YMCA Regular Summer Day Camps Canceled

YMCA Regular Summer Day Camps Canceled

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On Friday, May 22, the YMCA of Montclair announced the difficult decision to cancel our 12 regularly scheduled summer day camps. Based on the current requirements for emergency child care, we could not run our traditional camp season, held in many locations, and ensure the health and safety of our campers, and our staff. We are deeply saddened by this decision, one that was not made lightly, but we are confident that this is the right choice as we consider the health and safety risk factors still present in our community.

We are tentatively planning for a limited capacity camp for 4-10 year-olds at our Geyer Family and Park Street branches. There we would be able to manage camper/staff ratios, cleaning, and safety checks required by current emergency child care protocols. If the State of New Jersey decides that camp cannot be held this year, we will not offer any this summer.  We hope to welcome back all our campers for a happy return in 2021.

YMCA of Montclair Welcomes New Board Members

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The YMCA of Montclair welcomes Valerie Allusson, MD and Kevin Dibble, JD to our Board of Directors.

 

Valerie Allusson, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair. Dr. Allusson graduated Magna cum Laude with a Doctor of Medicine from the Université de Paris Sud, is board certified in internal medicine completing her residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and holds a Masters in Medical Management from Carnegie Melon University.

 

 

 

Kevin M. Dibble, JD, is the Senior Legal Counsel responsible for transactional and related legal matters, and Managing Director in charge of investment oversight team at Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP. Mr. Dribble received his Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from State University of New York at Geneseo.

YMCA of Montclair Partners with Hackensack Merdian Health Mountainside Medical Center and Rao’s Homemade to Meet COVID19 Need on #GivingTuesdayNow

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Montclair, NJ – The YMCA of Montclair in partnership with Hackensack Merdian Health Mountainside Medical Center and Rao’s Homemade participated in #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, a global day of giving and unity in response to the urgent needs of the greater Montclair community during the COVID19 crisis.

The day is designed to drive an influx of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.

“Although our Y is closed to the public, our mission remains to serve the needs of the community,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “We have pivoted to meet the safety and childcare needs of first responders, facilitate blood donations, reach out to isolated seniors, and feed those who are hungry. We do this with our partners the American Red Cross, Mountainside Medical Center, Toni’s Kitchen, and The Community Food Bank of NJ,” said Evans.

The YMCA of Montclair and Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center have partnered on healthy living initiatives for the past two years. Today, the two organizations work together to collect and distribute PPE equipment. Showing support and gratitude is an important part of #GivingTuesdayNow, so the Y asked its members and staff to take photos with signs of support for the employees of Mountainside Medical Center for a video. The video was posted on the Y’s social media channels and enewsletter and sent to Mountainside Medical Center. To view the video, the Youtube video link can be found at https://youtu.be/D1DwHMyig7w.

“Our partnership with YMCA of Montclair is based on our shared mission of strengthening community,” said John Fromhold, Chief Executive Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center. “We are grateful for the Y’s support and for the support shown by our community for the heroic work that our healthcare teams and support staff are doing to care for those affected by COVID-19. We are proud of and grateful for our team members’ dedication and commitment.”

Risa Cretella, Senior Vice President, Group Manager at Sovos Brands/Rao’s Homemade was looking for ways to help the community. Ms. Cretella checked in on how the Y was fairing during the shutdown, and out of this conversation came a partnership around the day of giving. Rao’s offered to match donations up to $5000 and provide a gift basket for those who donated $200. Addressing food need is a funding mission of Rao’s. Rao’s also supplied the makings of a pasta lunch for the children in the Y’s emergent childcare program for essential workers, many are children of Mountainside Medical Center employees. 

The day raised $7,165 and counting with 53 donors. The generous match provided by Rao’s Homemade added another $5,000 to the total. 

“Rao’s Homemade is proud to have our home office in Montclair. Demonstrating support for our surrounding community is extremely important to us always, but especially during this time. We are honored to partner with the Montclair YMCA on this worldwide day of giving. The YMCA’s dedication to serving essential workers during this time of crisis is admirable and inspiring,” said Cretella. 

 Also lending their voices in support of the Y are Montclair notables Evie Colbert, Founding Board Member and President of the Board of Montclair Film; Jeh Johnson, Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Bobbi Brown, CEO at Beauty Evolution, Founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics; and Bill Hurlock, 1st Ward Council Member. Each one has created a video in support of the Y’s #StayWithUs campaign. The campaign asks Y members to continue paying their membership dues as a donation. More supporters’ videos will be added in the coming weeks. 

