Y-Stories
May 16, 2012

Today, the YMCA of the USA announced the election of Newark Y President and CEO, Michael C. Bright, to a three year term as a member of the national board of the YMCA of the USA. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve the national YMCA in this capacity. I can think of no better opportunity to impact lives. I started my career with the hope that I could change one life; I now have the chance to change millions through the great work the YMCA does nationally." says Bright.
“The Y stands on the shoulders of the national board as we look to advance our cause to improve everyday life and help children, families and individuals learn, grow and thrive,” says Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of Y-USA. The national board will ensure that Ys across the country have the leadership, resources and support needed to have a positive impact in this country.”
Michael Bright began his 16-year YMCA career as program director at the Newark YMCA and has held executive positions at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, the Five Points Family YMCA in New Jersey and the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester in New York. He returned to the Newark Y as Chief Operating Officer in 2007 and has served as President and CEO since July 0f 2011. Bright is a member of the Y's Multicultural Executive Development Program, African-American Executive Forum and Multicultural Mentoring Program, and board member of the Association of YMCA Professionals - a professional development organization of the Y. A native of Monessen, PA, Bright holds bachelor's degrees in English and history from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, where he was a Hall of Fame basketball player.
Y-USA also announced the election of Sharon Allen, the retired Chairman of Deloitte LLP, as the new chair of the national board. Bright was one of four new board members elected to serve three-year terms. Also elected were:
David Barahona, Finance Associate Manager of PepsiCo, Inc.
Janet Collins, Ph.D., Associate Director for Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and Director of the Rock Creek Group
Congratulations Michael!
May 14, 2012

On April 4th, Actor Michael K. Williams, known for his outstanding performances on the hit HBO shows The Wire and Boardwalk Empire, visited the Newark Y for a tour of the Emergency Residence Program. CEO Michael Bright and Residence Director Mabel Elmore led the tour and introduced Mr. Williams to shelter residents. Mr. Williams delivered a message of hope and determination to our residents and staff. His personal experience of being homeless has given him a passion for bringing inspiration to the homeless.
The Newark Y is delighted that Mr. Williams has agreed to participate in the Emergency Residence Program’s 30
th Anniversary celebration in August. Details to follow. For more information about the Emergency Residence Program,
click here.
May 12, 2012
Under gorgeous blue skies, a crowd of 150 enjoyed the Newark Y's Healthy Kids Day® - a free community event for kids and families.
Highlights of the day included face painting, dance, sports, fitness assessments, interactive activities, basketball skills and drills clinics and fitness games. Central Ward Councilman Darren Sharif addressed and inspired the crowd. In addition, the Newark YMCA was proud to host representatives from 4-H, Nike Factory Store, EFNEP/Snap Ed Programs, Fight 2 B Fit, Healthy Families/TANF Initiative for Parents-Essex, Healthy Heritage Kitchen, My Body and Me, NJ Family Care, NJ Partnership for Healthy Kids, NJTV Communications, OFA- Voters Registration, Save Latin America, Sistas in Fitness & Health, and WNBA NY Liberty.
Healthy Kids Day at the Newark YMCA was supported by the Newark Central Ward Councilman Darin Sharif. Thanks to all who made this an exciting, inspiring event!
Click here for more photos!
May 05, 2012
They need us. We need you. On May 4th, the Newark YMCA launched its Strong Kids Campaign, which will run until June 4th.

Every year, the Newark Y affects the lives of over 8,000 people.
Every day, the YMCA provides shelter for the homeless, teaches children new skills, and helps people get on the path to healthy living. When you give to the Y, you continue to strengthen our community and move us all forward. As we work for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y uses your gift to make a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.
All Strong Kids Campaign donations go to the YMCA Financial Assistance Fund, which helps provide care to the homeless and scholarships to children and families in need. Every donation is fully tax-deductible and 100% of the money you donate will go directly to help someone in need.
Our campaign goal is $100,000, and as of May 10th, we have received $61,970 in pledges. Click
Give to the Y to make your donation today.
They need us. We need you.
Check out out Strong Kids Campaign brochure below.
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Y-News
Discover this summer!
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May 17, 2012
Find out all about our amazing new specialty camps at our Summer Camp Open House on Saturday, May 19th from 10-2 at 600 Broad Street. Your kids will thank you!
May 16, 2012
The Newark Y is delighted to be a host venue for a presentation of Newark’s Master Plan - the official document that guides decisions about development and improvement in our communities will be discussed. All are welcome: Thursday, May 24th, 6 PM at 600 Broad Street.
May 15, 2012
Find out how much fun your summer can be! Summer memberships available for the whole family! Great rates and no joiner's fee...
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Pool re-opened at 600 Broad Street
Better than ever!
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May 14, 2012
Would you like to learn to swim? Join the swim team? Check out our awesome aquatics programs . . .
April 20, 2012
The YMWCA of Newark and Vicinity was one of 235 Ys nationwide to receive a $5,000 grant from jcpenney to provide more school-aged children with financial assistance to attend afterschool programs at the Y.
April 20, 2012
Members: Get ready for summer with the Commit To Fit program! Click the link for all the details!
Join the Y Team This Summer!
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April 01, 2012
Experienced, energetic staff sought for Y Summer Day Camp! Click the link for more information . . .
Newark Y Fights Childhood Obesity
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March 20, 2012
Newark is one of five communities across the state to be funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to change policies affecting children's health and childhood obesity.
March 12, 2012
Fun for the whole family in our Spring Program Guide (March 4- June 23)
January 01, 2012
In New Jersey, 31 YMCAs with 49 branches have launched a cooperative program called “My Y is Every Y.” Y members are welcome to visit participating facilities at no cost.
“This program is an unprecedented step in strengthening the Ys impact on health and wellness in New Jersey,” said Michael Bright, President & CEO of The Newark YMCA.
Click on the headline above for a list of participating Y’s.