Why I'm With The Y | Alex Reisig

The YMCA is a cause driven organization for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. “We are an organization like no other. The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by empowering young people, improving the health and well-being of people of all ages and inspiring action in and across communities” (www.ymca.org).?

The YMCA is an organization for all, no matter what walk of life you may come from. My Y story started when I was very young, I was 6 or 7 and took swim lessons at the Ocean County YMCA in Toms River, NJ. The YMCA’s first group swimming lessons started in 1909, designed by George Corsan, at the Detroit YMCA. George traveled coast to coast to teach swim lessons across the country. Group swim lessons are still a staple of the YMCA today, teaching more than 1 million children about water safety and how to swim!?

My Y story picked back up in 2017 when I was offered my first ever job at YMCA Camp Zehnder in Wall, NJ (part of the Community YMCA at the time, now the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County) as a Junior Camp Counselor. In 1885, the YMCA opened the first known summer camp in the country in Orange Lake, New York, Camp Dudley. Summer camp is a transformational experience for campers and staff as well. The YMCA currently operates more than 1400 day camps and 200 overnight camps! There are so many benefits of camping for campers but I can certainly attest to the benefits of being a staff member at a camp. The lifelong skills I have learned are undoubted and I was really able to narrow down my career goals. I always knew I wanted to make a difference in my community and one summer as a camp counselor taught me what the Y was all about. I quickly fell in love with the mission and wanted to learn more and more about the history of the YMCA and it’s impact on the community.?

I am now still employed with the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, working on the administrative side of camp as well as in the membership department. When I go to work I feel like I am truly making a difference in the community around me and that’s a feeling that can never be taken away. I am so glad to have spent 5 years with the YMCA and I am looking forward to a lifetime of opportunities and experiences!?

I now invite you to share “your why” (the reason you’re with the Y) on your own page, to spread the mission of the organization we all love so much. I would also like to raise awareness to the Y’s annual campaign. “The purpose of the Y’s Annual Campaign has always been to help our local community and provide financial assistance so that everyone – no matter their age, income, or background – can access the programs and services that the Y offers. From childcare to mental health counseling, the Y is here for all, and here for good” (ymcanj.org). If you are willing and able, please consider joining me in contributing to the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County’s Annual Campaign by using this link.?https://give.ymcanj.org/give/349769/#!/donation/checkout?