 “We are so grateful to our donors and partners for helping the Y help others,” said Evans. “We look forward to the day when we can welcome everyone back through our doors. But until then, the safety and health of our community are paramount. Stay safe and be well.”

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About YMCA of Montclair

The YMCA of Montclair was founded in 1891 and is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for programs and membership and school-aged childcare to residents of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and Verona. The Y also offers financial assistance for camp to residents of Bloomingdale, Haskell, and West Milford. Members benefit from healthy lifestyle-related core programs, including aquatics, childcare, day camp, family activities, health and wellness, sports, and teen programs. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

About Mountainside Medical Center

Mountainside Medical Center has been serving Montclair and its surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The hospital provides patients immediate access to innovative and effective treatment alternatives at specialized centers within the hospital that focus on imaging, women’s health, cancer care, surgery, obesity, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Mountainside Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services and is one of only a few community hospitals licensed by the State to perform emergency cardiac angioplasty. To learn more about Mountainside Medical Center visit www.mountainsidehosp.com.

About GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past eight years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

YMCA of Montclair Partners with the American Red Cross to Conduct Blood Drives

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The YMCA of Montclair joined the many Ys across the country that are helping to address an urgent, ongoing need for blood donations. On Monday, April 13, more than 50 donors attended the first scheduled blood drive at the Park Street YMCA. A total of 21 pints of blood, which saves 63 lives, was collected in response to the growing blood shortage across the region. The Y thanks those who came out to donate, including YMCA of Montclair President and CEO Buddy Evans and Vice President of Operations Ann-Margaret Gutierrez.

“We are extremely grateful to those individuals who are supporting this life-saving cause,” said Evans. “Though our buildings are closed, our hearts are open. We are here to serve our community by addressing essential needs during this health crisis.”

Extra precautions are taken during these blood drives to ensure the safety of donors and volunteers. Protocols include temperature checks at entrance, adhering to social distancing guidelines throughout the donation process, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and medical supplies. The Red Cross also requires that donors schedule appointments to give blood.

The next Park Street YMCA blood drive is scheduled for May 1. According to redcrossblood.org, all donor appointment slots for this drive are filled. The need for blood is constant. Please check redcrossblood.org for other local opportunities to give and future dates at the Park Street YMCA. All blood types are needed.

“The Red Cross encourages individuals to keep scheduled blood donation appointments when possible and to make new blood donation appointments for the weeks and months ahead to ensure a stable supply throughout this pandemic,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Thank you to all blood donors and blood drive hosts who are helping and to all who will be.”

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About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About the YMCA of Montclair
The YMCA of Montclair was founded in 1891 and is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for programs and membership and school-aged childcare to residents of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and Verona. The Y also offers financial assistance for camp to residents of Bloomingdale, Haskell, and West Milford. Members benefit from healthy lifestyle-related core programs, including aquatics, childcare, day camp, family activities, health and wellness, sports, and teen programs. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

Questions Regarding Membership and Program Fees

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During this incredibly difficult and uncertain time, the values that the Y stand for are more important than ever. We are so much more than the sum of our parts – exercise classes, after school care, swim lessons—we are a community organization, open to all, and committed to strengthening the mind, body, and spirit of all who pass through our doors. Despite having to close temporarily to protect our members and our staff, our commitment to community remains.

Many of our members have reached out with questions about how we will handle memberships, as well as lessons and programs that will not take place during our closure.

Membership. All members have a choice.

  • Some of our members have volunteered to keep drafting their memberships each month as a way to help support the Y in this difficult time. We are so grateful for this demonstration of support and solidarity. If you are willing to donate your monthly membership during our closure, please contact Anneke at ADemarest@montclairymca.org.
  • We are asking our members to consider the final two weeks of March membership dues a donation to the Y as we work to maintain our operations in the face of this shutdown. If this is your choice – we offer you a heartfelt thank you. No actions are necessary. If you choose to not make this donation, please contact Lisa at LKievit@montclairymca.org or call 973-744-3400 between the hours of 10am-3pm for a partial refund.
  • In April, we have automatically put everyone’s membership on hold, waiving the $10 hold fee. You will not be charged for your membership until we open again. No actions are necessary.
  • If you have paid for a full-year membership up-front, we will extend your membership by the length of time that the Y needs to be closed. If instead, you require a refund for the period of time that the Y is closed, please contact Lisa at LKievit@montclairymca.org or call 973-744-3400 between the hours of 10am-3pm for a partial refund.
  • We know many people may experience great economic uncertainty at this time. We understand that you may find it necessary to cancel your membership. We would be sad to see you leave us but if you find it necessary to do so, you can cancel your membership by contacting Lisa at LKievit@montclairymca.org or call 973-744-3400 between the hours of 10am-3pm.

