Gateway Family YMCA Celebrates 60 Years of Service in Union County, NJ

The Gateway Family YMCA is celebrating 60 years of service to the Union County community. The Five Points Branch in Union Township was chartered in 1966 by the National Council of YMCA’s. Union County Life is reporting on the organization’s milestone anniversary.

The branch, located at 201 Tucker Avenue in Union, grew out of organizing efforts by Kenilworth, Roselle Park, and Union committees. The Y’s roots in the area stretch back even further. The organization has maintained a presence in the surrounding community since 1959. The YMCA itself was founded in 1900 and was formerly known as the YMCA of Eastern Union County.

Today, the Gateway Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals and families annually across multiple branches and program sites. Its service area includes Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union.

The Y offers programs in youth development, aquatics, wellness, housing support, and chronic disease management. The organization also addresses food insecurity, safe housing, youth mentorship, chronic disease prevention, and family support services.

Jodi Pelano, Senior Executive of Branch Operations for the Gateway Family YMCA, said the organization is looking forward to the future while honoring its past.

“While we are proud of our vast history and this milestone, we continue to look forward to a bright future,” Pelano said. “We are committed to building stronger communities and ensuring that the Y remains a vital resource. Our community partners, staff, members, volunteers, and Annual Support Campaign donors make our mission possible every day.”

The community is invited to join the celebrations throughout the remainder of 2026. A schedule of events is available at www.tgfymca.org/events. Visitors can join online before arriving. Online membership is free and speeds up entry. Government-issued photo identification is required for everyone age 18 and older.

Find more Union Township events, community programs, and local news on Union County Life.

Q: What is the Gateway Family YMCA celebrating?
A: The organization is marking the 60th anniversary of the Five Points Branch charter, which was established in 1966 by the National Council of YMCAs.

Q: Where is the Five Points Branch located?
A: The branch is at 201 Tucker Avenue in Union Township, NJ.

Q: How long has the YMCA had a presence in Union County?
A: The Gateway Family YMCA has served the community since 1959, with the Five Points Branch chartered in 1966. The parent organization, the YMCA, was founded in 1900.

Q: What communities does Gateway Family YMCA serve?
A: The organization serves Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union across multiple branches and program sites.

Q: How many people does the YMCA serve annually?
A: Gateway Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals and families annually through its various programs and locations.

Q: What types of programs does the Y offer?
A: Programs include youth development, aquatics, wellness, housing support, chronic disease management, food insecurity support, safe housing, youth mentorship, chronic disease prevention, and family support services.

Q: How can I participate in the 60th anniversary celebrations?
A: The community is invited to join events throughout the remainder of 2026. A schedule of celebration events is posted at www.tgfymca.org/events. You can register online for free before visiting, which speeds up entry.

Q: What identification is needed to visit?
A: Government-issued photo identification is required for everyone age 18 and older.