The YM-YWHA of Union County is one of the oldest Jewish communal institutions in the Elizabeth/Union area. Its role has evolved over more than a century, but it has essentially remained a Jewish community center serving people across the lifespan, combining Jewish life with education, recreation, social services, and community programming. In 2021, the Y merged with the JEC. The arrangement provided greater institutional stability while allowing the Y to continue functioning as a community center. The Y is one of the country's more Orthodox-welcoming Jewish Ys. It is closed on Shabbat and Yom Tov, maintains a glatt-kosher kitchen with a mashgiach, provides separate men's and women's swimming and fitness hours, holds Jewish holiday programs, and offers programming designed for children who will attend yeshiva or Jewish day school.

Y programs include early childhood education, youth and after-school activities, vacation programs, summer camps, aquatics and swim lessons, a swim team, fitness and health-club activities, and programs for adults and seniors. Senior/adult programming includes lectures, current-events discussions, films, luncheons and entertainment.

Jewish programming includes holiday and festival events, Israel-related activities, Jewish educational programming and partnerships with other Jewish institutions. Summer camp has included both a Modern Orthodox division (Chaverim) and an Israeli-themed division (Kinneret). The facility can also host simchas and other events, supported by kosher facilities and parking.

The Y also serves a broader social/community function. Union County, for example, lists it as a kosher senior nutrition site, and the organization works with a network of communal partners including Jewish Family Service, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, JEC/Bruriah, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, local educational institutions and other Jewish organizations.