At the YMCA, nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of the children in our care. We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Read about our recent youth safety accreditations

Our Commitment to Safety

We follow the highest standards in child protection and safety. Our staff and volunteers are trained to recognize, prevent, and respond to all forms of child abuse and misconduct.

  • Zero Tolerance Policy
    The YMCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, bullying, or inappropriate behavior. Every concern is taken seriously and addressed promptly.
  • Comprehensive Staff Training
    All YMCA staff and volunteers undergo extensive background checks and are required to complete annual training in child abuse prevention, CPR, first aid, and emergency response protocols. All YMCA staff working directly with children in our licensed programs are also finger-printed.
  • Safe Spaces and Supervision
    Our programs are designed to prioritize proper supervision, secure environments, and age-appropriate activities. We enforce strict check-in/check-out procedures and limit one-on-one interactions between staff and children.
  • Reporting and Accountability
    We encourage open communication and transparency. All staff, volunteers are trained to be mandated reporter, while parents, and children are also urged to report any concerns immediately. Reports can be made to YMCA leadership or through our anonymous reporting systems.

Partnering With Families

We believe safety is a shared responsibility. The YMCA works closely with parents and guardians to keep children safe. We provide resources and information to help families talk to their children about personal safety and boundaries.

Praesidium Accreditation

As a leading youth-serving organization with a presence in more than 10,000 communities, the Y’s greatest responsibility is to protect the millions of young people in our care from sexual abuse. We prevent abuse when we create a culture of safety in our facilities and programs, and our most effective tool for this is Praesidium Accreditation®. Praesidium Accreditation is an evidence-based process that helps organizations systematically measure the effectiveness of their prevention programs and then take steps to achieve the highest standards in abuse prevention. Accreditation assists an organization with strengthening their abuse prevention practices and helps demonstrate a Y’s safety commitment to members, parents, and the community. You can view the Presidium recommended reading list to learn more. 

 

ACA Accreditation for Camps

YMCA branch day camps in Old Bridge, Freehold and Red Bank, and YMCA Camp Zehnder in Wall are all accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting high standards on health, safety, and risk management. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices, and is used as a benchmark by government entities, providing public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of camper and staff members. View our Abuse Prevention information for parents and guardians.

Safe Sport recognition for Greater Monmouth Swim Team

The Greater Monmouth Y Swim Team is recognized with the USA Swimming Safe Sport Club achievement, demonstrating a commitment to creating a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all its members through the development and implementation of club governance measures, Safe Sport policies and reporting mechanisms, Safe Sport best practices and training to athletes and parents.

To enhance the safety and security of everyone in our facilities, the YMCA utilizes Raptor Technologies, a trusted visitor management system used in schools and youth organizations nationwide. All visitors are required to check in with a valid government-issued ID, which is instantly screened against national sex offender databases. This extra layer of protection helps us ensure that everyone who enters our YMCA is authorized and safe to be around children. It’s just one more way we’re putting safety first—every day, for every child. For more information, visit ymcanj.org/safety

Know. See. Respond. | 5 Days of Action

April 21-25, we will participate in the campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and how all adults can prevent it when we “Know. See. Respond.” We pledge to protect the children we serve, and we hope you will too! Head over to fivedaysofaction.org to sign the pledge & learn more! #FiveDaysofAction. The YMCA is a proud partner in the Know. See. Respond. initiative by YMCA of the USA—an approach that empowers adults to:

  • Know the warning signs of abuse and how to prevent it
  • See behaviors and situations that could lead to abuse
  • Respond quickly and appropriately to any concerns

Y COUNSELING.
Where Self-Care is Healthcare.

At the YMCA, we believe in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Y counseling services support a journey to mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Whether facing challenges or seeking personal growth, our licensed counselors are here to help empower our clients to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilled lives.

The Y welcomes children, teens, adults, and seniors to utilize our programs in:

  • Mental Health & Wellness Counseling
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Grief Support
  • Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Maintenance
  • Supportive Visitation Services

Proudly serving Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties in New Jersey for over 50 years.

