Proudly serving the Ocean County community for over 50 years, the Y is guided by four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
At the Y, we take immense pride in our work to strengthen communities and help all of us be our best selves. We provide a place to play, to learn, to be healthy, to eat well, and to give back. We give parents childcare, young adults job training, seniors a way to connect, and children a safe place to go. We believe that everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everything the Y does is in service of making sure people and communities thrive.
The Ocean County YMCA has a rich history of service….
1970
Five volunteers who saw the need for a healthy recreational program in the community founded the Toms River Family YMCA. Our YMCA began out of an office space with approximately 500 members.
1974
As community needs grew, a Board of thirty supported acquiring land and building a facility with a pool that opened on West Whitty Road.
1983
Our State-licensed YMCA Preschool (Mulberry Bush) and Before/After School (YKids) programs began in several local schools.
1992
As our building, pool space, outreach and school-based programs grew, we were renamed the Ocean County YMCA.
2001
The YMCA opened its 12-lane Aquatic Center, which is home to YMCA’s 300-member OCY Tiger Sharks Swim Team, hosts 7 local high schools swim teams, and hold several county, regional, and state-wide Championship Meets.
2016
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awards the Ocean County YMCA a 4-year $200,000 grant for the Toms River Family Health and Support Coalition. The YMCA and the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation serve as Co-Directors of the Coalition.
2020
Even though our doors were closed for 10 months, we remained hard at work in the community, serving Crisis Relief Boxes, Grab N’ Go Lunches, implementing virtual programming and homework assistance, making reassurance calls to Y family members, and providing social outreach.
2021
In January of 2021, we slowly began reopening our doors to members a few hours a day; in May of 2021, we opened with expanded regular hours and began the process of rebuilding both membership and staff.
2022
Find Your Passion. Find Your Purpose. Find Your Y!
At the Y, you’ll find more than just a place to work out. With opportunities to connect with new people, develop new skills and explore new interests, you’ll discover new passions and a greater sense of purpose.