March News: Here for each other

Here for each other

From the ups and downs of the pandemic to rising inflation to the invasion of Ukraine, external forces have taken a toll on all of us. At the Y, we know that when times are tough, we need each other more than ever.

Having a safe place for your children to go after school or a supportive, inclusive place to work out can relieve stress. So can laughing with friends, learning a new skill, and knowing help is there when you need it. The Y offers all of that and more. 

Thanks to the community’s goodwill and generosity, we’re able to offer financial assistance for membership, childcare, camp, sports, and other programs that enrich your life. It also means we can provide many services at no charge, such as mobile food markets, water safety lessons, and cancer support.

Right now, the community needs the Y, and you, more than ever. We invite you to reach out in friendship to others and to be the light the world needs. Please make a gift today to make a difference tomorrow.

Now hiring for the best summer job ever

Whether you're looking for your first job, wanting extra cash, or planning an encore career, the YMCA has a place for you!

Teens and young people can gain valuable work experience, leadership skills, new friends, and a mental health boost by working at the Y. Please spread the word to your children, grandchildren, and neighbors that we’re hiring lifeguards and swim instructors, summer day camp and overnight camp counselors, camp kitchen staff, childcare workers, and concessions staff. 

Safe, fun, and rewarding jobs are available in Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell and Swain counties. Training is provided. These positions offer competitive pay, hiring bonuses up to $1,000, a free Y membership, and career advancement opportunities. Apply to join our team today!

Challenge yourself this season

Ready for a fresh start? It’s time to spring into fitness and turn healthy choices into healthy habits. From March 20-April 16, challenge yourself to attend 12 group exercise classes and other wellness programs at the Y. 

Sign up for the Spring Into Fitness member challenge online or on the app and collect your scorecard starting March 20. Once you complete the challenge, turn in your card at the front desk for your prize!

It's time to play ball

Soccer and flag football, that is! Our coed clinics are designed to teach kids ages 3-14 the fundamentals of these games through engaging drills and organized scrimmages.  Starting in April at the Asheville Y, Hendersonville Family Y, and Reuter Family Y, these clinics are 30 minutes long for ages 3-4 and 60 minutes for ages 5 and up. 

Interested in an organized soccer league?  The Corpening Memorial YMCA is running a youth soccer league for ages 3-12. Registration is open until March 27 and league play begins April 4.

Financial assistance is available. Learn more and sign up for spring sports here.

Spring breakers, we've got you covered

The Y is a safe, nurturing place for your child to go when school’s out. You’ll have peace of mind while your kids have fun making spring break memories.

• Our all-day camps are full of fun activities and social-emotional learning for school-age children from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Buncombe (April 11-15) and McDowell (March 28-April 1).
• Half-day options include Camp Kiddos for children ages 3-5, featuring arts, crafts, songs, outdoor play, and water safety; and STEM Spring Break Camp, where kids ages 6-12 will learn how to solve problems, develop critical thinking skills, and get comfortable with failure and trying again. Both half-day camps take place at the Reuter Family Y from April 11-15.

Financial assistance is available. Click here to sign up for spring break camp today!

Calling all summer campers

The YMCA of WNC built Camp Watia so that local children and teens could benefit from the joys of overnight camp at an accessible price point. Fun, meaningful activities are carefully planned to help them explore new interests and build confidence. Registration is now open for campers ages 7-15. Financial assistance is available.

Plan now for next school year

The fun – and the learning – doesn’t stop when the school day ends. The YMCA’s enriching afterschool programs are a safe, healthy space for kids to study and socialize. Registration is now open for the Y’s 2022-23 afterschool programs in Buncombe and McDowell. Financial assistance is available. Sign up here.

Ditch the diet in favor of sustainable change

Our Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) helps you ditch the diet mentality and focus on sustainable lifestyle change. You’ll learn to make small, measurable changes that will help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes while focusing on the skills needed to lose weight, increase your physical activity, overcome barriers and manage stress.

The Y offers FREE online DPP with funding from NC State University. Virtual DPP includes 24 classes over a 12-month period. Participants must be 18+. Tuesday night classes begin March 15 and Thursday morning classes start March 31. Click here to register or stop by the front desk of any local YMCA to sign up.

Now open more hours to serve you

The Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler is now open longer on the weekends. Please drop by on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. We look forward to adding more hours at all our locations as we hire more staff. Know someone who’s looking for a great job? Tell them the Y is hiring!

Connect with community

The Woodfin YMCA’s Connect Groups bring neighbors together for support and companionship. These gatherings are free and open to anyone in the community. Please email Eric Barsotti for details.

• Book Club meets virtually at 10:30 a.m. on the second Friday of the month.
• Hiking Club meets twice a month for urban and nature hikes that vary from easy to moderate.
• A Bereavement Support Group for those who have lost an adult loved one meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
• The Men's Cancer Survivor Group meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Save the date: Healthy Kids Day is April 30

Join us at Patton Park in Hendersonville or at the Corpening Memorial YMCA on Saturday, April 30 to celebrate Healthy Kids Day! Fun events, games, activities, open swim, group exercise and youth class demonstrations, healthy snacks, contests and prizes, local vendors and community partner booths, and so much more are all free and open to the community. Save the date now – more details to follow!