METUCHEN — Many years of volunteer leadership, helping to make the YMCA more diverse and inclusive, made Ralph Steinhardt the recipient of the Martin Bartner Award.
“Ralph is the finest example of a YMCA volunteer,” said Scott Lewis, president and CEO of the YMCA of MEWSA (Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy). “His work with our YMCA has enabled our association to touch our communities in ways [that have] defined us as a key resource. Ralph’s energy and foresight made all the difference.”
The Martin Bartner Award recognizes a YMCA staff or volunteer leader whose efforts epitomize the Y’s core values and dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Through this leadership award, the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance also affirms its commitment to the value of diversity and inclusion in YMCAs and the communities they serve. Steinhardt’s leadership in strengthening partnerships and building new relationships for the greater good of the YMCA of MEWSA’s communities are outstanding examples of Y volunteer leadership at its best, according to YMCA of MEWSA representatives.
Steinhardt has continually served the YMCA as a volunteer since 1990, when he began his tenure on the Board of Volunteers. He worked extensively on the Y’s first Capital
Campaign, “Campaign Y2000,” helping to surpass its goal to fund the construction of additional childcare and wellness space at the Metuchen YMCA.
After finishing the Metuchen YMCA expansion project, Steinhardt served on steering committees that brought the YMCA of MEWSA to two new communities — Edison and South Amboy.
The Edison YMCA is a unique partnership with the JCC of Middlesex County. According to YMCA representatives, Steinhardt championed the Edison YMCA capital campaign, “A Bridge to Tomorrow,” resulting in raising funds needed to construct the addition to the existing JCC facility in Edison.
A dedicated member of the YMCA of MEWSA Board of Directors and the Edison YMCA Branch Board, Steinhardt’s work with the Edison YMCA Branch Board resulted in prioritizing the nurturing of relationships with the South Asian community, YMCA representatives said.
Steinhardt also serves on the Finance, Human Resources and International committees.
His belief in the power of the YMCA movement has allowed the YMCA of MEWSA to positively impact the lives of countless members of the communities it serves, according to YMCA representatives.