NEWARK YMCA
THE NEWARK YMCA STAYS
STRONG & CARRIES ON
BY : GWENYTH P . LUU , CLCS , DIRECTOR - COMMERCIAL LINES , JGS INSURANCE
The Newark YMCA is a not-forprofit organization focused on serving the needs of people of all ages in the community . Core programs include housing , health and fitness , youth programs , camping , and social services .
What sets the Newark YMCA apart from its cross-country counterparts is its continued dedication to providing housing to those in need . Whereas many YMCA organizations in the United States have shifted their focus to activity-based programming , the Newark YMCA recognizes the dire need for emergency shelters and supportive housing in its community and continues to run the largest family shelter in the region . Five hundred people call the YMCA home every night .
The YMCA came to JGS after having a poor experience with a previous provider , which is when they met with me . Michael Bright , president of the YMCA , was excited to share that the YMCA ’ s workers ’ compensation claims have improved since making the switch , which has been very helpful to the not-for-profit ’ s finances . The organization has also been the recipient of JGS grant funds in the past .
JGS has supported the YMCA with information on unemployment matters throughout the pandemic and provided helpful insights into PPP loans .
There have been many challenges for the organization to overcome as a result of COVID-19 , but the most pressing are staffing shortages , a lack of donations , and restricted access to the supplies necessary to comply with changing health and safety regulations .
The Newark YMCA has continued to reach out to its corporate sponsors and governing agencies for support . Management has worked closely with staff to ensure they have the knowledge required to protect themselves .
Despite current circumstances , staff have shown time and time again they are committed to serving others . Michael commends his YMCA for working so well as a team through these trying times .
Working alongside a vast network of YMCAs worldwide , the Newark YMCA is carefully ensuring that best practices are followed in each and every community program .
As schools and childcare facilities remain closed , the Newark YMCA has adapted its programs to become more remote . The not-for-profit has facilitated online activities for kids at home and opened up socially distanced learning centers where displaced students can access homework help and other educational support .
The number of people allowed into the YMCA has been restricted in many areas of the facilities , such as learning centers and gyms . Internally , teams have had to rely more on virtual connections to communicate and deliver services .
Michael says that the government has done a tremendous job of financially supporting the YMCA and those who rely on it during these times . However , he would like to see more funding for social services such as housing , food , clothing , and staffing in response to the increase in mental health concerns and other critical issues that have created more homelessness in the community .
Although the organization has had to modify most of its programs in response to the pandemic , overall , it is still the same YMCA the community knows , loves , and relies on . We commend the YMCA for its continued dedication to serving the community and look forward to seeing regular programming resume again soon . +
BY : GWENYTH P . LUU , CLCS DIRECTOR - COMMERCIAL LINES JGS INSURANCE
Gwenyth Luu helps organizations improve their bottom line and lower their total cost of risk by implementing the JGS Proactive Service Platform . The JGS Proactive Service Platform is an inclusive strategy that focuses on primary cost drivers of a risk management program . Gwenyth helps businesses understand all of their potential and actual costs and liabilities , execute an actionable strategy , and deliver superior client service and support . The JGS Proactive Service Platform is driven by continuous strategy and service delivered on a daily basis throughout the year . The service platform includes risk control strategies , claims advocacy and management , contract reviews and insurance program design reviews .
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