Tag Archive for: #hendersonfamilyymca

YMCA

Remember Henderson Family YMCA On ‘Giving Tuesday’ Dec.3

/by

The days following Thanksgiving are a retailer’s dream – slash – nightmare – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday.

But then comes Giving Tuesday, where the emphasis is not on retail so much as on ways to support local organizations. It’s a global day of giving that has come into its own as a way to provide support to causes that matter to you, the giver.

This year, the leadership at the Henderson Family YMCA invite its neighbors and community partners to donate on Giving Tuesday – Dec. 3, 2024 – to support the Y’s mission to provide programs and services that help individuals and families across Vance County and the surrounding area.

Director of Marketing and Operations Christina Miceli said, “Many people feel compelled to support an organization that provides vital services to all, especially in their local communities. The YMCA’s ability to create a sense of belonging and a healthy connected community – through afterschool care, summer camps, swimming lessons, fitness classes, or senior wellness – appeals to donors who want to make a tangible difference.”

A $100 donation, for example, equates to three swim lessons for a young person. A donation of $230 provides a family one month of after-school care for a child. And a $582 gift provides one adult a year-long membership with full access to all facility amenities, including the fitness center and the pool.

So whether it’s swim lessons, a workout in the weight room or water aerobics for senior adults, Miceli said the Y provides a wide assortment of programs and activities.

“When people see how their contributions can directly enhance lives and strengthen the community, the YMCA stands out as a truly worthy cause,” Miceli said.
“The YMCA means something different to everyone; it is truly what you make of it.”

For many, the Y is a place where young people learn how to swim, but also a place where they gain confidence, Miceli said. “For others, it’s a place where children can experience summer camp and embrace the gift of adventure. The Y is also a welcoming space for widows and widowers, providing the gift of connection and community during challenging times,” she said.

Teens can play basketball after school, strengthening their passion for sports and the value of teamwork.

“For our members, it’s a space to exercise and receive the gift of activity and health. And for those looking to make a difference, it’s a place to volunteer and participate, giving the gift of purpose and fulfillment,” Miceli added.

Through a variety of programs and partnerships, the local YMCA strives to create an inclusive environment that supports the health and well-being of all community members, Miceli said. That makes the Y a welcoming place for everyone.

With a focus on affordability, inclusivity and community outreach, the Y can be a place for the whole community to use and enjoy.

  • Financial Assistance: The Y offers financial assistance and discounted rates for youth programs, ensuring that low-income individuals and families can participate in memberships without financial barriers. This commitment allows more people to access the amenities and benefits of the Y.
  • Diverse Programming: The Y offers swim lessons for all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone can learn to swim safely. But there’s also a wide range of  fitness classes for people of all abilities, from beginners to advanced. The Y tailors programming for older adults, too, which includes social activities and educational workshops to promote healthy aging.
  • Community Collaboration: The Y collaborates with schools, nonprofits and community groups to expand its outreach. Free programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program, for example, helps participants lower their risk of type 2 diabetes, and the Y’s Safety Around Water initiative targets second graders in Vance County how to be safe around water.

Visit https://www.hendersonymca.org/ and click on the link to donate.

 

VCS Second Graders Learn Water Safety Through YMCA “Safety Around Water” Program

/by

– Information courtesy of VCS Chief Communication Officer Aarika Sandlin

Second-graders from all 10 elementary schools in Vance County Schools are participating in a five-day swim training program with staff at the Henderson Family YMCA. The Safety Around Water initiative is a national program that teaches young people basic safety techniques – using the buddy system and how to use life jackets, for example – when facing water rescue situations.

YMCA Director of Aquatics Kim Davis and staff help the children through three rounds of training: “Submerge!” helps to build comfort in the water; “Swim, Float, Swim!” teaches basic swimming skills; and “Jump, Push, Turn and Grab!”  teaches pool exit techniques.

“The hardest part is helping them to overcome their fear,” Davis said. “We care about these students, and this program helps to build trust and faith between the children

and our instructors. It is very exciting to see the progress from one day to the next.”

At the end of training, each student receives a certificate to celebrate their hard work.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation partners with the YMCA to provide the training.

Students from Clarke Elementary participated in early February, and Principal Dr. C’monee’ Wilkins said she appreciates the partnership with the YMCA to provide the experience.

“The Safety Around Water program is a rich experience that opens our students up to embracing new things and stepping outside of their comfort zone,” she said.

