About Us

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

OUR HISTORY

Serving the community for over 95 years 

• Service area: Garfield, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park, Lodi, Wallington, Fairlawn, Passaic, and Clifton

Our Cause

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow.

The YMCA maintains a "Zero Tolerance" policy for child abuse and/or substance abuse.

Who We Are

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

• Youth Development - Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.
  Nine million youth are taking a greater interest in learning; making smarter life choices; and cultivating the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, the pursuit of higher education and goal achievement.
• Healthy Living - Improving the nation’s health and well-being.
  Millions of adults and youth receive the support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve better health and well-being.
• Social Responsibility - Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.
  Across the country, the Y helps people give back and assist their neighbors by offering them opportunities to volunteer, advocate and support programs that strengthen community.

The Y’s Impact

• More than 2,600 locations in 10,000 communities across the country.
• 21 million people (12 million adults and 9 million youth) of all ages, incomes, backgrounds, and abilities come to the Y to learn, grow and thrive.
• 500,000 volunteers – kids, parents, individuals, and business and community leaders –are personally vested in strengthening their communities.
• 20,000 full-time staff
• 64 million households and 32 million children ages 14 and under live within three miles of a YMCA, while 1,518 YMCAs serve communities where the median family income is below the U.S. average

Involvement at the Y

The Y hopes to engage more people in the communities it serves whether it is as a member, volunteer, supporter or advocate. All play a vital role in strengthening our communities. To learn more visit ymca.net. Each YMCA association is an independent, autonomous organization with its own governing board, professional staff, and assets.

The Garfield YMCA is proud to announce that we have been awarded Praesidium
Accreditation by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium
Accreditation is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has
worked to achieve the highest standards in abuse prevention.
To achieve Accreditation, the Garfield YMCA underwent a rigorous process to
implement Praesidium’s Accreditation Standards focusing on eight primary operational
areas within their organization: policies, screening and selection, training, monitoring
and supervision, consumer participation, internal feedback systems, responding and
administrative practices. Praesidium then verified the Garfield YMCA’s successful
implementation of these standards. The YMCA will be accredited for three years, and
during this time will commit to uphold fundamental organizational values and stringent
safety practices that demonstrate their commitment to protecting those in their care from
abuse.
Praesidium Accreditation provides solid proof of sound risk management practices and
the honor distinguishes the Garfield YMCA from others in their industry. “We are
pleased to send the message that we will not compromise the safety of those in our
care—for any reason,” said Patricia Gallagher, CEO of the Garfield YMCA. “As an
organization, we are dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care
safe from sexual abuse.”
Watch for new and updates from Praesidium in each newsletter in a section called
“Praesidium Practices.”

Making Charitable Donations to the Y

Your charitable donation to the YMCA will help us continue to serve our mission and help families in need of those services. For example, charitable donations can be used to set up scholarship funds, purchase new equipment, or deliver new programs. Corporate sponsorships of events are also possible. No amount is too small, and every gift helps make a difference. If you are interested in making a gift to the Garfield Y, you may send your check made out to the Garfield YMCA to 33 Outwater Lane Garfield NJ 07026. To discuss your gift further, or for more information please email info@garfieldymca.com for an appointment.  Online gifts are also accepted by following this link

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