Mission & Vision

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MISSION

The Ridgewood YMCA offers programs and community connections that positively impact lives through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, building spirit, mind and body for all.

The Ridgewood YMCA is a nonprofit charitable organization that serves youth, adults, and families founded on Christian principles and committed to strengthening our Northern New Jersey and Camp Bernie communities since 1902, as part of a worldwide YMCA.

VISION

As a leader and partner in our ever-changing community, the Ridgewood YMCA seeks to be a preeminent community hub, offering multifaceted programs which enhance individual and family well-being. By 2024, we seek to double our impact and serve 50,000 children, teens and adults, welcoming all throughout our communities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

“Our Commitment to Inclusion: The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach goals, build relationships, and feel that they belong.
Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—they guide everything we do.”

OUR CAUSE DEFINES US

We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why, at the Ridgewood 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, grow and thrive.

OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR COMMUNITY 

The Y is a nonprofit like no other. That’s because in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change.

  • The Y is community centered. For 120 years, we’ve been listening and responding to our communities.
  • The Y brings people together. We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.
  • The Y nurtures potential. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
  • The Y has local presence and global reach. We mobilize local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change.MCA

OUR IMPACT IS FELT EVERY DAY 

Serving all incomes, ages and abilities

We served more than 22,000 people in diverse communities within the state of New Jersey. We bring together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Scholarships, subsidies and outreach provide critical access to low-income families.

Serving vulnerable populations in our community

  • Children: Our YMCA serves 20,061, members – 62.5% of those members are children and youth. The YMCA provides a wide range of activities to foster healthy, productive children including teen clubs, sports leagues, family nights and community service projects. All youth activities incorporate the YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
  • Low Income Families: We are one of the largest providers of affordable summer camps for youth and teens in our area. We offer high-quality overnight and day camp programs to working families regardless of ability to pay.
  • Seniors: One of the fastest growing segments of our membership are members over 60 years of age. We provide group exercise, swim instruction, senior fellowship club and senior fitness day specifically to meet the needs of that population.

With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.