These are unprecedented times for the YMCA, the nation, and the world. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, the YMCA of Western North Carolina is adapting to adjust operations.
Effective Monday, March 16, all YMCA of WNC centers closed to the public for at least two weeks.
These locations are the Asheville YMCA, Black Mountain YMCA, Corpening Memorial YMCA, Ferguson Family YMCA, Hendersonville Family YMCA, Reuter Family YMCA, Woodfin YMCA, YMCA at Mission Pardee Health Campus, and YMCA Youth Services Center at Beaverdam.
All YMCA programs, including wellness programs, youth sports, and swim lessons, are also suspended.
“The YMCA has a strong history of adapting to meet our community’s needs,” said President and CEO Paul Vest. “During this time of need, we are working with community partners to support our neighbors and to help them stay healthy in spirit, mind, and body.”
Emergency child care programs
Some parents must work and cannot stay home. The YMCA is here for them.
Because the majority of the YMCA of Western North Carolina afterschool programs take place in schools that will be closed for the next two weeks at least, they are not able to run those programs. The Y will not charge families for afterschool care while schools are closed. Any payments that were made in advance have been credited to future weeks when the afterschool program resumes.
The YMCA is in discussions with county emergency management officials, and are preparing to offer child care to healthcare providers and first responders in its centers while schools are closed.
To help YMCA of Western North Carolina assess community child care needs, they encourage area parents to complete this brief survey.
Ensuring food security
Mobile food markets will hand out prepackaged bags at scheduled market sites. As always, there’s no charge for this service, and no questions are asked.
The YMCA is also working with local school systems to deliver food to children in need. Starting Monday, March 16, they will serve packaged take-home dinners at Oakley, Estes, Black Mountain, Pisgah, West Buncombe, and Weaverville from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. alongside Buncombe County Schools lunch service.
If anyone is quarantined and needs food resources, they can reach out to 828-775-7081 for assistance.
Maintaining connections
YMCA of Western North Carolina realizes this is an uncertain and anxious time, and that its members and participants depend on the Y for programs that support their health and well-being.
Many of their evidenced-based health intervention classes, such as Diabetes Prevention Program, are being held virtually.
They are also pleased to offer members access to a variety of free online workouts and group exercise classes to help them stay fit during this time of social distancing. These options offer high-quality workouts via TV, computer, tablet, and smartphone:
- MOSSA Move is free to Y members for 60 days.
- Y360 group exercise classes are also free to members for a limited time.
“The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other,” said Vest. “We have received an incredibly supportive response from our members and the community, with many members deciding to continue their membership dues to help us ensure vital services that preserve and protect community.”
Those who need assistance with membership may call the Y Business Center at 828-210-5910.
Providing emergency relief
The community need for child care and food security is great. Please help YMCA of Western North Carolina continue to provide these essential services by donating to the Community Emergency Response Fund.
To volunteer to provide these services to the community, please see the volunteer signup page.