Ten years ago, the land at 2641 Highway 109 was simply a grass-covered field. But today, that land is the foundation of a nonprofit organization that has addressed obesity, recruited tutors to help immigrants practice English as second language, offered support for single moms and families struggling financially, nurtured young athletes and encouraged young ballerinas – all under the umbrella of the Wildwood Family YMCA.

David and Tricia Rouff are 10-year members who usually come to the Y at least five times a week. “It’s a place for us to work out and for our kids to do sports and learn to swim,” Tricia, a veterinarian, said. “I never worked out before, but since I did the Y Weight Loss Challenge, I miss it if I don’t."

"The Y’s great for kids. In soccer the emphasis is on sportsmanship and skills over winning," she said. "I like what we do at the Y and I also think the Y is a great cause.”

The Wildwood Y opened Dec. 1, 2001, to an overwhelming welcome from the community. More members joined within the first 30 days than had been anticipated. Soon the facility was brimming with men, women and children, all who were and are committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. From the indoor pool to the fitness center and gymnasium, people began developing their potential, improving their well-being and helping the Y keep the doors open for neighbors who need support.

Jennie Smith has taught and inspired members in the fitness center for 10 years. “What’s really neat in the fitness area is that we don’t see people come and go,” she said. “Our members and our staff have stayed for 10 years. I know a woman who lost more than 50 pounds and now does triathlons, new moms who want to get in shape, older adults who develop and stay with a routine. I admire these people. They develop and evolve here and they are vibrant.”

A decade after opening, Wildwood Y programs have strengthened the community. The Y has provided children the opportunity to make friends, have fun, get active and discover who they are. Activities including camp, swim lessons, dance, sports and leadership development have touched more than 1 in 4 area kids to help them become confident kids today and healthier, happier grown-ups tomorrow.  

Over the years, the Wildwood Y has addressed the obesity, the country’s No. 1 health epidemic. People in the Y Weight Loss Challenges have lost more than two tons of weight and the Y provides support that helps them keep it off. Water Wellness classes have encouraged people with arthritis and members of retirement centers or others with limited mobility get moving in the water, despite their limitations on land.

The Y brings about meaningful change in people’s lives, and that change improves the community for all in the greater Wildwood area. Volunteers including coaches and tutors have contributed more than 4,000 hours of service a year. Since 2001, the annual Y Strong Community Campaign has provided $715,000 total in financial assistance so that all people may benefit from Y programs and services. A current snapshot of who is helped by the Strong Community Campaign shows that 32 percent are single parents, many of whom are working more than one job, 16 percent are people who have lost their jobs and 14 percent are people with disability or illness.

The Y invites the community to visit and take part in the Y at a 10^th Anniversary Open House on Sunday (Dec. 4) from noon to 4 p.m. Planned activities are:

• Recreational Swim with Water Slide
• 10-for-10 Basketball Shootout
• Personal Training Package (buy 8, get 10)
• $10 off $50 Gift Cards
• Attendance Prizes and Hourly Raffles
• Waiving of the joining fee for those who join the Wildwood Y between Dec. 2-9.
• Pantry food donations are encouraged to help a local food pantry.

For more details, click here to go to Wildwood Y website.

Editor's Note: Christie Greer is district marketing director for the Wildwood Family Y.