Gateway Family YMCA Fall 2026 Free Veterans Wellness Initiative Registration

The Gateway Family YMCA is registering veterans and their spouses or partners for the Fall 2026 sessions of its free Veterans Wellness Initiative. Classes are offered at YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union. Union County Life is sharing details from the YMCA’s announcement.

The program is open to military veterans and their spouse or partner. It runs 12 weeks and combines in-person exercise and wellness activities led by YMCA wellness professionals. Participants also take part in small group discussions, where they connect and support one another through their shared military service.

Participants explore balance, nutrition, tai chi, mental health, resistance-band exercises, stretching, circuit training and strength equipment. Each participant also gets 24-hour access to YMCA360, the Y’s virtual wellness platform.

Participants receive an adult couple membership to The Gateway Family YMCA during the 12-week session. After they complete the program, they also receive a six-month individual adult membership.

Susan Butler, Director of Community Wellness for The Gateway Family YMCA, described the program. “The Veterans Wellness Initiative is about so much more than exercise. It provides a welcoming community where veterans and their families can focus on their overall well-being while building meaningful connections with others who understand their experiences,” she said. “We are excited to welcome new participants to our Fall sessions in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union.”

Fall 2026 classes are registering at three locations: the Elizabeth Branch at 135 Madison Avenue, the Rahway Branch at 1564 Irving Street, and the Wellness Center Branch at 1000 Galloping Hill Road in Union. Space is limited. Veterans and their spouses or partners can register or request information at tgfymca.org/contact-us or by emailing veterans@tgfymca.org.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has served eastern Union County and northern Middlesex County since 1900. The Y also takes part in the Military Family Membership program through the Department of Defense and Military OneSource, which provides free memberships to military families in the local community.

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Q: Who can join the Veterans Wellness Initiative?
A: The program is open to military veterans and their spouse or partner.

Q: Does the program cost anything?
A: No. The program is free for participants.

Q: What do participants receive?
A: Participants take part in a 12-week program of in-person exercise and wellness activities. They receive an adult couple membership during the session, 24-hour access to YMCA360, and a six-month individual adult membership after completing the program.

Q: How do I register?
A: Visit tgfymca.org/contact-us or email veterans@tgfymca.org. Space is limited.