SHREWSBURY, NJ — Two central New Jersey Ys have announced a new management agreement the nonprofits say will “strengthen their collective community impact.”
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and the Ocean County YMCA entered into the agreement that took effect July 1 and will continue through December, according to a news release from the organizations. It was unanimously approved by both boards of directors.
Under the agreement, longtime YMCA professional Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of YGMC, is serving as CEO for the Ocean County YMCA, while key members of her leadership team will oversee operations and finance.
“The Y’s purpose as a cause-driven organization is to strengthen the people and communities we serve,” said Ted Nappi, chairman of YGMC board of directors. “YMCAs also support and strengthen each other for the greater good of the community.”
The Y of Greater Monmouth, headquartered in Shrewsbury, serves over 36,000 people and is one of the largest Ys in New Jersey. Ocean County YMCA is based in Toms River and provides programs to 12,000 people.
Michael Ritacco, chairman of the Ocean County YMCA board of directors said: “We are pleased for the support and expertise of our sister YMCA and look forward to working together to advance our shared mission.”
The agreement comes following the resignation of former Ocean County YMCA CEO Peter Rosario in July 2021. A task force was established in December 2021 with representatives from both boards of directors and ended May 2022.
On the recommendation of the task force, the agreement is a step to strengthen Ocean County operations and further study opportunities for the two organizations to come together in support of one another to expand the Y mission to improve the health and well being of all in need in central New Jersey.
“Our two YMCA associations have a history of collaborating to promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” Goganzer said, “including therapeutic counseling programs in Toms River schools, joint water safety programs and special activities for children, families and older adults.”
Goganzer, who led the merger of The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County to create the Greater Monmouth County Y in 2019, said: “Our shared goal is to strengthen the Y’s impact to better serve children, teens, adults, and families in central New Jersey today and into the future.”
Jennifer Dunn, chief operations officer of the Greater Monmouth Y, is now supporting Ocean County membership and branch operations, working directly with Gretchen Insole, who serves as executive director of the Toms River facility. Beginning in September, Greater Monmouth County Y Chief Financial Officer John Kelly and Vice President of Finance Carly Moresco will assist with financial operations.
Goganzer said the two Ys “are proud to be among YMCAs here in New Jersey and throughout the country that are joining forces and living our belief that we are stronger together.”
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County serves 36,000 people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. During the pandemic, it provided more than $735,000 in relief services. Programs and health and wellness facilities operate in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; outdoor day camps in Millstone and Wall; a community center in Freehold Borough; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; childcare centers in Freehold Township, Matawan and Red Bank; and are integrated in nearly 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is based in Shrewsbury.
The Ocean County YMCA in Toms River serves 12,000 and features onsite amenities, including a 6,800-square-foot functional wellness arena, cardiovascular center, 12-lane competitive size pool with access to adult and family locker rooms, and a child watch room.
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