About Us
History & Mission
Since 1912, the RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA provides services, programming, and activities for residents of Perth Amboy, NJ and neighboring communities. Join your friends and neighbors and experience how we put "principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all!"
Our Mission: The YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through programs that develop the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The YMCA serves all people regardless of age, religion, sex, or financial means and is committed to developing a healthy mind, body and spirit. The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA is committed to providing our life-changing services to all health seekers who desire to participate.
Historical PerspectivE
Originally, the Perth Amboy YMCA, now known as the RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA, was founded on September 15, 1867. The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA organization was officially chartered by the State of New Jersey in 1912. In 1913, funds were raised to construct a four story YMCA building at 182 Jefferson Street. This state of the art facility had a swimming pool, a fitness center, and meeting rooms and was coupled with a male rooming house. This very common style YMCA served Perth Amboy and neighboring communities well through a variety of programs and services.
As times changed, in addition to the Jefferson Street facility, the RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA operated the Delaney Recreation Center for nearly 20 years in Perth Amboy. While the main facilities and programs were located in Perth Amboy, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA operated the innovative and very popular Swim Mobile program in Woodbridge and Carteret communities, along with other programs for teens and young children. In Sayreville, the RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA operated an extensive recreational/aquatic facility that was closed when the property was sold in the early 1990’s.
In 1997, a tragic fire became the catalyst for change at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. For nearly 10 years, strategic partnerships with the Perth Amboy Board of Education and the Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy have assisted the YMCA in providing great services. For the past several years, the YMCA has maintained a positive presence in the community. The Y operates five licensed child-care centers for after-school activities. Nearly 150 children and 13 YMCA professionals work together daily to accomplish academic goals, enjoy a nutritious snack, play energetic games and develop strong spirit, mind and body. The YMCA summer spectacular also offers creative and value based activities during hot summer days. The YMCA co-sponsors four travel basketball teams for boys and girls in grades 5th through 8th grade. The Raritan Bay Mental Health Center participates in lunchtime recreation throughout the winter months. The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA works with Catholic Charities to assist children from Carteret Housing Authority and Woodbridge Housing Authority with positive activities.
The Y has establish partnerships to provide an array of services for the residents of Sayreville, Perth Amboy and surrounding communities. The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA in partnership with the City of Perth Amboy is offering the finest social and recreational opportunities for families of Middlesex County and around the State. In partnership with the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission the Y provides for Sayreville residents and Commission students with Autism and multiple disabilities from throughout Middlesex County. As a full service YMCA, we are committed to providing quality Child Care, Youth and Teen Development, Adult Development, Swimming and Water Activities, Community Development, Camping, Arts and Humanities, Family Strengthening, Sports and Recreation, Wellness and Fitness, Health Education and Screenings, Strength and Cardio Equipment, Fitness Assessments and Personal Training, Conferences and Events with a dedication to inclusivity. All activities are based on the guiding principles of teaching the core values of the YMCA; Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect.
Board of Volunteers
Gregory Ficarra – Chairman
Robert DePow – Vice Chairman
Jack Cerulo - Treasurer
Mirna Caraballo
Edna Dorothy Carty Daniel
Ronald Esser
Milton Hubbard
Alejandro Lopez
Allen Papp
Leonard Sendelsky
Louis Seminski
Yvonne Taylor
Aviva Woog
Tom Zambowski