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The Ocean County Bar Association has recognized the Ocean County YMCA with its prestigious Citizenship Award, presented during its annual Law Day celebration earlier this month, honoring the Y’s longstanding service to the community.
“For more than 50 years, the Ocean County YMCA has provided crucial community services, outreach, and assistance to people of all ages,” said Ocean County Bar Association President and attorney Adam J. Steurman. “We honor them for their past and continued contributions to our community.”
The Citizenship Award is presented annually to an individual or organization that exemplifies qualities of good citizenship and civic responsibility for the “betterment of society,” noted Bar Association member Lynne A. Dunn, an attorney who also serves on the Y’s Board of Directors and who presented the award to fellow board members and Y staff.
The Ocean County Y was recognized not only for its historic presence in the county but for its continued commitment to community well-being.
In 2024 alone, Dunn said, the Ocean County Y taught more than 1,200 swim lessons, equipping children and adults with life-saving aquatic skills critical to a shore community. Over 300 children enjoyed a safe, enriching summer at Y summer day camp, and more than 200 youth swimmers learned the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, and lifelong fitness through the Y’s competitive swim programs. The Ocean County Y also nurtures good health and connection for adults, seniors, and families through programs like crochet club, adaptive sports, child care, and free events that offer something for everyone.
“This award reflects the heart of our mission,” said Y President and CEO Laurie Goganzer, who also leads the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and provides management to the Ocean County YMCA. “We are proud to be part of a community that values service, inclusion, and opportunity for all, regardless of age, income, background or beliefs. On behalf of our staff, volunteers, and the families we serve, we thank the Bar Association for this meaningful recognition.”
As part of the Law Day tradition, the Bar Association also presented the John M. Hoffman Memorial Award to Brandon Klimakowski, an attorney with Rothstein, Mandell, Strohm, Halm & Ciprian. The award honors the legacy of Hoffman, a young local attorney who passed away 15 years ago. A standout swimmer on the Y swim team and captain of his college swim team, he remained committed to the sport as a Y coach and local lifeguard.
For more information about Y programs and its community services, visit OCYMCA.org.
About Ocean County YMCA
For over 50 years, the Ocean County YMCA, based in Toms River, has been a vital part of the community, serving more than 15,000 people annually with programs that empower youth, support families, and improve health and well-being. We bring together people from all ages and backgrounds, ensuring everyone can access our life-changing programs, from swim lessons and child care to mental health support and job training. In 2024, we provided $50K in financial assistance to help our Ocean County neighbors learn, grow and thrive. See how we strengthen people and communities at OCYMCA.org.