February 6, 2024
From November 20 through December 20, 2023, YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties welcomed 2,631 individuals into their branches to use the Y for free with the 2023 “Here For Our Community” initiative. With over 5,000 total visits, community members improved their physical, mental and emotional health during what can be a very challenging time of year.
For the third consecutive year, the YMCA committed resources to help the community improve health and well-being during the winter holidays. During those times, the “Here For Our Community” initiative provided over 9000 individuals with over 22,000 free visits to connect and engage with others to meet social, physical and mental well-being needs.
"We were looking to be more active," explained Lois Dornan, who with her husband Brian, visited the Deer Path branch in Flemington during
"Here For Our Community.” "You don't realize how sedentary you are until you get up and start moving. It's not so easy! The staff was so welcoming and friendly, and we have friends from the community who are members. So we joined.”
The Dornans now visit the Deer Path branch throughout the week for introductory personal training and active older adult classes. "The exercises are doable but challenging,” Dornan continued. “[Instructor] Jill Waskiewicz explains how the exercises help us, like for balance, for example.
"Walking into the gym with all the equipment can be intimidating, so the personal trainer is teaching us about how best to use the equipment for our benefit."
As part of the initiative, the YMCA made fitness centers, pools, gymnasiums and classes available for free at all seven branches. Free virtual wellness was also open to the entire community through Y Wellness 24/7. The virtual platform provides thousands of weekly live and on-demand health and wellness programs for all abilities and interests.
“Studies prove time and again that loneliness is a major health issue in communities across the country, especially during the winter holidays,” stated Zane Moore, president and CEO of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “Here For Our Community opens the doors to the Y and says come together here. We’re here for you.”