Julie Gallanty, the CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, details the alliance’s new Bright Path Youth Mental Health program.
Through a $200,000 grant from The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey (Horizon Foundation), the charitable giving arm of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the new program will integrate lessons on emotional well-being, communication and connection into the daily rhythm of 21 YMCA after-school care programs across the garden state.
Further Details
The pilot program arrives at a time when youth mental health concerns are rising nationwide and the need for early, accessible support has never been greater.
The program will impact 350 children in kindergarten through the sixth grade.
“Supporting youth mental health is one of our top priorities,” said Horizon Foundation executive director Jonathan Pearson in a press release. “We’re proud to once again partner with the YMCA, this time to strengthen emotional well-being for kids across the state. Just as we’ve worked together to promote healthy habits and fight childhood obesity, this new effort will help children develop the confidence and resilience they need to thrive.”
The program is already being embraced by community leaders who see its value for local children and families. Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba shared: “The Bright Path program reflects the kind of partnership that strengthens our families and our city. The YMCA has always been a place parents trust for care, learning, and support, and this initiative builds on that by helping provide support to the families of the children who need it most.”
In addition to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, the following YMCA associations will be participating in the pilot program during the 2025-26 school year:
- Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA
- Lakeland Hills YMCA
- Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
- Montclair YMCA
- YMCA of the Jersey Shore
- Westfield YMCA
Families will play an important role in evaluating the program’s impact, completing pre- and post-surveys to help the Y measure growth in their children’s confidence, connection, and emotional well-being.
