Health, Housing & Hope

RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA - June 25, 2025
City of Perth Amboy and Raritan Bay Area YMCA Celebrate Longstanding Partnership to Strengthen Community Through Health, Housing, and Hope

The City of Perth Amboy and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA are proud to celebrate the renewal of a transformational partnership that continues to uplift the community through health, housing, and hope. The recent extension of a long-term agreement for the YMCA to manage the City’s Municipal Recreation and Aquatics Complex reaffirms their shared commitment to strengthening lives across generations.

For over a century, the Y has been a vital force in the community—supporting working families, providing aid to the most vulnerable populations in our community, developing youth, empowering seniors, and supporting healthier lifestyles for all. Through this expanded agreement, the Y will continue to deliver critical programs and services while ensuring that the City’s recreational facility remains an accessible, welcoming hub for all residents. 

“This lease agreement represents a strong step forward for Perth Amboy,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “It deepens our partnership with a trusted organization that shares our values and continues to deliver meaningful programs for our community. It also creates greater access for the City to use the facility, allowing us to expand Office of Recreation programming that serves children, families, and seniors. As part of this agreement, the YMCA will continue to manage day-to-day operations and has committed $1 million in capital improvements to enhance and modernize the facility for long-term use. I’m grateful to the YMCA’s leadership and board, our City Council, and our Office of Recreation for their instrumental role in supporting a partnership that strengthens our city, broadens our reach, and invests in a better future for all of Perth Amboy.”

A Partnership Rooted in Impact

The Raritan Bay Area YMCA is proud to provide:

• Life-saving water safety programs for children in our neighborhood
• Safe spaces for youth and teens through out-of-school-time programs, summer camp, mentorship, recreation, and connection
• Health and wellness initiatives for all ages, including seniors and those managing chronic conditions
• Emergency shelter and housing solutions for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence
• Cultural and community events that celebrate diversity and foster unity
• Mental and behavioral health programs that offer essential support to individuals and families throughout the community

Strengthening for the Future

The renewed agreement enables the YMCA to expand high-quality, cost-effective programming at the recreation and aquatics complex—without burdening taxpayers. As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA brings access to grant funding and additional resources that allow for greater innovation, sustainability, and financial efficiency.

“This partnership enables us to serve more people, more effectively, and more inclusively,” said Steve Jobin, President & CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA. “It’s about creating opportunities—for Y kids to grow up strong, for working parents to have a safe and supportive place for their children, for individuals facing hardship to find hope and resources, for seniors to stay active and connected, and for families across Perth Amboy to thrive.”

With a vision focused on long-term development, social impact, and inclusive access, the Raritan Bay Area YMCA and the City of Perth Amboy are investing in a stronger tomorrow—ensuring every resident has the chance to grow, learn, and thrive at the Y.

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.