Plainfield YMCA Hosts Community Forum to Address Local Needs
Plainfield, New Jersey, October 22, 2024 – Plainfield YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA, held a community forum, bringing together residents, community leaders, YMCA staff, and board members to discuss the most pressing issues facing the Plainfield community. The event aimed to foster collaboration, identify key challenges, and explore opportunities for working together to meet local needs.
Hosted at the duCret School of Art, which will serve as the new base of operations for Plainfield YMCA starting November 1, the forum also celebrated a new partnership between the Y and duCret. This collaboration provides Plainfield YMCA with increased visibility and access to additional office, storage, and gym space to expand its programs and initiatives within the community.
Organizations represented at the forum included LunchBoox, JHG Resident Association, Plainfield United Presbyterian Church, Star Fish, Inc., the Y’s food distribution partner, duCret School of Art, Plainfield Community Outreach, the Plainfield Board of Education, and the Plainfield Public Library. Community members also participated, along with YMCA staff and board members.
Leonardo Gonzalez, Senior Program Director of Plainfield YMCA, emphasized the value of collaboration, “Seeing community leaders come together with YMCA staff to tackle the critical issues impacting Plainfield was truly inspiring. The dedication to addressing these challenges was evident, but we all kn
ow this is just the start. I’m excited to continue this journey with our community partners to create lasting change.”
“It was exciting to be surrounded by people so focused on solving the issues facing Plainfield. Working together, we can address these challenges more effectively and quickly than if we operated separately,” echoed Katherine Balch of LunchBoox.” Adding, “I was deeply impressed by the determination and goodwill of everyone at my table. The facilitator did a fantastic job guiding the discussion, making the experience both productive and enjoyable. I’m eager to see what comes next.”
As Plainfield YMCA continues its mission to serve the community, the insights gathered from this forum will help shape future initiatives that directly address the needs identified by local stakeholders. With the support of community partners, Plainfield YMCA is committed to fostering collaboration and exploring innovative solutions to improve the well-being of Plainfield residents. This forum marks the beginning of a deeper engagement process, and the Y is eager to collaborate with its partners and the broader community to create positive, lasting change for all who call Plainfield home.
For more information about Plainfield YMCA and how to get involved, visit www.gscymca.org/locations/plainfield-ymca.
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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. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at www.gscymca.org/.
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