September Newsletter: Fall into fun

The Y welcomes all

Join us Sept. 13-22 for Welcoming Week, when neighbors from around the world get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community. All week, the Y will host a variety of activities highlighting global cultures. Visit your local center to join the fun. Keep reading to learn more about what’s happening at the Y this month.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Discover your potential

YMCA Leaders Club is a year-long leadership development program designed to help teens in grades 8-12 discover their full potential while serving the community. New members are now being accepted at the Hendersonville Family Y and Reuter Family Y. Learn more about Leaders Club and its impact here.

Adventure awaits

It’s time to start planning for next summer’s adventures! Registration is now open for Camp Watia 2025. Overnight campers will explore new interests, make friends, and build confidence. Act now to get the week of your choice and give your child a summer experience they’ll never forget. Learn more and register here.

Racing for fun

Looking for a way to have fun with your family while supporting your community? Join us at the Ferguson Family Y on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 12-4 p.m. for the 12 Volt Rally. This free community event features interactive games, food, drinks, and more. Proceeds from the kids’ car races will be donated to the Y. Learn more here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Todos son bienvenidos

The Y is excited to host our biannual Hispanic/Latino Health & Wellness Fair Sept. 17-20 at the Reuter Family YMCA. Get your blood pressure checked, do a diabetes screening, and learn more about community resources at this event. Todos son bienvenidos - all are welcome! Volunteers are needed and shifts are flexible. Basic Spanish language skills are preferred but not required. Email [email protected] for more information or to sign up.

Empower your body

Looking for a motivating way to change your workout routine? Try Les Mills BODYCOMBAT! This non-contact, martial arts-inspired workout lets you punch and kick your way to fitness. Find current class schedules here.

Ready, set, FITGO

Looking for some extra motivation? Join our FITGO challenge! From Sept. 2-13, you can participate in bingo-style activities designed to boost your spirit, mind, and body. You’ll feel amazing and get a prize once you complete the challenge. Learn more and sign up here.

Join Parkinson’s classes this fall

Are you or a loved one living with Parkinson’s disease? The Y has two Parkinson’s wellness recovery programs to help you fight back and reclaim your everyday movements.

• PWR!Moves is designed to enhance neuroplasticity and slow Parkinson’s progression. Focusing on large movements, it promotes problem-solving, fast processing, and sequencing through various challenging techniques. Learn more and sign up here.
• Rock Steady Boxing uses boxing-inspired exercises to maintain or restore essential skills affected by Parkinson’s disease. These exercises aim to improve agility, endurance, and overall strength by treating Parkinson’s as the opponent to overcome. Learn more and sign up here.

More than workouts

There’s something for everyone at the Y. Each month, the Y hosts a variety of events at all of our locations. Visit our events page here. 

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Take action against hunger

During Hunger Action Month in September, we invite you to volunteer with us to help provide free, fresh food to those in need while also raising awareness about the lack of reliable food access in our region. Find our volunteer opportunities here.

If you or someone you know needs access to food, please visit one of our free Mobile Food Markets. They're open to the public, and everyone can choose from a selection of delicious and healthy produce, no questions asked. In addition to food, you’ll get cooking tips in English or Spanish. See this month's schedule here.

Get #VoteReady at the Y

Voting is a civic duty and an important way to strengthen the community. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Y is recognizing National Voter Registration Day by partnering with the League of Women Voters to host several nonpartisan voter registration drives:  

• Asheville YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
• Black Mountain YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
• Corpening Memorial YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
• Ferguson Family YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
• Hendersonville Family YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Reuter Family YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-7 p.m.
• Woodfin YMCA: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. 
   

Celebrating new center leadership

We’re excited to announce two personnel changes at the Asheville YMCA and the Ferguson Family YMCA:

• Eric Barsotti is now the Associate Executive Director at the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler. Eric has been with our association for 11 years, most recently serving as the Membership Director at the Asheville and Woodfin locations.  
• Stephanie Munn, the former Executive Director at the Ferguson Family Y, is now Executive Director of the downtown Asheville Y. Stephanie began her Y career as a fitness instructor in Charlotte before joining our association as a wellness director in 2018.

"Both Eric and Stephanie have made significant contributions and are committed to serving our community,” says Jessica Hendrix, the Y’s Vice President of Operations. “Please join us in congratulating them as they begin their new roles."

Fall for a new purpose

The Y is always in search of staff who want to do work that matters. Now is a great time to help your neighbors through afterschool childcare, aquatics, membership, nutrition, sports, and wellness. We offer a variety of positions, flexible schedules, and an amazing team of coworkers. View all available positions here.