by Davy James, Staff Writer
The South Brunswick Family YMCA is doing its part to help support the families of people serving in the military.
As part of the new Armed Services and Department of Defense $31 million outreach initiative, thousands of YMCAs throughout the nation will offer free services to military families. The federal program will pay membership fees for eligible military families, with financial aid available to cover programs that carry an additional cost.
”The South Brunswick Family YMCA is happy to help meet the critical needs facing families of deployed military service members,” said Executive Director Tom Libassi. “Families are the most affected when a loved one gets deployed and we are deeply committed to provide the family services and support they need.”
The initiative responds to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which developed a plan to support military family readiness. Those eligible to participate in the new initiative include all interested families of joint deployed National Guard and Reserves of all military branches, families living in newly established Joint Base Realignment and Closure bases, active duty and independent duty station personnel and their families and relocated spouses and family members of deployed active duty personnel.
”We don’t know how many families this affects in our service area of Jamesburg, Monroe and South Brunswick,” Mr. Libassi said. “But considering the services those individuals are doing for us it’s a small way to help the families while their spouses are serving.”
The YMCA offers childcare, after school programs, sports, aquatics, health and fitness classes, family activities, senior programs, personal training and summer camp.
”The YMCA has a long history of supporting military service members and their families since the Civil War so it was a natural for us to join this initiative,” Mr. Libassi said. “During this time of conflict it is more important than ever that we continue to provide services and support to these families in the absence of a deployed spouse.”
More information can be found at www.asymca.org or by calling the South Brunswick Family YMCA at 732-329-1150.

