THE SPECIAL NEEDS SPOTLIGHT- MAY
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 has been a strong reflection of our department’s commitment to meaningful engagement, community connection, and skill development. I’ve been especially encouraged by the balance we’ve struck between structured learning and real-world experiences. Our outings to places like Al Dente, the Environmental Center, bowling, the arcade, and Ts Ma provided valuable opportunities for socialization, independence, and confidence-building in community settings.
Within the program, we continued to focus on essential life skills, including internet safety and hygiene, while also making space for creativity through art and self-expression. Our visits to the YMCA for gym and swim have supported not only physical health but also teamwork and routine. Additionally, our volunteer efforts at Cafe 21 highlight the group’s growing sense of responsibility and pride in giving back.
With Gratitude,
Brad and the 21+ Team
SHINING STAR
As Directors of Shining Star, we are proud to see how our participants are embracing the spring season with renewed energy, curiosity, and connection. As nature begins to bloom, so does the spirit within our program, with participants staying actively engaged through shared experiences, meaningful interactions, and a willingness to try new things together. The Shining Star Program continues to be a place where individuals feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to grow.
Guided by the theme “Celebrating Our American Heritage through Volunteerism,” we are reminded of the importance of giving back, supporting one another, and contributing to a greater sense of community. Shining Star has truly become our participants’ “go-to” place, a space where they can imagine, pretend, and envision their very best selves. It is a safe and welcoming environment where exploring new opportunities is encouraged and celebrated.
Together, as a close and compassionate community, we continue to build confidence, foster independence, and create meaningful connections. Through volunteerism, teamwork, and shared purpose, our participants are not only navigating the season—they are thriving, growing, and shaping a brighter future for themselves and those around them.
With Gratitude,
Jerry and Shannon
FITNESS FOUNDATIONS
The countless clients who participate in Fitness Foundations, swimming, and Shining Star programs envision the Wyckoff YMCA as their go-to place- a true home where they feel safe, supported and inspired. Here they explore endless opportunities through fitness, water therapy, music and engaging classes like crafts, tennis and social activities. It is more than just a place to imagine their success, it's where they actively build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and become the very best versions of themselves.
With Gratitude,
Mary
21+ COMMUNITY & SHINING STAR
This month, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication behind our Revolution Basketball Team. While our athletes continue to grow, compete, and support one another, none of it would be possible without the commitment of our volunteer coaches and parents.
Their time, energy, and enthusiasm create an environment where our players can build skills, confidence, and lasting relationships. Whether it’s running practices, offering encouragement from the sidelines, or simply showing up week after week, their impact does not go unnoticed.
This is truly a “we are so proud” moment, not just for the team, but for the community that surrounds and supports it. Thank you for everything you do to make this program so meaningful.
SHINING STAR
A truly magical moment came to life through David’s journey of growth and giving back. During his time in the Shining Star Program, David experienced firsthand the support, encouragement, and sense of belonging that our community provides. In classes, he found a place where he could feel safe, accepted, and confident in being himself, and that feeling stayed with him.
Inspired by the impact the program had on his life, David made a powerful decision: he wanted to help someone else feel that same sense of comfort and connection. Taking that step, David reached out to a local volunteer program and began giving his time to support others. Through his efforts, he is now helping individuals feel better about themselves, just as he once did.
What makes this moment so special is the full circle it represents. David found a place where he could grow, and now he is creating that same space for others. His kindness, empathy, and willingness to give back are a true reflection of the Shining Star spirit. David reminds us all that when we are supported, we can turn that support into something even greater, lifting others up and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
FITNESS FOUNDATIONS
Congratulations, Nick !!!
Nick is incredibly hardworking and brings great energy to every session. He always has a smile on his face, consistently pushes himself to improve, and serves as a wonderful example of persistence and dedication to others around him.
21+ COMMUNITY
A huge shout out to our Revolution Basketball Team for an incredible accomplishment this season! The team advanced to Wildwood for the third time in four years which is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and growth both on and off the court.
This achievement is about more than just basketball. Over the course of the weekend in Wildwood, the team built lasting memories together, strengthened friendships, and showed true teamwork and resilience. Competing in three games over two days is no small feat, and the effort and spirit displayed by everyone involved made us all proud.
This is a moment worth celebrating across our entire community. Congratulations to the Revolution team on a well-earned and meaningful experience!
SHINING STAR
The Shining Star Musical Theater Performance Group delivered an unforgettable performance of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, bringing heart, energy, and incredible talent to the stage. From start to finish, the group came together to create a show of truly epic proportions—blending singing, choreography, and storytelling into a performance that filled the room with smiles and joy.
Each participant had the opportunity to shine, stepping into their roles with confidence and creativity. The stage became a safe and empowering space where everyone could express themselves fully, embrace their individuality, and be their very best self. Watching the group support one another, both on and off the stage, made the performance even more meaningful.
We are beyond proud of all the participants for their hard work, courage, and dedication. This show was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and self-expression. We look forward to many more musical productions ahead, where each of them can continue to share their gifts and light up the stage again and again.
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Revolution Track & Field event at Passaic County Tech - May 2 & 3
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Special Olympics Summer Games at The College Of New Jersey - June 5-7
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!
