In 1970, a group of parents from South Orange and Maplewood became concerned about what was occurring in the teenage world relative to drugs, alcohol and other anti-social behavior. Realizing that the problems that many associate exclusively with the inner city were increasinly becoming problems of suburbia, they approached the YMCA to see about forming a branch in their own community. A Board of Management was formed, an executive hired and they soon had a branch operating programs such as Indian Guides and Princesses, aerobics and youth sports in rented facilities.
The YMCA purchased the Sillocks-Miller factory buildings on West Parker Avenue in Maplewood in 1976, and razed the large factory. The low brick buildings in the back were renovated and used for program rooms and offices. Soon the Branch established a nursery school and day care center. Property on Jefferson Avenue behind this building was purchased and an old construction garage was converted to a gymnasium dedicated in 1981 with a house converted to the South Mountain YMCA's office. The South Mountain YMCA has grown significantly over the years. It developed notoriety through its pioneering of the "JOY" aerobics program. In 1999, the new Child Care Center and Program Center on West Parker opened its' doors. The facility includes 12 day care classrooms for infants to preschool, a full program room, with 4 additional classrooms downstairs
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