Y, and it quickly generated high interest among young girls looking for an outlet to play basketball. Through a partnership he established with Seton Hall University, the Y is able to attend basketball games at that school and invite players and coaches to help mentor the kids in the Y program. He expanded the program to the East Orange Y and hopes to introduce it at New Milford.

Kelly also serves as chair of NJ YMCA Sports Peer Community and director of NJ YMCA Basketball League. He holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Education/Athletic Administration.

Families Thriving at the Y
Since its grand opening in New Milford in April, the Greater Bergen Y has relaunched programs including youth basketball classes and leagues, dance, gymnastics, and group exercise classes for adults. The Y recently held a girls lacrosse clinic and Senior Health & Wellness Fair, and is planning a free Halloween themed family “Boostackular” event on Oct. 30, which is open to the community. Families can register to attend online at metroymcas.org or by calling 973-758-9039.

The Child Care center at the Y continues to enroll children ages 2 ½-5, and plans to open to younger children this winter. The Y is currently waiving the child care fees for families who enroll for the remainder of 2022 through August 2023. The Y continues to operate its after-school programs in Hackensack schools.

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ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hackensack, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.