The YMCA of Western North Carolina – We’re for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility

Changes! sure they haven"t gone unnoticed. The new logo and colors are obvious, but I hope you also see a recommitment to our cause-driven work. It is a recommitment to how and why we do what we do. Our staff and volunteers have become reenergized with a new focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. It is our hope that everyone will recognize us as THE organization in the community that is committed to creating a healthier Western North Carolina for all. Serving our family, friends, and neighbors with financial and personal limitations continues to be a driving force in our commitment to social responsibility. For many in our community, 2011 continues to be a challenging economic climate. However, through your contributions to the Healthier Communities Campaign-over $500,000, you ensured that those who could not afford YMCA services were supported. Collectively, we provided over $2,059,000 in subsidized services.

We continued our efforts in the Pioneering Healthier Communities Initiative. We engaged with key community leaders to strengthen the key focus areas: complete streets, greenways, healthy equity and safe routes to schools. We also embraced a newfound priority of working with employers in addressing the needs of employee health and wellness. Some of the greatest impact has been felt through our efforts with the Community Healthy Living Index assessment in McDowell County working outside our buildings in advocating for healthy living.

Our youth development work continues to be strengthened by addressing the changing needs of our youth and their families. The youth obesity epidemic is a major health concern for our country. As the largest childcare provider in western North Carolina, we are keeping kids active and educated about the importance of healthy living. This past year, our Youth Fit For Life program expanded to the entire school year at all of our 19 afterschool sites. Our 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Teen Afterschool Program (TAP) and Reaching Individual Success Through Empowerment (ProjectRISE) programs address the growing needs of challenged elementary and middle school students providing tutoring, homework assistance and enrichment programs. The Y touched the lives of over 20,070 children, ages 17 and younger.

Looking ahead, we have two exciting developments underway. In the near future, we will share results from the capital campaign feasibility study completed recently. This study explored the prospect of constructing a new over-night resident camp, for the children of Western North Carolina, in Swain County. This project continues to generate great excitement and would be a real asset for Western North Carolina. Secondly, we are very excited about the decision of our Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Henderson County Family YMCA to enter into a partnership whereby the two independent YMCA would become one. After two years of study and due diligence, it was decided together we could better serve the needs of the entire region. We hope you will share in this vision as we build on the strengths of these two great and our communities.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the countless possibilities of our YMCA. We look forward to working with you and creating a healthier community for all.

With warm regards,

Paul P. Vest, YMCA President & CEO