About Us

ALWAYS HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY

 Michael Bright, President and CEO,  illustrates the ways in which the Newark Y engages our community:

Labor's View – A Michael Bright Interview, CEO of YMWCA of Newark from Endless Echo on Vimeo.

• This year, 8,000 people – nearly half of them kids – will come to the Newark Y to learn, grow and thrive.  At the Newark Y, we engage our community by promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

• We are a thriving community joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

• To bring about meaningful change, individuals need ongoing encouragement. The Newark Y is here to provide the resources and bring people together to focus on the things that matter the most in our community – from childhood obesity to homelessness. We empower every child, adult and family to strive for health, confidence and connection.

  

Since 1881, the Newark YMWCA has been a beacon of hope, serving the needs of many.

Today, we continue to provide:   

• Afterschool programs that bring peace of mind to parents
• Shelter and support to families in crisis
• Swimming lessons and sports clinics for children
• Opportunities for volunteers to make a difference
• A place for health seekers to attain a new level of fitness and well-being.

Our mission is to provide opportunities for individual growth, youth and family development and overall enhancement of the quality of life in our community through programs that include health, housing, recreation, education and social direction.

Here's some of what we do:

HEALTH:

Last year, almost 1,200 members enjoyed the health and wellness benefits available at our two branches: they played basketball on our full court gym or spent their lunch hour playing racquetball, they participated in fitness classes, used our treadmills and other cardio machines, lifted weights or enjoyed the sauna and steam rooms. 

HOUSING:

For more than 100 years,  the Y has found a variety of ways to meet the housing needs of the Newark community. During the last year, the Y offered safe, affordable housing and shelter to those who needed it through the following programs:  

Residence: On any given night, up to 134 people from all around the world found safe, low-cost housing at the Newark YMWCA’s residence. A total of  28,380 bed nights were logged during the year.

Emergency Shelter: Last year 2,268 people found safe, supportive shelter at the Newark YMWCA, for a total of 71,175 bed nights. Of this number, more than half were children. The YMWCA provides an array of services to help families get back on their feet, including a food pantry, case management, counseling and referrals.

Youth Emergency Shelter:  Last year 119 Teens(ages 13-17) were sheltered for up to 45 days each. While at the YMWCA, these teens in crisis received counseling, mentorship, life skills training, and other support services. 

RECREATION, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL DIRECTION: We have long had a firm commitment to strengthening the character and improving the education of our youth. Last year, our youth programs grew in variety and numbers, while holding fast to our core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

After School Programs: During the past year, 104 children were able to thrive in our after school program. At the Y, exciting learning opportunities, unparalleled sports programs, strong friendships and caring mentors are just the beginning. The children in our after school program gain support for their academic efforts and improve their physical fitness through CATCH, our obesity prevention program. All this leads to better school performance, health and wellness.

Camp Linwood: Since 1959, the YMWCA has offered a wide range of recreational and educational activities at Camp Linwood in rural Sussex County, New Jersey. Our experienced staff offers education and hospitality to a wide variety of groups, from family reunions to science classes to church congregations. Camp Linwood boasts a wide range of recreational and education activities, comfortable lodging and delicious meals. Last year, 3,800 children and adults from 60 different groups participated in activities from kayaking to bird watching.

Summer Day Camp: The YMWCA provides an excellent day camp program for nearly 150 children throughout the Newark area.  In addition to swimming in the pool, playing in the gym, and participating in varied programs in our diverse space, campers spent time at Camp Linwood, in peaceful Sussex County. Campers hiked through miles of trails, went for a swim or just sat under a tree to sketch their surroundings. Once a week, campers went on local field trips to enhance their cultural and educational experience.