July News: Reaching goals together

Stay motivated with the Summer 20 challenge

Need an extra boost to keep your health goals on track? Motivate yourself with the Summer 20 Challenge. Just 20 minutes of brisk daily exercise has great health benefits. Record your July workouts in our mobile app and keep moving all month long. Be sure your activity tracker is connected, then challenge your friends – and even your favorite Y staffer. Download the app here.

YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Take the WHOLE family to camp

End summer on a high note at Camp Watia! Plan a family reunion, reconnect with each other, and enjoy activities like mountain biking, water sliding, archery, climbing, and more at our fun-filled Family Camp, Aug. 19-21. Groups will have their own cabin, and can share with another family by request. The first parent/child pair is $200; each additional person is $175. Meals are included. Call 828-251-5910 to learn more and reserve your cabin. 

Ready, set, play!

Physical activity and team sports help kids stay physically fit and learn new skills. The Y has lots of options for kids to get in the game!

• Our half-day summer sports camps teach the fundamentals of basketball, soccer, flag football, kickball, dodgeball, and more through fun games and drills.
• The fall season of youth soccer runs Sept. 12-Oct. 22. We have clinics for ages 3-4 and league play for ages 5-12.
• Flag football leagues will run Sept. 19-Nov. 5 for kids ages 7-12.
• Financial assistance is available for all youth sports programs. Learn more and sign up here.

Parents, it's your turn for fun

Ready for some time to yourself? The Y offers safe, affordable babysitting at multiple locations for members and nonmembers alike. Our trained caregivers will keep your child entertained while you take care of you. Click here to sign up for Kids Club, Parents Night Out, and Parents Morning Out.  

ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS

Combat Parkinson's with Rock Steady Boxing

Rock Steady Boxing uses exercises adapted from boxing drills to help people with Parkinson's maintain or restore skills that deteriorate and interfere with everyday movements. Click here to register for upcoming classes at the downtown Asheville YMCA and Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler. 

Get social at the Y

Each of our locations have a variety of events planned, stay connected with us on social media or visit our events page to see what's happening. 

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Survive and thrive after cancer

Our cancer survivorship program is back in full swing for its 10th year of service! LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond.

Funded locally by donors and community partners, this free program includes a Y household membership. Three LIVESTRONG sessions are starting later this summer. Click here to learn more.

The Y also hosts a Men's Cancer Support Group on the first and third Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Woodfin YMCA. There is no charge or membership requirement to join. RSVP is required. For more information, call Will at 412-913-0272 or email Eric Barsotti.

Clean pools = happy swimmers

Once a year we deep clean our pools to ensure the highest quality for our swimmers. Closures will begin in late July and run on a rotating schedule through August. Be sure to check our Facebook, website, and mobile app for updates before planning your visit.

SERVING ALL

Creating opportunities for food security

Our YMCA is honored to be named a Human Service Organization for the nation's first comprehensive program to test evidence-based, non-medical interventions designed to improve the health of Medicaid beneficiaries.

As part of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, our Nutrition team is working in the Food Security domain. This involves packing and delivering healthy food boxes on a weekly basis to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries who have been referred to our program. 

Volunteers are needed to help deliver food boxes. To learn more, email Julia Costa or call 828-775-7081.

Love what you do, do what you love

Want do wake up every day knowing that you're making a difference? Come work with the Y and change lives for the better! We're now hiring afterschool counselors, membership representatives, lifeguards, fitness instructors, and many other roles. Find your purpose here.

Giving back 

The Y is much more than a fitness center. Together, we support community health and well-being through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and we are a safe, inclusive place for all. Donors, like you help us ensure that our services are available to everyone in the community. Your tax-deductible gift supports our efforts to build a better us. Explore giving options here. Thank you!

Why do you love the Y?

Were you a Y camper growing up? Do you benefit from our sliding scale or a program scholarship? Share your story for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post.