Newark NJ – February 16, 2022: The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is pleased to announce that our President/CEO, Michael C. Bright has been elected to the first Small to Mid-Size YMCA CEO Advisory Board.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve on the first Small to Mid-Size CEO Network Advisory Board as it reflects the great work of the Newark YMCA and the great staff team I have the pleasure of working with.  As an Advisory Board member, my goal is to ensure Small to Mid-Size Y’s have a platform, a voice, and support to be successful.  In the YMCA world, if you have seen one YMCA, you have seen one YMCA.  That means no YMCA is a “cookie-cut” operation and we all have our own unique programs and services.  Our ability to connect with the community and meet the community’s needs is the lifeblood of our existence.  This role will allow me to ensure ALL Y’s have access to success.”

The YMCA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.

Founded in London in 1844, the Y has grown into one of the largest organizations focused on strengthening communities in the U.S. and around the world, serving more than 64 million people in 120 countries.

As the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to helping people and communities learn, grow and thrive, our contributions are both far-reaching and long-lasting — from driving positive social change across the country, to the individual support we provide people of all ages.

Since 1881, the Newark YMCA has served the needs of the communities of Bayonne, Belleville,  East Newark, Harrison, Irvington, Jersey City, Kearny, Newark, and Nutley through an array of programs and services. Our Mission is to be a resource for individuals, families, and the communities we serve to improve the quality of life through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.  We accomplish our mission through our areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.