Volunteer Opportunities Newsletter 'Connect' Volunteer Recognition Night Volunteer Stories Carly Borinsky Gabriella DeMarco Dave Desimone Susan Doherty Micheal Downey Julio Figueroa Sally Frazer Molly Hahn Mark Irwin Elaine Keith Greg Miller Karen Muha Jacqueline Murphy Tyler Mussel Skip Orza Art Raynes Art Raynes - COSAC Award Joyce Sewalt Teens Jack Welch

Where Would You Go? A Story of Hope as told by Elaine Keith Who would have thought that a woman classified as special needs as an adolescent, who endured her infant son’s diagnosis and recovery from infant leukemia, and his subsequent diagnosis of autism, would consider herself lucky? Well, I do. My son is still with us and I have hope. My YMCA story started in my youth, in Virginia, when the kids at school rejected me because I was different; but, the YMCA accepted me and encouraged me to dream big and try hard (and win awards for them in swimming!). After my son’s cancer and then diagnosis of autism, I had to reassess our lives. Our family needed a new environment and new start. Living in Virginia, we had the benefit of great doctors and a YMCA that was willing to do anything to help make our lives easier, but we quickly realized that we needed to relocate. We chose Basking Ridge, and were then blessed to find such great special needs programs available for children here. Since coming to NJ, I’ve been embraced by the community. On my third day in Basking Ridge, a mother suggested coming to the Somerset Hills YMCA to get involved in STARS, a swimming program for exceptional children. As I waited to talk to the program director (Kim), I overheard her lamenting about the difficult time she was having getting enough volunteers and funds to meet the demand for the STARS program. As is my way, I stepped right in. I mean, there can’t be a waiting list for a special needs swim program when 40% of children who drown have an autism spectrum disorder. What could we do? We talked about the program, and I introduced Kim and the executive staff to my good friend Linda Meyer who is the Executive Director of COSAC (The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community). We enlisted her help to enlarge the program so that it can better serve all children with special needs…and we were off to the races with our ideas and enthusiasm. Now we need your help to make it possible. We have the dreams, the commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers, and the need of many children, now we have to find the means to make it happen. With the commitment of the community, we can make a difference in people’s lives. The Strong Kids campaign makes a difference.Since arriving in Bernards Township, I have a renewed faith that anything is possible. The people care. From the excellent school programs for children with special needs, to a YMCA filled with teachers and volunteers who truly care, everywhere I go there is someone who wants to help make things better. If you had a child with special needs, where would you go? I have gone to the YMCA each time I was in need and they have given me hope. The YMCA has been there for me as a therapist, a friend, a coach, a lifesaver. The YMCA is the place I call home. For more information on the Strong Kids campaign, please contact Alison Buxton at or 908-630-3508. For more information on the Somerset Hills YMCA’s programs for those with special needs, please contact Kim Wilde at or 908-630-3582.