$22.5M in expenses
In an effort to serve everyone regardless of their ability to pay, the YMCA of western north carolina provides financial assistance and subsidized services for individuals and families who might otherwise be unable to participate in YMCA programs and services. The most important measure of the YMCA is the impact we have on the lives of the people and communities we serve. Through our seven centers, 24 childcare sites, and programs throughout the community, the YMCA has a positive impact on people of all ages and from all over the region. Our charitable work supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Below are programs that make a positive impact in those areas. Youth development - afterschool childcare our afterschool programs provide students with developmentally appropriate activities that offer a combination of individual and group activities based on weekly themes and lesson plans. These programs adhere to the national healthy eating and physical activity (hepa) standards, increase the physical well-being of participants and promote health-promoting behaviors. - summer day camp we provide summer day camp at locations througout western north carolina. At summer day camp, children ages 5-15 have opportunities to make new friends, learn new skills, and explore the world around them. The y offers a variety of camps to fit the needs of families throughout the community. - YMCA camp watia YMCA camp watia is an affordable overnight camp for all children in western north carolina, regardless of family income. It is made accessible to all families through comparatively low costs and scholarship opportunities. Healthy living - aquatics programs the y offers lessons for swimmers of all levels and ages, including fun, educational classes for children ages 3 months through 12 years. We also provide the safety around water program, a four-to-eight-lesson curriculum that teaches children how to be safe in and near bodies of water, as well as some basic swim skills. Additionally, we have the piranhas, a year- round competitive swim team for swimmers ages 6-18. - youth sports youth sports programs honor the core y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We strive to provide a quality experience for players, coaches, and families, and we promote the development of each athlete to reach their highest potential through skill refinement, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We serve youth ages 3-14. - nutrition programs access to fresh, healthy food is a cornerstone of health that can affect people's ability to thrive. The y is dedicated to improving food access and food security. We do this by distributing fresh produce at no charge, with no questions asked, and by offering practical, cost-effective cooking demonstrations and nutrition education. We do this at mobile food markets in several counties each month. We also operate a central hub to receive, sort, and store donated food before distributing it at mobile food markets. Our mobile food market program served over 28,000 people by distributing over 120,000 pounds of food. We also distribute food boxes to more than 600 families each month, boxes are packed in our food hub and delivered directly to clients' homes, mitigating transportation barriers often associated with accessing healthy food. - livestrong at the YMCA livestrong at the YMCA is a free 12-week, evidence-based, small-group program that offers adult cancer survivors a supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on the whole person. Goals of the program include building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance, and improving functional ability. In 2024 we presented this program in person at several YMCA locations. - diabetes prevention program the YMCA of WNC's diabetes prevention program (DPP) is a year-long, community-based program for adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This evidence-based model from the centers for disease control and prevention has proven that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. This 12-month, supportive, virtual/classroom-based program focuses on the skills needed to move away from the type 2 diabetes border. Key program components include support for weight loss via healthy eating strategies, increased physical activity, and tools to overcome barriers and manage stress. The YMCA of WNC's program emphasizes intentional relationship building, connectedness among participants, and excellent program facilitation by skilled lifestyle coaches. This program is currently offered at no cost in english and spanish. Multicultural- specific cohorts are available. In 2024 program participants met online and in person. - diabetes education and empowerment program the diabetes empowerment and education program (deep) is a 10-week diabetes self-management program to help those living with type 2 diabetes thrive. In a small supportive group setting, deep provides education and support that encourages participants to learn how to self-manage their chronic condition and reduce their risk of complications by learning how to eat a healthy, balanced diet, increase physical activity, understand how diabetes affects the body, lose weight and understand medication interventions. Offered in person at no-cost in both english and spanish. Social responsibility - financial assistance we offer financial assistance for YMCA programs and memberships on a case- by-case basis to individuals and families who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Our sliding-scale fees align with each individual's or family's financial situation. We do not turn away anyone for their inability to pay. - global relations and community engagement the YMCA of western north carolina builds strong communities. We offer programs and support for everyone, from new parents, children, and teens to college students, young professionals, health seekers, and older adults. The y is a place where all people are respected and welcome and receive what they need to thrive. We are made up of people of all ages, from all backgrounds, working together to strengthen communities and to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility guide everything we do.