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Mission in Motion

The work of the Hamilton Area YMCA focuses on three specific areas of need for our community: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Working with a variety of partners across Central New Jersey, we provide essential programs and services that build strong, confident kids; healthy, active adults; and thriving communities.

Community Support Programs

Initially designed for Kuser Elementary School to address behavioral challenges and chronic absenteeism, the program achieved tremendous success through its curriculum, which enhances students' decision-making, teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. It emphasizes conflict resolution and critical thinking.

The pilot program achieved tremendous success in uniting a variety of cultures (14 different languages are spoken at the school). The results were immediately evident, with school faculty reporting no behavioral incidents and no visits to the school nurse on the days the Hamilton Area YMCA was present. 

Furthermore, the staff reported that children were happier, classroom engagement improved, and school attendance increased on the days when the Hamilton Area YMCA team was present. 

This program has expanded its reach to additional Title I schools, including Kisthardt, Greenwood, and Lalor, and is experiencing great success.

The Hamilton Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization committed to providing memberships and programs that enhance the lives of people in the community. Through the Financial Assistance Program, we are able to reach out to those in need of financial support so that they may benefit from all the Y has to offer.

Improve Lives

The Hamilton Area YMCA is one of America’s 2,686 YMCAs, collectively one of the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in the United States.

Children & Youth

Nearly 10 million children ages 17 and under engage in a wealth of enriching YMCA activities, including sports, after school care and camp.

Families

YMCAs help families build bonds, connect with community resources and become stronger through their participation in YMCA programs.

Health & Well-being

YMCAs are collectively the nation’s largest providers of health & well-being programs. The Hamilton Area YMCA offers programs for youth, teens, and adults including personal training, land and water group exercise classes, nutrition consultation, and more.

Communities

Financial assistance–made possible by contributions received from members, companies, individuals and foundations–opens all YMCA programs to those in need. We are committed to providing our programs and services to those who otherwise can’t afford them...there is a place for you at the Hamilton Area YMCA.

All of our mission programs are provided at low or no cost to participants.

Summer camp is a time for fun and social engagement, but it is also an opportunity for self-esteem building and skill development.  Now more than ever, camp is vital for screen-free childhood experiences. Each summer, campers embark on a journey of self-discovery, forming friendships that will last a lifetime.

  • We provide camp to 500 families, 2,233 campers served from 45 different zip codes
  • 60 families rely on our financial aid support
  • We operate this branch at a loss to provide affordable and accessible summer camp with transportation to our community. The branch is supported by contributed income and community volunteers who help us maintain the facility.

Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death of children in the USA. 

64% of African American, 45% of  Hispanic/Latino, and 40% of Caucasian children have little to no swimming ability. Drowning poses a considerable risk for youth, especially those from underserved populations. The statistics are sobering, but drowning deaths are preventable.  Formal swim lessons reduce the likelihood of drowning by 88%.

  • In 2024, we provided 2,020 swim lessons
  • We provide essential water safety education and free life-saving swim lessons. Over the last two years, we have delivered more than 775 Swim scholarships
  • 28 swim scholarships for individuals in high-risk demographics
  • 71 diverse abilities swim lessons
  • 65 Safety Around Water swim scholarships