Going Strong After 150 Years: Monmouth Area Y Has Big Birthday

SHREWSBURY, NJ — The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is celebrating its 150th anniversary, beginning with “My Y Week,” March 18 to 24, when area Y's are free and open to all - along with a cupcake.

The nonprofit was founded in downtown Red Bank on March 16, 1874, and the milestone year will see celebrati0ns, culminating at a gala on Nov. 14 at the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury.

It's based in Shrewsbury but has a wide reach: Over the past five years, the Y has provided more than $5 million in financial assistance and subsidies to Y participants throughout greater Monmouth County, it says.

Next week, Y members and prospective members can help kick off the 150th anniversary with cupcakes and special giveaways during “My Y Week” at the organization’s wellness centers in Red Bank, Freehold and Old Bridge. (Check out all the details below).

Throughout the week, the Y will be free and open to all. People who join the Y will have the initiation fee waived, a savings of up to $100.

“For over a century and a half, our Y has been a force for good, empowering generations of individuals, irrespective of age, income, beliefs, or background,” said President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “Our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, nurturing potential, and uplifting our community continues to guide us.”

For the anniversary year, members will also be encouraged to share their stories of how the Y has made an impact on their lives. Current and former members can share stories at https://ymcanj.org/y-stories/.

They will also be invited to support the 2024 Annual Campaign that makes it possible for the Y to be open to all, regardless of ability to pay the full price for membership.

Throughout the Y’s history, Goganzer said, it has responded to the community’s changing needs, adding affordable child care for working families, offering summer camp programs for youth and teens, and providing personal and family counseling, in addition to swim lessons and extensive health and wellness programs.

Its programs and services are based in eight communities: Health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; an outdoor day camp in Wall (Camp Zehnder); counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; a childcare center in Freehold Township; and integrated in over 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties, the organization says.

“Our 150th anniversary is more than a milestone; it's a celebration of resilience, unity, and the countless stories that have helped to shape our YMCA,” said Chief Volunteer Officer Michael A. Wright.

He said volunteers are a "critical component" of the Y, from the volunteer Board of Directors to the individual level. He said that about 700 people volunteer in various capacities.

And fundraising is expanded thanks to the volunteers' local connections, including those on the branch Advisory Boards. Volunteers help in areas such as food drives and baby pantry donations to free third-grade swimming lessons and sneaker drives, Wright said.

In 2019, The Community YMCA joined together with the YMCA of Western Monmouth County to create the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, which serves communities throughout Monmouth County, and areas in Middlesex and Ocean counties.

“We’ve forged hundreds of partnerships and collaborations with other nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and community groups to strengthen our ability to address the needs in our growing community,” Goganzer said. “We believe that we are better together.”

For additional information about joining the Y, donating, or volunteering, visit www.ymcanj.org.