Blog

Celebrating the Stories and Accomplishments of Black Leaders Within the Y Movement The history of the YMCA – like the history of the United States – is a story of incremental progress toward greater inclusion and equity for all. As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we are honoring the stories of Black leaders who helped move the Y – and America – forward. Anthony Bowen A former enslaved man and the first Black American to become a [...]

Over 60 Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y campers received their Square Foot Garden instruction during this year’s four-week summer camp enrichment program, Cook and Grow, which supports the YMCA’s Core Values of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Along with learning the basics of Square Foot Gardening, the campers develop a deeper relationship with nature, a greater appreciation for the food they grow, and an expanded sense of community. Master Gardener and Certified Square Foot Garden [...]

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is offering tips to help families incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives. Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at [...]

June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown that physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline? At the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA we promote the importance of physical activity at any age! Just a little bit of activity can go a long way in helping improve brain health. Check out some of our [...]

May is Older Americans Month. Established in 1963, Older Americans Month is dedicated to acknowledging the contribution and achievements of older Americans, while sharing the importance of finding fulfillment in the aging process. In honor of this month, we will be sharing tips from the Administration for Community Living on how to find fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age. Embrace the opportunity to change. Find a new passion, go on an adventure [...]

Did you know that arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country? The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is here to help, with an evidence-based group exercise program called Enhance®Fitness, designed for those with arthritis. This program features simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active and reclaim their health. Some changes that past participants have noticed include: More energy Better balance [...]

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is celebrating the history of Asian Pacific Islanders within the YMCA by sharing moments and individuals that were instrumental in the shaping of the Y movement we all know today.​ Chinatown YMCA Did you know that the first Chinese American YMCA was founded in San Francisco in 1911? The Y held lectures on health, education, classes in English and Mandarin and had a machine [...]

At the Y, we are proud to employ individuals with diverse abilities, including autism. For Autism Acceptance Month this April - with the theme of "Celebrate Differences" - we caught up with Adam, an employee of our YMCA since 2020. Adam started here as a health screener during the COVID-19 pandemic and now works in our Facilities department. Here, he shares his experiences as an individual with high functioning autism.   Growing up with autism [...]