Project Community Pride clinicians Kristin Perconte, LPC, Director of Project Community Pride Christine McIntyre, LCSW, and Kelly Anderson, LPC celebrate the 50th anniversary of Project Community Pride, honoring five decades of dedicated service and community impact.

Celebrating 50 years of supporting local youth and families! Project Community Pride clinicians Kelly Anderson, LPC, Kristin Perconte, LCP, Director of Project Community Pride Christine McIntyre, LCSW gather with Mayor Mark Taylor of Florham Park, Mayor Robert H. Conley of Madison, Mayor Carolyn Dempsey of Chatham, and Madison Area YMCA President and CEO Diane Mann at the Project Community Pride 50th Anniversary Celebration breakfast.

(Madison, NJ) - March 24, 2026 - Earlier today, the Madison Area YMCA gathered staff, Board members, and community partners to celebrate a landmark milestone: the 50th anniversary of Project Community Pride, a no-fee counseling and support program serving children, teens, and their families from the Chathams, Florham Park, and Madison.

Project Community Pride, which began in 1976 and joined the Madison Area YMCA in 2014, is the only program of its kind in New Jersey and one of the few in the country. Each month, it provides individual and group counseling services, workshops, and alternative events for children and teens. Project Community Pride addresses a variety of emotional needs, such as anxiety and depression.

This celebratory breakfast marked the occasion and underscored the cross-sector partnerships that have made the program possible over the past 50 years. Local police departments, school districts, and towns provide critical funding and work directly with Project Community Pride staff to refer youth for services. Law enforcement partners also help facilitate a joint community service program for teens, and required service hours can be completed at Madison Community House.

“The important work we do—our counseling services, educational workshops, and our unique community service program—none of it would be possible without the dedication and commitment of local leaders,” said Director of Project Community Pride Christine McIntyre, LCSW.

This sentiment was embodied in the remarks delivered by local community leaders, including Madison Chief of Police John R. Miscia, Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley, Florham Park Superintendent Dr. Steven G. Caponegro, Borough of Chatham Mayor Carolyn Dempsey, and Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor.

In his speech about the program, Madison Chief of Police Miscia shared, “For 50 years, Project Community Pride has worked hand in hand with the Madison Police Department to ensure our community has the support, guidance, and accountability needed to help those in need. Time and again, my department and our community have relied on this great organization and its dedicated clinicians—and we look forward to another 50 years."

New opportunities have continued to emerge since Project Community Pride joined the Y 12 years ago. Children and teens receiving counseling services are eligible to receive a complimentary three-month Y membership, providing teens access to healthy outlets like exercise. Together with law enforcement, Project Community Pride also hosts quarterly basketball events, open to all community teens, building social bonds and helping teens feel connected.

Project Community Pride's staff have also extended their reach by leading healthy coping skills workshops for the Y’s gymnastics team, the Rosettes. The gymnasts now use the breathing techniques from those sessions not only before competitions but also when navigating everyday pressures.

As Project Community Pride looks ahead to its next 50 years, the program remains committed to nurturing emotional resilience and connection among local youth. With unwavering community support, the program continues to light a path of hope, compassion, and healing for generations to come.

About the Madison Area YMCA
The Madison Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds, the Y provides programs and services that promote belonging, foster well-being, and ensure access for all through Y Scholarships and community support.