The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is pleased to announce the appointment of their President and CEO, Richard K. Gorab as the new President of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (NJYMCA). Mr. Gorab was introduced as President at the NJYMCA Annual Dinner held October 1st at the Forsgate Country Club in Jamesburg, N.J.
The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance is a not-for-profit association made up of 42 YMCAs from across the state of New Jersey. The members of the NJYMCA collaborate and work together on areas of mutual benefit in order to strengthen the YMCA and to best serve the people of New Jersey.
"It is a true privilege and honor to be selected as the President of the New Jersey Alliance of YMCAs," Mr. Gorab said. "From Sussex County to Cape May, our 42 Alliance YMCAs are making significant impact on the lives of the more than 500,000 residents of New Jersey. With all great initiatives and movements there is always much more to do and many children, families and communities to reach."
Among the NJYMCA’s goals is the development and implementation of strategic statewide programs and brands that will address critical needs and issues in the state. The organization provides a unified voice to address public policy issues and to fulfill its mission to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
The NJYMCA Annual Dinner brought together state and local legislators, community members, and YMCA staff to recognize the efforts of public policy makers and YMCA volunteers. In addition to Mr. Gorab’s introduction as President, the 2009 "Spirit of the YMCA" Award was presented to Assemblyman Bramnick, Senator Sweeney and New Jersey State Commissioner Heather Howard.
"Friends of the YMCA" and youth volunteers were also recognized for their commitment to the YMCA and their mission. Among the youth volunteers honored was the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges’ very own Maria Lattanzio. Maria has a long family history with the YMCA, in YMCA Teen Leadership Camps in Ohio, where her uncle was a YMCA Director. Her family was an early member of the Sussex County YMCA, and she volunteered at special events, youth programs and the newly formed Leaders Club. With a deep level of commitment and contribution, she was hired last year to lead the Sussex County YMCA’s Teen Leaders Program.
The Dinner also showcased several YMCA program initiatives and funding partners including Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
For more information about the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges or their participation in the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, please call (973) 758-9622, or visit their website at www.metroymcas.org
The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is the largest YMCA in the state of New Jersey, serving over 146,000 members and program participants annually. Its mission is to enrich the lives of the children, families and communities it serves, through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, in an environment nurturing positive values. Its five branch facilities, located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston and Stillwater, provide a wide variety of services and activities:
• Quality all-day and after-school childcare, pre-school and kindergarten classes, recreational and enrichment programs e.g. swimming and other sports, arts, computer activities and day and sleep-away camps.
• Programs for adolescents and teens that include sports, parties and club activities.
• Programs for adults and seniors.