THE SPECIAL NEEDS SPOTLIGHT- JUNE
2026 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
The Annual Campaign, held each year in the first quarter, is the Y’s general appeal to the Community-At-Large. Primarily to support our philanthropic work, your financial support assists the Y in responding to the ongoing requests for help we receive daily. Your Membership Dues and Program Fees go toward covering the Y’s operating expenses, but your donations for the Campaign go toward helping your neighbors stay healthy and well. Connected by a shared vision, Staff at all levels work with one another to engage committed Volunteers, YMCA Members, and Donors to make a lasting impact on the communities served by our Y.
Dear Friends and Families,
21+ COMMUNITY
This month at 21+, our theme, “Celebrating Our American Heritage through Knowledge,” encouraged participants to build independence, confidence, and community skills through meaningful hands-on experiences. Throughout the month, the department focused on learning through participation, giving individuals opportunities to practice real-world skills while exploring healthy lifestyles, recreation, and social engagement.
Participants enjoyed taking part in martial arts classes, where they practiced listening, coordination, self-control, and physical fitness in a structured and encouraging environment. Community outings to places such as Salad House, Bubbakoo’s, Jersey Mike’s, and the movies allowed participants to strengthen important life skills including ordering food, handling money, making choices, socializing with peers, and practicing appropriate behavior in public settings. These outings also provided valuable opportunities to increase confidence and independence within the community.
In addition, the program explored a variety of nutrition topics centered around healthy foods such as apples, blueberries, and strawberries. Participants learned about the benefits of healthy eating while engaging in conversations and activities that promoted wellness and personal growth. Back at the program, individuals continued practicing skill development through daily activities that supported communication, teamwork, decision-making, and independence. Overall, the month reflected the department’s continued vision of creating meaningful experiences that help participants grow socially, emotionally, and independently while celebrating learning in fun and engaging ways.
With Gratitude,
Brad and the 21+ Team
SHINING STAR
As Directors of Shining Star, we are proud to see our participants embracing the spring season with enthusiasm, curiosity, and connection. Through continued participation in the Shining Star Program, individuals are finding meaningful ways to stay engaged with one another while exploring new interests, building friendships, and growing in confidence. The energy of spring has brought renewed excitement into our community, encouraging participants to learn, create, and thrive together.
Guided by the theme “Celebrating Our American Heritage through Knowledge,” we recognize the importance of educational opportunities in helping every individual reach their fullest potential. Each class, activity, and shared experience offers participants the chance to discover new skills, expand their understanding of the world around them, and gain confidence in their own abilities. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where learning is celebrated, curiosity is encouraged, and everyone feels empowered to explore new opportunities.
Together, we continue to build a community rooted in growth, inclusion, and lifelong learning. By supporting one another and embracing the power of knowledge, our participants are not only navigating the season, they are shaping brighter futures for themselves and inspiring those around them.
With Gratitude,
Jerry and Shannon
FITNESS FOUNDATIONS
Celebrating our American heritage, educational opportunities and inclusion are throughout the Wyckoff YMCA. Beginning at an early age and extending though our Active Older Adult community. We are proud to create an environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Our special needs adult population plays an important role in the YMCA community. They participate in a wide variety of programs including swimming, fitness, art, tennis and more.
Through these opportunities, participants build confidence, social connection, strengthen healthy lifestyles, and experience the sense of belonging that the Wyckoff YMCA proudly promotes every day.
With Gratitude,
Mary
21+ COMMUNITY & SHINING STAR
One special highlight this month was celebrating Emma’s birthday for the very first time at the program. As a newer participant, this was a meaningful milestone and an opportunity for Emma to feel welcomed and included within the 21+ community. Staff and peers came together to celebrate her special day, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere filled with friendship, socialization, and fun. It was wonderful to see Emma smiling, engaging with others, and becoming more comfortable within the program. Moments like these remind us how important community, belonging, and shared experiences are for all of our participants, and we are so proud to continue watching Emma grow and thrive.
