RED BANK – The Two River Times incorrectly reported in last week’s edition that The Community YMCA would not be ending their complimentary child membership program for borough students.
In fact, the program will be terminated for nearly 220 youths effective Sept. 1 as the nonprofit transitions to its new YCares Financial Assistance initiative.
In a statement issued to The Two River Times July 2, The Community YMCA said its goal “is to ensure a smooth transition and retain 100% of families who are currently members of the Healthy Kids program, regardless of the ability to pay. We will also continue complimentary membership for active Red Bank Volunteer Firefighters and offer a special rate of 20% off of adult memberships for Red Bank Borough Police Officers.”
The Two River Times interpreted the statement to mean children will continue to be included in the courtesy membership program, along with considerations for first responders. But that was not what the organization meant, said Teicia Gaupp, the organization’s director of marketing and social media. The complimentary membership program for children will finish by the end of summer, she said.
“We have been in touch with families in the program and those outside of it who also need support. We’re not turning anyone away. The mission is to help everybody who needs it,” Gaupp said July 3.
According to Gaupp, the programming and access currently offered to those students with complimentary memberships will not change once the transition is made. “It will remain a full child membership,” she said.
The biggest difference between the two programs is the subsidized funding for memberships.
Those who wish to participate in the YCares Financial Assistance program will need to fill out an application; financial assistance toward a membership may be provided based on need. Previously, any student attending a Red Bank public school through eighth grade automatically received a free membership upon request.
In a July 8 interview Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna said the borough council has “not committed to acknowledging (the YMCA’s) statement,” but added the governing body is “100 percent engaged in resisting the action.”
Gaupp said new YMCA members interested in the YCares Financial Assistance program will be subject to the application process, but the families of current child membership holders can work directly with Community YMCA executive director Katie McAdoo on the transition.
Menna believes the Community YMCA has lost the confidence of the families they hope to keep.
“Frankly, their policy to have school age kids fill out complicated forms asking for personal information is not going to have too many takers in the age of ICE raids,” Menna said.
The Y’s statement continued: “We are currently working with our community partners and the Red Bank school district to outreach and ensure a continuum of access with the deepest impact. We acknowledge the public concern over these changes, thank those who have provided feedback, and value being part of an incredibly caring community.”
Red Bank Borough Schools superintendent Jared Rumage scheduled a meeting with school leadership for the evening of July 9 to examine the situation further.
In a statement to The Two River Times the following morning Rummage said the district has enjoyed a “long and strong partnership” with the YMCA he expects will continue.
“We are working with (YMCA) representatives to discuss this evolving situation,” he added.
According to Gaupp, in 2018 the Community YMCA provided $900,000 in financial assistance and program subsidies to approximately 3,000 children and families. Some of the benefits for children and families living in Red Bank over the past year alone include $50,000 in YCares program subsidies, $44,450 in Healthy Kids memberships, $9,350 for third-grade swim programming and $13,000 in summer camp scholarships.
The decision to transition to its new subsidies program comes after the Community YMCA announced a merger in April with the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, which expands total service members to 36,000, and staff to 1,200-plus employees and approximately 650 volunteers. The annual operating budget is $25 million.
“Whether they like it or not, all Red Bank residents subsidize the YMCA, which is becoming a private health club. (The YMCA) made commitments and promises. They need to understand the disproportionate impact this amended policy would have on Red Bank children,” Menna said.
Those interested in applying for subsidies through the YCares financial assistance program can call 732-741-2504 or email membership@cymca.org.
