Discover Why There’s No Place Like the Y

A place to work out. A place to play. A place to connect. A place to make a difference. The YMCA of the Jersey Shore invites everyone to come and experience all the Y has to offer at the “No Place Like the Y Open House” at its Red Bank Family YMCA, located at 166 Maple Avenue.

The free event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests are invited to take a class, enjoy a swim, sign up kids for summer camp, check out job opportunities and explore ways to volunteer and give support.

“The Y is far more than a great place to work out,” says President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “It’s a place to make new friends and have a positive impact on your community.”

“The Y is a truly unique place where everyone can come together in a shared space and welcoming environment,” Goganzer added. “The open house is a chance for people in our community to experience firsthand the camaraderie and support that the Y is built on and to learn about the greater impact we have beyond the walls of our buildings.”

Explore Endless Possibilities

“Whether you love an intense exercise class, relaxing in the sauna or chatting over a cup of coffee, the Y is a place that has something for everyone,” said the Red Bank Family YMCA’s Executive Director Sally Darrow. Here are just a few of the options at the Red Bank Y open house:

• Take a fitness class or enjoy a fitness demonstration.
• Tour the redesigned weight training and cardio areas.
• Learn about swim lessons, youth sports and exciting new STEM programming.

Even though it may be cold outside, it’s never too early to start planning for summer. Guests can stop by the summer camp table to learn about the Y’s numerous camp offerings. Registration for summer camp is already open.

“Those interested in having an even bigger impact as part of the Y team won’t want to miss the hiring fair taking place during the open house. Lifeguards, fitness instructors, counselors and other team members benefit from more than just a job,” Darrow said. “They provide the smiles, encouragement and assistance that make the Y one of a kind.”

In addition to the open house, the Y is also offering a special “Pay the Day” promotion through January 31. New members can take advantage of a reduced joiner’s fee, paying an amount equal to the date of signup. People considering joining the Y are encouraged to stop in soon to maximize savings. Non-member guests will be entered into a membership drawing at the open house.

Feel Good While Doing Good

“What sets the Y apart from other health and wellness facilities is that members have a tangible and positive impact on the community,” noted Goganzer. Membership fees combined with donations to the annual campaign launching in January help support the Y’s many free programs dedicated to prevention and care for those in need. Programs include:

• Veterans Pathway Program: A free 12-week program that helps veterans and their families improve their health while making important social connections.
• Diabetes Prevention Program: A free program offered in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health that provides education to diabetics and pre-diabetics.
• LIVESTRONG Program: A free 12-week, small group exercise program for cancer survivors designed to assist participants on their recovery journey.

The Y also offers opportunities for members to play a more active role in the Y’s mission of strengthening our community through the Togetherhood® volunteer program. Monthly events include activities like food and baby pantry drives, as well as holiday gift and meal drives. Togetherhood® members also assist with events such as the Red Bank Classic 5K, which benefits the Red Bank Y’s third grade swim program.

“Every person who belongs to the Y is more than just a member,” said Goganzer. “They’re a friend, an inspiration, a support network. We’ve created a community that carries out our mission of hope by giving back to each other and to those in need.”

The Y will also host open houses on the same day and time at the Freehold Family YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold, 07728, the Old Bridge Family YMCA, 1 Mannino Drive, Old Bridge, 08857, and the Ocean County YMCA, 1088 W Whitty Road, Toms River, 08755.

For more information about the open house, membership, summer day camps or other YMCA programs, visit www.YMCAnj.org.

About YMCA of the Jersey Shore
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Based in Shrewsbury, NJ, we serve 42,000 people annually in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. From lifesaving swim lessons and child care to mental health support and chronic disease prevention, we offer programs that uplift people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. With a legacy of more than 150 years of service, we’re proud to be named a USA Today Top Workplace for 2025 and Top Workplace in New Jersey 2022-2025 by NJ Advance Media.

Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.