Checking your phone may seem like a quick task, but it can quickly turn into a major distraction. Distractions around the water can have a major consequences.

Join the YMCA as we make the commitment to help keep kids safe around water – this summer and all year long. Your feed can wait. Their safety can’t. Drownings are fast, silent, and often do not look like we would expect them to. Most children will not be able to call out for help. –Phone Down, Eyes Up is a reminder to parents and caregivers that phones cause a distraction and should be put away when around the water.

Visit PhonesDownEyesUp.org to take the pledge to ensure children are safe around all bodies of water.
 
Stay off your phone. Stay watchful. Stay safe. 

Together, we can help prevent child sexual abuse. Take a look at some of these helpful resources from organizations who share the Y’s commitment to the safety of children.

Educational Videos and Information for Parents & Caregivers by Praesidium

Additional Resources

If you see or experience something that doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to speak up.
View our Anonymous Safety Hotline for contact information.
Your voice matters. Your report can make a difference.

Event Calendar

Jul
22
Tue
YMCA Hiring Fairs @ YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Jul 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

 

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
YMCA Hiring Fairs
Jul 22 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
YMCA Hiring Fairs
Jul 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
Jul
25
Fri
MOBILE OFFICE HOURS AT THE RED BANK FAMILY YMCA @ Red Bank Family YMCA
Jul 25 @ 9:30 am – 2:30 pm

Representatives from the office of Senator Vin Gopal,
Assemblywoman Donlon & Assemblywomen Peterpaul of Legislative District 11 are holding hours at the Red Bank Family YMCA to better connect with local residents and answer questions you may have!

OPEN TO LD11 RESIDENTS
JULY 7 & 25 | 9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Information On:
> PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
> VETERANS‘ BENEFITS
> UTILITY ASSISTANCE
> DISABILITY SERVICES
> STATE AGENCES & MORE!

For more information, contact Caroline Connelly at cconnelly@ymcanj.org

Jul
29
Tue
YMCA Hiring Fairs @ YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

 

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
YMCA Hiring Fairs
Jul 29 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
Aug
5
Tue
YMCA Hiring Fairs @ YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Aug 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

 

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
YMCA Hiring Fairs
Aug 5 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📢 We’re hosting upcoming hiring fairs at our Freehold Y,
Red Bank Y and Old Bridge Y on various dates and times.

We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in the community.

Stop by to learn about our open positions, meet the team, and see how you can be a part of something great!
 
Visit ymcanj.org/employment for more information!
Aug
14
Thu
Camp Zehnder Renaissance Fair @ Camp Zehnder
Aug 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Step back in time and join us for a Renaissance Fair at Camp
Zehnder, where fun and giving go hand in hand! Families will enjoy a night filled with medieval-themed activities, games,
and entertainment, all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the fair benefit our Annual Campaign, helping to ensure that every child can experience the joy of camp, regardless of financial circumstances. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community.

JOIN US for a day of adventure and impact!

THURSDAY • AUGUST 14 » 6-9 P.M.*
*Raindate: Friday • August 15

TICKETS:
FOR ACTIVITIES & FOOD
PRE-ORDER: 25 FOR $25
AT EVENT: 25 FOR $30

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW!

Oct
9
Thu
Red Bank YMCA Community Celebration! @ Street Kitchen & Pub
Oct 9 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join our Y on Thursday, October 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the new Street Kitchen & Pub for an evening celebrating community impact and honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to positive outcomes for local children and families.

Congratulations, Dr. Jared J. Rumage!
Red Triangle Award Recipient | For his long-standing commitment to the YMCA mission in strengthening foundations for the Red Bank area community

Tickets $75 | Sponsorships

All proceeds support the Red Bank Family YMCA Annual Campaign,
ensuring access to Y programs for all.

Download Event Sponsorship Flier