November Newsletter: We're Thankful for You
As our community continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, the Y is entering November with appreciation and gratitude. We are so grateful to have been able to serve our community over the past few weeks with food and water, shelter, showers, emergency supplies, charging stations, internet access, and more. Click here to watch a video about our relief efforts.
Six of our seven centers have reopened, our afterschool childcare program is back in the schools, and flood repairs are well underway at the Black Mountain YMCA. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
During this stressful time, the YMCA is a place for everyone to feel safe, included, and welcome as they build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Please be kind to each other and follow our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Thank you for being part of the YMCA family. Keep reading to find out what’s going on at the Y this month.
Youth Development
Shoot for some fun!
Youth basketball leagues are back in action! Our Little Dribblers program (ages 3-4) teaches basic skills, while the Basketball Leagues program (ages 5-14) builds teamwork and expands on fundamentals. Playing basketball is a great way for kids to learn basic coordination, build skills, and make friends on and off the court. Learn more and sign up here.
Give the gift of camp
Looking for the perfect gift for a kiddo in your family this holiday season? Give the gift of camp! When you register a child at YMCA Camp Watia, not only are you giving them the best summer ever, but you are also giving them lifelong friendships, lasting memories, and so much more. Find out more about Camp Watia and register here.
Carve out time for you
Needing time for yourself in preparation for the holidays? Let the Y care for your child while you run errands, enjoy a date night, or simply relax. Available for both members and nonmembers.
MEMBER BONUS: Every quarter, household members receive one free Parents Time Out session. Choose one that works best for you.
Healthy Living
Black Mountain Member Fest
It’s time to come together and get moving! In support of our Black Mountain members, we’re hosting a special group exercise event at the Asheville Y, featuring Black Mountain Y instructors Cyndy, Christey, Michele, and Sadie. On Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., all members are invited to the Asheville Y for these classes:
- 10-10:50 a.m. Cardio Dance with Cyndy and Sadie
- 11-11:50 a.m. Sit to Be Fit with Christey
- 12-12:50 p.m. Yoga with Michele
It's Crunch time!
Motivate yourself to stay healthy during the holiday season by joining Holiday Crunch! This annual fitness challenge runs from Nov. 18-Dec. 31. Sign up today through Dec. 14 at any Y and start recording your workouts on the challenge board on Nov. 18. Complete 20 workouts during the crunch period to be rewarded with a happier, healthier you – and a T-shirt too!
Reduce your risk
If caught early on, prediabetes can often be reversed. To find out your risk, take the 1-minute diabetes risk test here. The Y can help you prevent or manage type 2 with a free support program in English and Spanish. Sessions begin soon. Email [email protected] or call 828-575-2922 to learn more.
Workouts that work for you
Make your time working out really pay off with a personal trainer. Whether you’re coming back from an injury, focused on proper form, or ready to level up a personal best, now is an excellent time to invest in yourself and save. Learn more about personal training options here.
Find your power
PWR! Moves is a large motor skills exercise program that helps people with Parkinson’s disease improve daily movement, mitigate symptoms, and rebuild functionality by teaching skills that can be integrated into daily activities and routines. The next PWR! Moves class runs from Nov. 7-Dec. 19 at the Woodfin YMCA. It meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Learn more and sign up here.
BCS Aquatics Center update
Equipment at the BCS Aquatics Center suffered storm damage, and the facility remains closed. Until repairs are completed, high school swim teams will be using the pools at the Asheville YMCA, Corpening Memorial YMCA, and Reuter Family YMCA for practice. Please check pool schedules when planning your visit.
Plan your holiday visits
The Y believes in building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, and that includes giving our staff time off during the holidays. Please note these operating hours:
- Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28: Closed
- Day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29: Opening at 8 a.m.
- Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Closing at 4 p.m.
- Christmas Day, Dec. 25: Closed
- New Year's Eve, Dec. 31: Closing at 4 p.m.
- New Year's Day, Jan. 1: Opening at 8 a.m.
Social Responsibility
We're here for you
Hurricane Helene may be over, but our recovery is just beginning. The Y has resources to help you get through.
- All Souls Counseling is offering free mental health check-ins to YMCA members. A licensed therapist is at the Asheville YMCA Mondays from 8-11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. No appointment necessary. Private meeting space available.
- If you’re experiencing financial hardship as a result of the storm, please contact us by email or call 828-251-5910. Support from generous donors funds assistance for membership and programs. We’ll be glad to work with you so you can continue benefiting from all the Y has to offer.
- If you’re looking for job opportunities, we have many positions available. Find more information about our jobs here.
Give back on Giving Tuesday
Join us in celebrating Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3. Your gift will help our community rebuild and recover. Help us make a difference and donate here.
Healthy food for all
Our mobile food markets distribute healthy produce, simple recipes, and valuable nutrition information that's easy to understand. This service is free and open to the community, no questions asked. Find times and locations here.
Wear your support
When you buy a YMCA Stronger Together T-shirt, $10 will be donated directly to our hurricane recovery efforts! See the design and order here.
Veterans, we salute you
We are grateful for all veterans for their courage, strength, dedication, and sacrifices made to protect and keep us safe. We remember this all throughout the year, but at this time especially we come together to honor you on Veterans Day.
- The Y's Military Appreciation program covers several types of membership with corresponding rates, which apply as long as the veteran or active military individual is a Y member. There are no joining fees for veterans, active military, and their family members to join the Y.
- Active duty National Guard troops providing post-hurricane relief are invited to use the YMCA at no charge while they're in the area.