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Edwin practices archery

2 min read

A Second Home That Helped Edwin Find His Voice

When Edwin first arrived at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, he was quiet, hesitant, and unsure of what the week ahead would bring. His mother Shannon...

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Richard Pinck

2 min read

From Apathy to Action: How One Veteran Found Motivation Again at the Y

For more than 12 years, New Jersey veteran Richard Pinck lived by a standard. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, and the National Guard,...

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Maria Silvera and her children, Jose and Jayleen

2 min read

Financial Assistance Transforms Child Care Experience for Family

When Maria Silvera’s previous child care option lacked activities, enrichment, and the extended hours she needed as a working parent, she decided to...

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Charge Ahead logo

2 min read

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...

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Edna Couture

1 min read

YMCA Member Story: Regaining Strength, Thanks to the Y

The YMCA has given me strength to keep moving forward through my toughest challenges. I was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider on Oct. 30, 2022. I...

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 Sue Mayer after running the Lake Placid Half Marathon in June 2024.

1 min read

YMCA Member Story: A 20-Year Journey with the Y

For 20 years the Y has been the place where I swim, use the elliptical, and run. It's only a few miles from my home and was a slight diversion to get...

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Blair with her husband Mike and children, Peyton and Parker.

2 min read

YMCA's LIVESTRONG® Program Empowers Mom to Rebuild Strength

When Blair Scrudato received the news that she had breast cancer, she remembers thinking, “I can’t die.” “I’m young, I’m not even 40 yet,” she...

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Stock image of young girl and mother having a joyful moment together.

2 min read

YMCA Story: Achieving a 'Life-Changing Goal'

A parent from the West Essex YMCA shared this testimonial. The family wished to remain anonymous, but their experience is shared with their...

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