SHREWSBURY, NJ (July 7, 2022) – The YMCA improves people’s health and well-being every day and as of July 1, two central New Jersey Ys are working together to strengthen their collective community impact.
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (YGMC) and the Ocean County YMCA (OCYMCA) entered into a management agreement that took effect July 1 and will continue through December 2022. It was unanimously approved by both boards of directors. “The Y’s purpose as a cause driven organization is to strengthen the people and communities we serve,” said Ted Nappi, chairman of YGMC board of directors. “YMCAs also support and strengthen each other for the greater good of the community.”
Under the agreement, long-time YMCA professional Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of YGMC, is serving as CEO for the Ocean County YMCA, while key members of her leadership team will oversee operations and finance. YGMC, headquartered in Shrewsbury, serves over 36,000 people and is one of the largest Ys in New Jersey, while OCYMCA is based in Toms River and provides programs to 12,000 people.
Michael Ritacco, chairman of the OCYMCA board of directors said: “We are pleased for the support and expertise of our sister YMCA and look forward to working together to advance our shared mission.” The agreement comes on the heels of both boards exploring the potential for the two associations to collaborate following the resignation of former OCYMCA CEO Peter Rosario in July 2021. A task force was established in December 2021 with representatives from both boards of directors and ended May 2022.
On the recommendation of the task force, the agreement is a step to strengthen OCYMCA operations and further study opportunities for the two organizations to come together in support of one another to expand the Y mission to improve the health and well-being of all in need in central New Jersey.
“Our two YMCA associations have a history of collaborating to promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” Goganzer said, “including therapeutic counseling programs in Toms River schools, joint water safety programs and special activities for children, families and older adults.” Goganzer, who led the merger of The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County to create YGMC in 2019, stated: “Our shared goal is to strengthen the Y’s impact to better serve children, teens, adults, and families in central New Jersey today and into the future.”
Jennifer Dunn, chief operations officer of YGMC, is now supporting OCYMCA membership and branch operations, working directly with Gretchen Insole, who serves as executive director of the Toms River facility. Beginning in September, YGMC Chief Financial Officer John Kelly and Vice President of Finance Carly Moresco will assist with financial operations.
Goganzer said the two Ys “are proud to be among YMCAs here in New Jersey and throughout the country that are joining forces and living our belief that we are stronger together.”
Photo Caption: YMCA of Greater Monmouth County President & CEO Laurie Goganzer is now also leading the Ocean County YMCA as part of a management agreement.
About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. A leading nonprofit charity, the Y unites 36,000 people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds. During the pandemic, we responded to vital community needs, providing more than $735,000 in relief services. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in 10 communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; outdoor day camps in Millstone and Wall; a community center in Freehold Borough; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; childcare centers in Freehold Township, Matawan and Red Bank; and integrated in nearly 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. We’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.
About Ocean County YMCA
At the Y, we take immense pride in our work to strengthen communities and help all of us be our best selves. We provide a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, and to give back. We believe that everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive. The Ocean County YMCA in Toms River features the following onsite amenities: 6,800 sq. ft. functional wellness arena, cardiovascular center, 12 lane competitive size pool with access to adult and family locker rooms, and child watch room. To learn more, visit ocymca.org.