“Each year there are drownings but lately the drownings have increased. We live in an area with large lakes and pools. The SAW program teaches safety skills to help the students to be able to help save themselves until help arrives.”

 

‘Luminary Night Of Hope’ Sept. 30 At Henderson Family YMCA

/by

Chances are you’ve seen banners around town announcing the Luminary Night of Hope that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Henderson Family YMCA.

The event, hosted by St. James Missionary Baptist Church, is one activity planned by Vance County Relay For Life. There will be luminaries lining the track that people can purchase in honor or memory of someone with cancer or who has died from cancer.

There will be food trucks and other types of entertainment. Please come out to support this event.

To donate to the St. James MBC church team directly, visit http://main.acsevents.org/gotoStJamesMBC

Visit www.RelayForLife.org/VanceNC to learn more.

Henderson Family YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program Begins Jan. 16

/by

The Henderson Family YMCA is beginning a class to help people reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong commitment that starts with weekly meetings and gradually goes to meetings every few weeks.

The one-hour class begins Monday, Jan. 16 at 12:30 p.m. and Christina Miceli said it’s all part of an effort to help people who are not yet diagnosed with diabetes eat healthier, increase their physical activity and lose weight – all of which can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Time is of the essence, however. Miceli said she hopes individuals will register for the class soon. Each class builds upon previous classes, so it’s important to attend all 26 sessions. The deadline to register is extended to Jan. 23, when all information must be submitted.

The Henderson Family Y is among more than 200 across the country offering the program.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Diabetes affects more than 34 million people in the United States, but 1 in 4 do not know that they have it. A condition called prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. More than 88 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes has no cure, but prediabetes can be reversed.

Submit test results to Member Services Desk or mail to: Henderson Family YMCA, Renee Gorby-YMCA Diabetes Program Coordinator, 380 Ruin Creek Road Henderson, NC 27536.

YMCA

YMCA Offers Class To Learn About Prediabetes

/by

One in three adults has prediabetes, but less than 10 percent know they have the health condition that can develop into more serious health problems.

The Henderson Family YMCA is offering a free program to educate participants about ways to ward off or lessen problems associated with prediabetes.

Registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 22 and the first class begins on Monday, Sept. 26, according to information from the YMCA’s diabetic program coordinator, Christina Miceli.

Before enrolling in the program, take a quick online test at www.hendersonymca.org and share the test results with the diabetes program coordinator for approval to enroll in the program. Either drop off the results at the Y’s Member Services Desk or mail to:

Henderson Family YMCA

380 Ruin Creek Rd.

Henderson, NC 27536

 

Visit www.hendersonymca.org or call 252.438.2144 to learn more.

 

Henderson Family YMCA $1M Gift from Dr. Khanh Vu and His Wife Elmira Choopani

/by

The Henderson YMCA has received a $1 million gift to create a youth development services program in the building recently vacated by Vance County Department of Social Services.

Executive Director/CEO Paul Ross said the gift from Dr. Khanh Vu and his wife, Elmira Choopani, would hopefully be used to purchase the building – adjacent to the current Y campus – and to transform it into a space for summer day camps, after-school camps and perhaps even a licensed day care.

Ross spoke with John C. Rose about the Y’s vision to serve the community. “We are exceedingly grateful and we can’t thank them enough,” Ross said on Monday’s Town Talk about the gift from the Vus.

Listen to the full story here – TownTalk 08-22-22 $1M Gift to Henderson Family YMCA

“We are in process of trying to acquire the DSS property that adjoins the Y,” Ross said. Because the county has deemed it a surplus property and because the Y is a non-profit which plans to use it to benefit the community, the sale does not have to go out to public bid, Ross said.

Among the numerous offers the county received, theirs was selected “because of the work we’re going to do,” Ross noted.

The board of directors has been honing the vision for quite a while, he said, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the emotional and physical strains brought about by pandemic restrictions has shone a spotlight on the need for specialized services and programs for young people who may be facing challenges.

The youth development services facility is part of the larger vision that the board has to try to offset or prevent negative health outcomes for children. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been proven to have lasting effects on adults, he said. Promoting good mental health among children is the “whole underlying target” for the overarching vision the Y has to serve the community.

“This community needs this kind of work in a desperate way,” he said.

There are strategies that can be implemented that counteract those ACEs, he said, and the Y is pursuing partnerships with Triangle North and Henderson Vance Health Care, among others, to make such programming possible. Providing young people, especially those ages 5-12, with coping mechanisms and strategies to prevent future problems is critical to maintaining good mental health.

