Are you someone that knows Salem County has a YMCA, but not really sure what that means for you?  I was that person.  I really wasn’t sure what I should expect from the Y, or really even what to ask for.  That’s why I was very happy to have the opportunity to have a little Q & A with Deanna Sakaguchi from the YMCA.  Keep reading to become a little more enlightened on this great community friendly business. 

Q:  Can you give us an overview of your agency?  How it fits into the community, how it stands out, etc.? 

The YMCA of Salem County offers over 150 programs to our communities in activities that range from health and wellness to programs in the arts. Our Wellness Center and indoor swimming pool offer key opportunities for health seekers of all ages. Other activities include youth sports programs, after school program, Summer Day Camp, Friday Family Nights and Saturday Youth Fun Nights.  We offer facility usage for many community groups including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, Youth Football and Youth Wrestling. The Y offers youth, family and senior scholarships in the form of financial assistance to those who cannot afford a Y membership or participation in our programs. Area churches and other non-profit organizations use our facility for special events on a regular basis. The Y is part of The Family Enrichment Network (FEN) which is a group of non-profit agencies coming together in Salem County to identify the needs of families in our area. This venture is funded by The Pascale Sykes Foundation.

Q:  How long has your agency served our community?

The YMCA was established in 1922. 

Q:  What changes have taken place within your agency/business/program that you would like to share with our readers? 

Last year we hired a new executive director, Mr. Bill Butler.  He has brought with him a new energy and lots of new programming for youth and families.  In Oct. 2011 the Y held a huge Free Halloween party open to the public and in Dec. 2011 the Y held a huge Free Holiday party open to the public.  Mr. Butler wants people to come and enjoy themselves at the Y.   

MK: I think it’s great that there are opportunities for the public to come out and have a great day with their family at the Y.  I was very excited to have events such as those to list in the newsletter. 

Q:  Are there new programs that have been started in your agency?

The Y has started Family Nights.  Every Friday night between 6-8pm the Y will host Family Night.  This is a free event for all YMCA Members.  Every 1^st Friday of the month is Movie Night which is open to the public.  Free for Y members and $1.00 kids and $2.00 for adults.  Starting soon will be Saturday Fun Youth Nights.  This will be a program for youths 7 and up and free for Y Members.  Parents can drop-off their youth at the Y for hours of fun activities which would include swimming, Wii games, Exergaming, crafts and more.      

MK: What a great opportunity.  Please keep me updated! 

Q:  You have already touched on the family programs you are providing.  Can you go into more detail about some of the family nights? 

Family nights include:  Swimming and splash time, Movie Night, Game night, Dance, Dance Revolution, Wii Games and much more.   

Q:  So you don’t have to be a member to participate in all the Y offers, but being a member means….?”   

If you are a Y member all of these activities are completely FREE.  There are some activates, like Movie Night that are open to the public and certain largely events like Halloween, Christmas, Healthy Kids Day and Family Fun Day in September. 

Q:  Is there anything else you want our readers to know about your program? 

The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.  We strive to improve the lives of everyone in our community. The Y offers a Summer Day Camp, Youth Basketball program, Youth volleyball and much more.  Starting in September 2012, the Y will be a fully licensed SACC (School Aged Child Care) facility and will offer very affordable rates so that everyone will have the opportunity to attend the program and benefit from all the Y has to offer. 

MK: I think it’s very exciting that the YMCA is becoming so involved in the community, and is offering so many great programs.  I really hope that families in our community have a chance to take advantage of these exciting programs! 

Do you have any lingering questions about the Y?  Are you interested in knowing how to get a membership for your family?  Here’s all the information you need to get in touch with Deanna at the YMCA:

Physical Address:  204 Shell Road Carneys Point, NJ 08069

Web Address: www.myymca.net

Phone: 856-299-1494, Fax:  859-299-2309