Social Responsibility

When disaster strikes, the YMCA is uniquely positioned to mobilize quickly, thanks to its deep roots in local communities. As North Carolina faces the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, communities are grappling with displaced families, damaged homes and critical infrastructure in need of repair.  The Y is here to help and serve in a variety of ways. 

Imagine you are a single mother whose husband passed away, you’re working full-time but reliant on bus transportation to get around, and your mother who has diabetes is living with you and your three children in a rented apartment.

Congratulations to several North Carolina YMCA staff who were named YMCA of the USA Anti-Hunger Heroes for their work to support healthy food access in their communities! We’re especially excited to recognize them during Hunger Action Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate members of our communities and their ancestors who hail from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Spain. The Y is celebrating our diversity and the histories, cultures and contributions of our Hispanic, Latino and Latinx community members.

Three North Carolina YMCAs are partnering with NC DHHS for the Healthy Opportunities Pilots (HOPs). The pilot is the first comprehensive program in the country to test and evaluate the impact of providing specific evidence-based, non-medical interventions related to housing, food, transportation, interpersonal safety, and toxic stress to high-needs Medicaid enrollees.

The YMCA of High Point hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 5 to celebrate the reopening of the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA and the adjacent Carlvena Foster Child Care Center following a $4.5 million renovation and expansion. 

During the pandemic, Jen Fuller-Allen, CEO of the J. Smith Young YMCA in Lexington, began sending an email each Friday to her Board of Directors. “I wanted to connect with our Board more regularly to share highlights from the week to better equip them to help tell our story,” Fuller-Allen said.