SHINING STAR
A magical moment lit up the room during one of our music trivia games when Kelvin had the chance to share his incredible knowledge and love of music with the entire group. Kelvin’s passion for music is something everyone at the Shining Star Program enjoys experiencing with him. His vast knowledge of songs, lyrics, and artists has helped him build strong connections with others and brought him even closer to the group.
During the game, participants were challenged to take a word and connect it to the lyrics of a popular song, then sing part of the song aloud. Kelvin absolutely shined during the activity, quickly recognizing lyrics and confidently singing along. Every time he joined in, the room filled with cheers, laughter, and excitement as his friends and staff encouraged him on.
What made the moment so special was seeing Kelvin feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated for something he truly enjoys. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his love for music brought everyone together in a joyful and meaningful way. Great job, Kelvin! We can’t wait to play another music trivia game and hear more of your amazing musical knowledge shine.
FITNESS FOUNDATIONS
The spotlight is on Shaylyn P.!
Shay’s dedication and determination are truly inspiring. She walks to and from the YMCA each time she comes for fitness foundations, showing incredible commitment. Once she arrives, she always works hard and consistently challenges herself to do more.
Congratulations, Shay!!!
21+ COMMUNITY
Huge congratulations to all of the Wyckoff YMCA Revolution swimmers and Track & Field athletes for doing an amazing job at Passaic County Tech this month! Everyone worked hard, supported one another, and gave it their all during the competition. We are so proud of the effort, teamwork, and positive attitudes shown by all of the athletes as they advanced to the Summer Games. It was exciting to watch everyone compete, have fun, and represent the program with pride. Great job to the whole team, and good luck at Summer Games!
SHINING STAR
This month’s spotlight shines brightly on our incredible Tennis Class participants and the amazing progress they have made over the past year. When the group first began, many participants had little to no knowledge of how to play tennis. Learning the rules, understanding the techniques, and developing coordination all felt like brand-new challenges. But through determination, teamwork, and a willingness to keep trying, the group never gave up.
Week after week, participants continued to build their knowledge and skills, showing tremendous growth both on and off the court. From learning how to properly hold a racket to improving their serves, volleys, and teamwork, the progress has been remarkable to watch. With the guidance and encouragement of Randy and the staff, the group has grown more confident, capable, and connected through the game of tennis.
What makes this achievement so special is not only how much they have learned, but how much they genuinely enjoy playing together. Their positive attitudes, perseverance, and excitement for the game continue to inspire everyone around them. We are so proud of how far this group has come and all the strides they have made in learning and enjoying tennis.
Keep it up, guys! Who knows—you might end up at the US Open one day!
Special Olympics Summer Games at The College Of New Jersey - June 5-7
June 8: SESS. I/II FALL-WINTER REGISTRATION - CHILDREN
June 9: SESS. I/II FALL-WINTER REGISTRATION - ADULT
21+ COMMUNITY
- Program opens at 9am each morning
- Please have your 21+ member ready for the bus upon arrival in the morning, and kindly notify the director in advance if they will not be using transportation for the day
- Please provide at least $20.00 for local restaurant outings
- Always remember proper apparel and shoes as we are actively moving each day
SHINING STAR
- Session 4 begins Monday 4/13
- Session 4 No Classes Week 4/20-4/25
- Summer Registration is open
FITNESS FOUNDATIONS
- Fitness Foundations- classes offered 7 days a week
- 45 minute session
- Group Classes
- $40.00 per session
- Supported by a certified trainer
CONNECTION EXCHANGE
We want to hear from you!
This is a NEW! avenue for you to provide feedback, compliments, concerns, thoughts, etc. to the Upper Management Team so we can provide the very best care.
No thought or suggestion is too great or too small! Upper Management will respond to your suggestions and/or comments within 48 hours.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Wyckoff Family YMCA!
