Building a Healthier New Jersey | YMCA & Horizon Partnership

RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA - Jan 23, 2025 – Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “the first wealth is health,” a philosophy that underscores the continued collaboration between the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (YMCA Alliance) and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon). Together, they are making health and wellness more accessible by offering discounted YMCA memberships to Horizon members at 41 locations across New Jersey, including at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA.

“Physical activity has countless benefits to strengthen the spirit, mind and body,” said the YMCA Alliance Chief Executive Officer Julie Gallanty. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Horizon to ensure more people can access the Y’s healthy living programs and supportive resources.”

Through December 31, 2025, Horizon members may receive a 15 percent discount on their monthly YMCA memberships and those joining the Y as new members will also enjoy waived initiation fees at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA and at participating branches.

“Horizon is grateful to collaborate with the Alliance for a second year to make it easier and more affordable to engage in a healthy lifestyle by joining a local YMCA,” said Horizon’s Senior Vice President of Government & Community Affairs Uli Diaz.

“YMCAs have long been community hubs and trusted partners for generations of New Jerseyans who have learned to swim, joined a team, and improved their physical fitness and overall health. Through this collaboration, participating YMCAs are more affordable for our members, and we reaffirm a shared goal of empowering individuals to achieve their best health,” Diaz said.

This collaboration continues a long-standing relationship between the YMCA Alliance and Horizon, both committed to improving the physical and mental health of New Jersey residents.

“The YMCA is much more than just a gym or a place to swim,” said Steve Jobin, President & CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. “As a nonprofit, our focus is on fostering healthy individuals and communities. Our mission is to make sure that everyone—regardless of age, income, background, or beliefs—has access to our health and well-being programs. This partnership allows us to expand that reach to even more individuals and families.”

At the Y, members can experience a variety of programs including group exercise classes, health & wellness workshops, opportunities for social connection, education, chronic disease prevention, social services, and other programs like summer camps, child care, and sports programs.

The YMCA Alliance leads a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations throughout New Jersey, serving as an advocate to advance public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery that help improve community health and advance equity for families.

For more details about the discount program offered at our Y, reach out to our member services team at the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. For a complete list of participating YMCA locations, visit horizonblue.com/ymca#.   

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
The YMCA Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization leading a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations. Through public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery, the YMCA Alliance fosters a greater ability for YMCAs, community partners and leaders across the state to impact families, improve community health and advance equity. Our collective voice strengthens local communities while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, visit www.njymca.org.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's leading health solutions company, and its affiliates provide a wide array of medical, dental, vision and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that are improving healthcare quality, cost, and convenience. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving approximately 3.5 million members.  Learn more at HorizonBlue.com.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.  www.rbaymca.org