West Essex YMCA Invites Community Support for New Livingston Facility

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The West Essex YMCA is inviting the community to take part in an exciting new chapter for Livingston: the development of a modern, 56,000-square-foot YMCA facility designed to serve families, children, and seniors for generations to come.

With more than $5 million already raised through early support, the Capital Campaign for the new Y is now open to the broader community, offering local residents, families, and businesses the opportunity to help bring the vision to life.

“This new YMCA will be far more than a building. It will be a place where families grow stronger, children discover their potential, seniors find connection, and neighbors become a true community,” said Deborah Kessler, Chief Development Officer for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people across Livingston and West Essex to come together and be part of something lasting.”

Learn More at Community Events

To give residents an opportunity to explore the project, learn about ways to support it, and ask questions, the West Essex YMCA will host a series of Community Breakfast events at the branch at 321 S. Livingston Ave:

• Wednesday, June 17
• Saturday, July 11
• Wednesday, July 22
• Saturday, Aug. 1

All sessions will take place from 8:30–11 a.m. and provide a chance to connect with YMCA leadership and learn more about the new facility.

Donor Recognition Opportunity

Those who make a gift by Aug. 31, 2026 will be permanently recognized on the donor wall inside the new facility—a lasting tribute to the individuals, families, and businesses helping make the project possible.

Recognition begins at gifts of $250, with additional opportunities available at higher giving levels.

Donors will receive invitations to exclusive preview events and opening celebrations.

A Lasting Community Investment

The new West Essex YMCA, opening late this year, will expand access to essential programs and services, including:

• Early childhood education
• Before- and after-school care
• Summer camp
• Health and wellness programs
• Senior engagement and social connection

As with all Y programs, financial assistance will be available to help ensure access for all members of the community, regardless of income.

“The Y has been a fixture in Livingston for more than 60 years, and this new facility will build on that legacy,” said Matthew Jarmel, a Metro YMCA board member and dedicated supporter of the Y. “We’re creating a space where people can gather, connect, and support healthy living at every stage of life—from children to seniors. I hope the entire community is as excited about the YMCA as I am.”

Call to Action

Gifts of all sizes are welcome. To learn more or make a contribution, visit thenewlivingstonymca.org or contact Development Director Alisa Laudicina at alaudicina@metroymcas.org.

The construction of the new Y is made possible with financial support from Mandelbaum Barrett PC, the Township of Livingston, State of New Jersey, U.S. Federal Government, Egner Family Estate, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Vericon Construction, Livingston Rotary Club, Livingston Kiwanis Club, Staaterman Strategic Consulting, Investors Foundation, and The Believers.

More information about the project is available at thenewlivingstonymca.org.

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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.