Greater Somerset County YMCA Celebrates 150 Years of Strengthening Community
Basking Ridge, NJ, August 18, 2023 — The year 1873 was important across the country and right here at home. It was the year the first typewriter was sold, the year the patent for jeans was awarded to Levi Strauss, the year the first post card was issued, and the year Susan B. Anthony was fined for voting for U.S. President, among other notable events. In Somerset County, news was made as well.
On August 18, 1873, a group of men gathered in Somerville and succeeded in creating the YMCA that has become Greater Somerset County YMCA. This year marks the 150 years of serving and strengthening the community for Greater Somerset County YMCA.
Its robust history began with the YMCA of Somerville which expanded to Somerset County YMCA in 1914 to serve more communities. In 1948, Somerset County YMCA split into Somerset Hills YMCA and Somerset Valley YMCA. During 67 years of operating separately, both organizations continued to grow. Somerset Valley YMCA constructed Somerville YMCA, purchased the Bridgewater Pool that became Bridgewater YMCA, and constructed Hillsborough YMCA; while Somerset Hills YMCA built a facility in Basking Ridge and completed several expansion projects throughout the years. In 2015, the two Y organizations reunited as Somerset County YMCA following a unanimous vote by both Boards of Directors. Somerset County YMCA was awarded the Plainfield service area in 2019 and, in 2022, Princeton YMCA merged into the organization. The expanded service area precipitated a name change to Greater Somerset County YMCA to reflect all of Somerset County and parts of the surrounding counties.
“From our organization’s earliest days, our mission of strengthening community has never wavered, especially at times when the community needed the Y the most,” said David M. Carcieri, President & Chief Executive Officer. “This important milestone is as much a testament to our transformational community impact, our legacy of inclusivity, and our organization’s strength, as it is a celebration of everyone who makes our work possible…donors, funders, partners, volunteers, and staff…past and present. We are poised for future growth and we look forward to inspiring youth, empowering health, and uplifting neighbors for generations to come.”
As a nonprofit, community benefit organization, Greater Somerset County YMCA provides everyone with the tools, they need to reach their full potential and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. In 2022, Greater Somerset County YMCA provided over $1,700,000 in direct financial assistance to qualifying individuals and families and in mission-based programs that meet critical, unmet community needs.
Greater Somerset County YMCA’s 150th Anniversary Gala will be celebrated on Friday, November 3, 2023 at The Marigold in Somerset. For more information on the event and sponsorships, visit https://www.gscymca.org/our-community/events/150th-anniversary/.
About Greater Somerset County YMCA
Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. Greater Somerset County YMCA has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator indicating the highest level of accountability and transparency as a nonprofit. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.