Mind Matters 5K' to benefit mental health programs at Madison Area YMCA

Published on September 06, 2019

From the Madison YMCA:

MADISON - The public is asked to lace up its running shoes for the Madison Area YMCA "˜s "The Mind Matters 5K " at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Giralda Farms office campus off Madison Avenue. The event also will feature a shorter, one-mile "Family Fun Run/Walk. " Families are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes.

Supporters may register online at https://www.compuscore.com/Race/Register/NJ/Madison/TheMindMatters5k. Participants who register before Thursday, Oct. 10, will be charged "early bird fees " of $27 for the 5K, and $8 for the "Family Fun Run/Walk. " Registration is free for all children 7 and younger for the "Family Fun Run/Walk. " USA Track and Field (USATF) members will receive a $3 discount off the race registration fee on pre-entry. Same-day registration starts at 8:30 a.m.

The race is a fundraising event for YMCA's Annual Fund, which "enables hundreds of children and families to participate in YMCA membership, innovative programming, wellness initiatives and services including childcare, early childhood education and summer camps at the Madison Area YMCA's Family Center and the F.M. Kirby Children's Center of the Madison Area YMCA, " according to CEO and President Diane Mann. YMCA CEO Mann noted that "The Mind Matters 5K " will support a range of mental health and wellness programs at the YMCA.

The Community Mental Health Initiative: "As mental health is rapidly becoming a leading issue across the nation, the YMCA has taken steps to establish the Community Mental Health Initiative to raise awareness and lower the stigmas associated with mental illness, " Mann said. "The Community Mental Health Initiative also focuses on reducing barriers to mental health care by providing community members with knowledge and skills " to help people cope with mental health issues.

Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA: Mann explained, "Project Community Pride is a youth counseling program that has joined the YMCA as one of its community-based programs, and an important extension of youth development services for children, teens and their families throughout the Madison Area YMCA's service area. The program was made possible through the collaboration of community leaders and the municipalities and school districts of the Chathams, Florham Park and Madison. "

Paths to Wellness: Mann further pointed out, "The Madison Area YMCA offers enriching community wellness and health-enhancing programs, including "˜Livestrong at the YMCA,' a cancer survivors' program; the Diabetes Prevention Program; "˜One Step,' a multiple sclerosis program; "˜Delay the Disease,' a Parkinson's disease wellness program; "˜Enhance Fitness,' an arthritis wellness program; and "˜Healthy Hearts,' a post-cardiac rehabilitation program. " She added, "The YMCA also has a range of youth sports, youth leadership programs, enrichment classes and adult fitness classes. "

Mann summed up, "As a cause-driven charitable organization, the Madison Area YMCA is dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, and improving the community's health and well-being and giving back by providing support to our neighbors. "

For information, contact Associate Development Director Melissa DeSalvo at (973) 822-9622, ext. 2248, or email [email protected].

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