“We’re trying to address it on the front end and prevent it from getting worse,” Ross said. “It’s a monumental task but it has to be addressed.”

Ross said the track behind the Y needs some attention, and he said renovating it and adding more amenities for the whole community to enjoy has been well-received by its geographical neighbors Boyd Chevrolet and Maria Parham Health.

By reorienting the track and pumping up the amenities there, the Y would create a larger campus for the whole community to enjoy, not just Y members.

“We are available to everybody,” Ross, who joined the Y in 2014, said. “Ever since I started here, we have made every effort to try to make our services available to the community.

The last two words of the Y’s mission statement, he said, are “for all.”

Click Play

The Local Skinny Apr 29 YMCA Bike Safety Event

/by

Thank you for listening to WIZS Radio, Your Community Voice!

The Local Skinny Apr 29 YMCA Bike Safety Event Information.

YMCA Back to School Academy

Henderson Family YMCA Offering School Care at Reduced Rates

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

The Henderson Family YMCA is currently offering a “Back-to-School Academy” for school-aged children on a full-time, hybrid part-time and after school only basis.

Funding from a recent grant has allowed the YMCA to offer a limited-time price reduction on care through the remainder of 2020.

Full-time or hybrid part-time care is available Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. for $75 per week. After school care is available Monday-Friday from 2 until 6 p.m. for $55 per week ($45 for YMCA members).

The Back-to-School Together sessions include:

  • Breakfast, lunch and snack
  • Safe and enriching environment
  • Academic times
  • Group activities
  • Updated safety guidelines
  • Playtime (indoors and outdoors)
  • Swim time
  • Robotics (new)
  • Pick up from Vance Charter now available

Space is limited, so please reserve your spot today. For more information, contact the YMCA at (252) 438-2144, www.hendersonymca.org, or email Dana at danah@henfamymca.org.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Local News Audio

Local News Audio 9-2-20 Noon

/by
  • Passing of Jimmy Cordell
  • Voter Registration Info Coming in Mail
  • Henderson Family YMCA Offers Daily Child Care, School Assistance

Click Play Below for Full Details and WIZS Local News Audio

YMCA

Town Talk 09/01/20: Henderson Family YMCA Offers Daily Child Care, School Assistance

/by

100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Dana Holloman, director of Youth Services at the Henderson Family YMCA, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

The Henderson Family YMCA is helping local students, parents and teachers by offering in-person full-time or part-time school assistance/child care through its Back To School Academy. The program runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. After-School Care only is also available weekdays from 2 until 6 p.m.

Though the program began with the start of the new school year on August 17, space is still available for both YMCA members and non-members.

 

Participants are asked to bring their necessary school device, books, work packets, etc.; a yoga/nap mat or blanket for quiet time; an extra set of clothes, swimwear, towel and flip flops; lunch that does not require heating; quiet time material such as a favorite book or magazine; and a reusable water bottle. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon.

According to Holloman, the YMCA provides the appropriate time for the student to log in for virtual learning each morning or for them to work on their online schoolwork or assigned worksheets. Each participant is assigned to their appropriate age, grade or school group.

In the afternoon, participants “have time to unwind” with both indoor and outdoor activities including swimming, youth sports clinics, arts and crafts, robotics, playtime and virtual field trips. Afternoon academic time is provided for those who need to log in for virtual school lessons later in the day.

The YMCA conducts daily health screenings with temperature checks and basic health questions on all campers and camp staff. YMCA camp counselors are required to wear a face covering; masks are optional for campers. Face coverings are available to campers by request.

All Back to School Academy and After School activities, crafts, games and sports adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Back To School Academy Schedule

7:30 am – 8:30 am Arrival, breakfast
8:30 am – 9:00 am Devotion, pledge & prayer
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Academic Time (bring devices and/or school work)
10:30 am – 10:45 am Morning snack
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Quiet time/reading time/nap time
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Snack
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Choose one specialty activity (Robotics, youth sports skill clinics, swim time, academic time, arts & crafts, etc.)
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Free time

The Back to School Academy weekly full-time cost is $115 for YMCA members and $135 for non-members. Part-time, or less than five days per week, is $95 for members and $110 for non-members. After-School Care only is a weekly fee of $45 for members and $55 for non-members.

The Henderson Family YMCA is located at 380 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson. For more information, call (252) 438-2144 or email Holloman at danah@henfamymca.org.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.