WESTFIELD — Thanks to donations from individuals, foundations and corporations, financial assistance is available at the Westfield Area YMCA to enable participation in Y programs like child care, swimming lessons, summer camp and general membership. Eligible families must live or work in Westfield, Cranford, Garwood or Mountainside and complete a financial- assistance application. The Westfield Area YMCA offers Early Learning for children 6 months to 5 years; full-day kindergarten, and before- and after-care for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

In youth swim lessons, the goal is not only to teach swimming skills and safety, but to help participants develop confidence, build endurance, have fun and gain a lifelong love for the water. Y swim lessons accommodate varying abilities to help foster a sense of achievement as swimmers progress.

In youth sports programs, the Y emphasizes teamwork, individual development and fun by focusing on the life lessons to be learned from sports. Coaches strive to instill positive self-image in each player as he or she progresses at their own pace.

The Y focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Scholarship applications are available at all Westfield Area Y locations, online at www.westfieldynj.org, or by calling (908) 301-9622 for more information.