OUR MISSION

The Summit Area YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every individual, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We are a cause driven, volunteer led, nonprofit organization working to support and strengthen the foundations of community. 

OUR HISTORY

The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Our holistic approach to wellness focuses on building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. 

Our branches include the Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA and The Learning Circle YMCA and they are vital, vibrant, and valued centers in the community, which provide meaningful experiences for individuals and families. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit.

All of our programs and services are infused with the Y core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility, which build character and enhance self-esteem. In response to community need, the Summit Area YMCA is proud to offer free programming open to all members of our local community. These free programs include 7th Grade Initiative, Child Abuse Prevention Training, Healthy Hearts Cardiac Maintenance, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Cancer Rehabilitation , Active Military Memberships, Educational Lectures, Cultural Events, Special Needs Activities, Second Grade Learn to Swim, Teen Programs like college prep and more.

3 AREAS OF IMPACT

For Youth Development
Empowering young people to reach their full potential

For Healthy Living
Improving individual and community well-being

For Social Responsibility
Providing support and inspiring action in our communities

4 CORE VALUES

CARING
Show a sincere concern for others

HONESTY
Be truthful in what you say and do

RESPECT
Treat each other as we'd all like to be treated

RESPONSIBILITY
Be accountable for your promises and actions

The Summit Area YMCA is also changing the way individuals, who are engaged in civic and charitable organizations, collaborate to provide practical and affordable answers to large-scale community issues such as child care, childhood obesity, and the achievement gap among students. Because we are a volunteer-led organization, we are grateful for the time, talent, and resources that our volunteers share to advance the Y’s mission.

The Summit Area YMCA is the first Diversity, Inclusion and Global Innovation Network YMCA in New Jersey committed to creating a culture in which diversity and inclusion are integral to everyday operations. Through welcoming, inclusive practices and environments, we welcome and engage all people from all diverse groups of the community to help and create lasting, meaningful change. We at the Y realize that in order to better the world around us and for the future, we must unite and work towards the strengthening of the individual in mind, body and spirit.. For a stronger individual. For a united community. For a better us.