Metro YMCA Kicks Off 2026 ‘Charge Ahead’ Campaign

LIVINGSTON, NJ – When Kaitlyn Ghiassi and her husband moved to New Jersey so he could begin an unpaid medical rotation, their young family faced financial strain and uncertainty. Their son Danial, who was 2-years-old, was struggling with some speech delays and needed opportunities to socialize, explore, and grow. Kaitlyn hoped to give him normal childhood experiences during this transition and turned to the YMCA.

With support from the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, Danial enrolled in child care at the West Essex YMCA’s Peanut Shell Early Childhood Learning Center and began to thrive. His social, emotional, and intellectual skills progressed rapidly, and he found a place where he could develop confidence, curiosity, and connection.

Stories like Danial’s reflect the heart of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges’ 2026 “Charge Ahead” Annual Support Campaign. This annual fundraising initiative calls on the community to help more children and families move forward with opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.

A Community Call to Action

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, a leading non-profit organization serving Bergen, Essex, and Sussex counties, invites individuals, businesses, and the community to join its mission to ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds can access critical programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

“At the YMCA, every act of generosity has the power to amplify our impact, and that spirit is what drives our ‘Charge Ahead’ campaign this year,” said Deb Kessler, Chief Development Officer for the Metro YMCAs. “Each gift strengthens a child’s confidence, helps families build healthier, more sustainable routines, and ensures all community members from children through seniors have the connection and belonging they need to thrive. Your generosity provides access and opportunities to essential Y programming for your community. This year, I invite everyone to Charge Ahead with us — so we can transform lives today and build a stronger, more connected community for tomorrow.”

The public phase of this year’s campaign will run February through April, encouraging supporters to make a one-time gift or monthly pledge. Every contribution helps expand access to YMCA programs and services, ensuring financial barriers never prevent someone from participating.

Across its six branches, the Metro YMCA aims to raise $2.13 million through the Charge Ahead campaign to provide more children, adults, and families with life‑changing opportunities, regardless of their ability to pay. Approximately 1 in 4 participants relies on YMCA financial assistance to access programs such as child care, swim lessons, wellness programs, and summer camp.

“‘Charge Ahead’ reflects our commitment to moving our communities forward with purpose and optimism,” said Richard K. Gorab, President and CEO of the Metro YMCA of the Oranges. “At the Y, your gift powers brighter futures every single day. Together, we fuel every child’s potential by ensuring young people have the confidence, skills, and opportunities they need to grow. And together, we empower every child, family, and neighbor to lead healthier, more connected lives. When you give to the Y, you help drive that momentum, strengthening our community today and building a foundation of hope and opportunity for generations to come.”

For more information about the Y’s work and to donate, visit metroymcas.org/annual-campaign.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.