Lessons and Programs. While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, we hope to see you or your child again sometime soon – at a swim lesson, in youth sports, a personal training session, or any of our other great programming! Here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Receive a credit: Currently, enrolled members in our ongoing programs will receive credits towards future classes this year if we are not able to schedule makeup classes once we reopen. If you choose to not accept the credit, please contact LKievit@montclairymca.org or call 973-744-3400 between the hours of 10am-3pm for a refund.

School-Aged Child Care Program.

  • We are asking our SACC members to consider the final two weeks of your March payment a donation to the Y. If this is your choice – again we offer you a heartfelt thank you on behalf of our staff. No actions are necessary. If you prefer a portion of your March payment shift to a credit to a future period, please contact Lisa at LAulisi@montclairymca.org. Going forward, we will not draft as long as school is closed.
  • Please note, If you require a refund, we will need to cancel your enrollment in our program. Once you cancel, we will refund a portion of the fees paid in March. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee your spot will be available if and when you decide to return to the program.

If you are able, we ask that you invest in the future of our Y by maintaining your support through your membership and enrollment. As we face uncertain times ahead, we need your help to keep the Y a resource for everyone in our community since 1891, both now, and when we can re-open our doors. We know the Y is an extension of your family and we remain honored and committed to serving you.

Whatever you choose, we thank you for your support and understanding. Our community is strong, and together, we will get through this. We look forward to continuing to provide updates and resources and hope to see you again in person sometime very soon.

Please take care of yourself and one another,

Buddy Evans
President and CEO

YMCA Offers Emergency Childcare For Essential Workers During Pandemic

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The YMCA of Montclair is offering full-day licensed emergency childcare to families of health care workers, first responders, and other essential personnel who need care for their children during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Y has temporarily opened its Geyer Family YMCA facility to provide care under the supervision of experienced, nurturing childcare staff. Families do not need to be YMCA members to utilize this program. Families can register for days as needed.

“We want to make sure essential workers in our community have a safe place for their children to stay as they care for the growing numbers of those afflicted in our community during this pandemic,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair.

Locations, ages, and operating hours:
• Geyer Family YMCA 159 Glenridge Ave., Montclair
• Ages 3 months-13 years old (if your child has special needs, Y staff must review on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility for care)
• 6:30am – 7:30pm Monday through Friday

The State of New Jersey is currently covering the cost of childcare for essential workers, regardless of income. For more information, visit the state’s emergency childcare website.

To register as an essential employee who needs childcare, visit the registration page and select your county.

Applicants will be contacted by one of the state’s Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies within two business days to discuss the next steps. Additional documents may be requested from the State.

Children in care will enjoy activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), virtual learning assistance, physical fitness, and help with e-learning assignments. Families provide their own labeled meals and snacks, and children who have remote school assignments can bring their own electronic devices such as a tablet or laptop.

SAFETY OF CHILDREN AND STAFF

The YMCA follows national, state, and local guidelines for ensuring the health and safety of children being cared for during this pandemic. Staff has received training in practicing current cleaning and social distancing guidelines from public health authorities, including the CDC.

Families will need to complete required health forms upon registering, depending on their child’s age. The YMCA is taking extra safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including temperature checks of children upon entry, monitoring children for symptoms of illness through the day, and enhanced daily cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. Children and staff are required to wash their hands when they arrive and will wash hands frequently throughout the day. The Y will also use appropriate social distancing strategies, and parents will drop off children outside of the facility to limit adult entry.

For questions about enrollment, contact Justine Biendon, Child Care Director, YMCA of Montclair at jbiendon@montclairymca.org.

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About the YMCA of Montclair
The YMCA of Montclair has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community since 1891. We strengthen communities by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. We focus on empowering young people, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities.

We offer need-based financial assistance for programs, membership and school-aged childcare to residents of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and Verona. We also offer financial assistance for camp to residents of Bloomingdale, Haskell and West Milford. For more information about the YMCA of Montclair, visit montclairymca.org.