October News: Fall fun, family connection, and more at the Y

Fall fun, family connection, and more at the Y

Fall is a season for coming together—and there’s plenty happening at the Y to help you and your family make the most of it. From family-friendly fall events and affordable afterschool options to opportunities to support your health, connect with your community, and give back, the Y is here for every season of life. Take a look at what’s happening this month and find something that’s right for you and your family.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Family fun in the fall
Bring the whole family and come celebrate the season at the Y! We’ve got fun activities planned for all ages.

• Pool Pumpkin Patch – Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Corpening Memorial Y: Splash through a pool full of pumpkins to pick out, then dry off for pumpkin decorating, crafts, and tasty snacks. Free and open to the community. Sign up at the front desk or click here.
• Monster Mash Halloween Party – Oct. 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Reuter Family Y: Join us for a spooktacular celebration featuring a costume contest, games, treats, and more. Open to the community. Sign up at the front desk or click here.
• Community Night – Oct. 30 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Asheville Y: Enjoy a family-friendly evening with activities including open swim time, games, dance demos, refreshments, and more while connecting with neighbors and local organizations.

Looking for an affordable alternative to babysitting?
Enjoy a well-deserved night out while your kids have a fun, safe evening of their own! Our Parents Night Out program gives you the chance to drop off your kids for an exciting night filled with themed activities in a safe, caring environment. Explore our options here.

Members can also use Kids Club when they need time to run errands or get some work done. With this benefit, you can leave the facility while your child enjoys fun activities and makes new friends. Programs are offered at multiple YMCA locations with a variety of dates and times. Find our options here.

Support starts with connection
Join us on Oct. 29 from 4–7 p.m. at the Reuter Family Y for the Youth & Family Mental Health Resource Fair. Families are invited to connect with local organizations and learn about mental health and substance use resources available in our region for youth and families, including support through the teen years.

Excel after the bell
Our safe, affordable afterschool programs give kids a place to learn, play, and make friends when the school day ends. We accept subsidy vouchers and financial assistance is available for students in Asheville City, Buncombe County, and McDowell County public schools. Learn more about our afterschool programs here.

Free Afterschool program for middle & high school students
Looking for a safe, supportive place for your middle or high school student after school? The Y’s 21st Century Horizons Afterschool program offers homework help, enrichment, leadership development, and ways to stay active in a structured, engaging environment. Best of all, it’s completely free to families thanks to grant funding. Offered in Buncombe and McDowell counties. To learn more about this program, click here.

HEALTHY LIVING

CrossFit Masters
Discover a new way to move with CrossFit Masters at the Ferguson Family Y! Launching on Oct. 13, this class offers a beginner-friendly, slower-paced approach designed with adults 55+ in mind. With extra time for instruction, modifications, and scaling, the class helps participants build strength, confidence, and comfort with movement. No previous CrossFit experience required, and adults of all ages are welcome. Current CrossFit members looking for a slower pace and additional instruction are also welcome to join.

Find cancer support at the Y
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helps cancer survivors reclaim their strength, reach goals, and find community. The program equips survivors with the tools they need to recover mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically. A Y membership is included to help with the transition to better health.

• Join us for a Breast Cancer Awareness Celebration Potluck at the Ferguson Family Y on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your favorite dish and come together as we honor survivors, support fighters, and remember those we've lost.

Looking for additional connection? Click here to find our monthly cancer support groups.

Access the Y anywhere, anytime
Whether you’re at home or on the go, YMCA360 is here for you. Y members have free access to thousands of on-demand workouts, live group exercise classes, kids' activities, educational videos, and more. Discover everything YMCA360 has to offer here.

Take your workout outside
Enjoy the cooler temperatures and fresh air while you work out in our outdoor functional fitness zones! Available at the Asheville Y, Black Mountain Y, and Hendersonville Family Y, these spaces allow you to build strength, move freely, and train in a natural setting. No reservations required for individual use.

Discover something new
Whether you're interested in crafting, games, learning new things, or finding a supportive community, the Y offers a wide array of activities for different interests and needs. Find our upcoming events here.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, is a time to recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. At the Y, it's also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that strengthens our communities. Watch the video below to learn more.

Free, fresh produce no questions asked
The Y brings fresh, healthy food to hundreds of families each month at dozens of locations in a five-county area. Our mobile food markets are set up like a free farmers market at libraries, churches, doctors' offices, and other community hubs. We ask no questions and place no limits on the amount of food each person chooses.

In addition to food, we share tasty recipes, practical cooking demonstrations, and valuable nutrition information that's easy to understand. Spanish-speaking community staff are also on hand to connect attendees with local resources. See our market times and locations here.

Volunteer for good
Volunteering with or at the YMCA is a rewarding way to make a positive difference. We offer lots of opportunities for you, your family, and friends to get involved. Together we can build a stronger, healthier community. Find upcoming opportunities here.

Start or continue your career with the Y
Looking for a job where you can make a difference? Work at the Y! You can inspire students as an afterschool counselor, train young athletes as a sports instructor, save lives as a lifeguard, and more. We offer benefits including flexible schedules and a free Y membership. We also offer sign on bonuses! Check out our job openings and apply today.