Y voice

YmcA oF WeSTerN NorTH cAroLiNA NeWSLeTTer

Summer 2012

veNdiNg goeS HeALTHY

Youll no longer find sodas, sports, or energy drinks in the vending machines at our Centers. The decision to stop selling these beverages is in alignment with Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) and our 2020 Vision Plan to create healthier communities. Our decision has been enthusiastically supported by our members and the community at large. Small changes like beverage choices are more likely to help you make lasting positive health and well-being changes, notes Kristen Weaver, Community Healthy Living Director. CEO Paul Vest continues, We are fostering positive healthy environments so that when faced with opportunities to make health-related decisions, the healthier choice becomes the easier choice. The Asheville Citizen-Times published an article on our new Healthy Vending Policy. As a result, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation re-printed the article in its latest News Digest on Childhood Obesity which is sent out nationally. PHC provides support, resources, and collaboration to remove obstacles and assist in healthy changes for our Western North Carolina communities. If you or your organization are interested in learning more or collaborating with PHC, contact Kristen Weaver at kweaver@ymcawnc.org or 828 210 9658.

PArTNer HigHLigHTS
Our Partners support extends beyond the Healthier Communities Campaign. They share our dedication to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

UnitedHealthcare strives to improve the quality and effectiveness of health care for all. They are committed to helping people live healthier lives, and collaborating with the Y. This partnership creates a new paradigm in health care delivery by bringing programs for children and adults to communities across America. The epidemics of obesity, prediabetes, and diabetes represent the greatest health challenges of the 21st century. Taking them on requires commitment and creative thinking, which is why UnitedHealthcare is excited to join with the YMCA to help deliver programs to people at a convenient location where they live, work, and play, says Martha Browne, Director of Sales and Account Management. The Y is on the leading edge of how healthcare services will be delivered in the future, notes Jonathan Lever, Vice President for Health Strategy and Innovation for Y-USA. The Ys footprint in communities means we can reach many of the 79 million individuals currently estimated to have prediabetes and help reverse the rise of chronic disease rates that are causing health care costs to increase. With help from Partners like UnitedHealthcare, we believe we can cut the rate of prediabetes in our area and make Healthy Living opportunities accessible to all.

THe Y SAved mY LiFe: A LeTTer From JoeY

My health has been very poor most of my life. I have had seven heart attacks in a nine-year period starting in 2003 with my seventh in February. When I had my first heart attack, I needed a triple bypass. After my surgery, I wasnt taking very good care of myself and was diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, colitis, and a few other ailments. I have had two hip replacements - one in 1990 and again in 2008. I also have three fractured vertebrae, four ruptured discs, and the first of BOTH shoulder replacements. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis came this year. The skeletal issues come from a severe degenerative bone and joint disease diagnosis. My body hurts constantly. So after my shoulder replacement in 2011, I decided it was time to get serious about life and doing something about my misery. It was suggested that I go to the YMCA. Because of the skeletal issues, I started with pool classes, they have an easier impact on my bones and joints. I took Aqua Bodies with the wonderful Tara, and my favorite class is H2O Boogie with Miss Amy, who has such upbeat encouragement and general compassion for all the Aquatic Gang. I started doing other cardio machines in the gym, working my way from doing 5 or 10 minutes on the cross trainer to 5.5 MILES in 55 minutes, my most gratifying accomplishment. I also found the strength to add two spin classes a week, and weight training four times a week with ALL the staff encouraging me to push and reach my goals. With the help I received from Jessica, Blake, and the other gym staff as well as my pool family, I had the encouragement I needed to help me along my journey to a new life. I have lost 50 pounds and dropped from a size 46 waist to a 34 inch waist (on a non-bloated good day of course). That being said, the YMCA saved my life and I am grateful for the support, compassion, and concern for my overall health. It means SO VERY MUCH to me, more than words can ever say. My negative diagnosis has changed to a very positive prognosis of health and hope. Now my doctors say as long as I keep going and doing what I am doing, there is no reason that I shouldnt live a long, fulfilling life. The staff of the Downtown Y have helped make a tremendous change in me, and I am so glad to have them as a part of my life for a very healthy future. Thank you, Joey

Y VOICE | YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA NEWSLETTER

cAuSe-driveN corNer
A strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Here are some highlights of our cause-driven work at each Center.

The Corpening Ys Diabetes Prevention Program is off to a great start. More than eight weeks in, the first group is already seeing significant results in total body weight and lower cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. If you would like to know more about the program, please contact the Y at 828 659 9622.

With nearly 100 yards of green space, parking, an indoor community center, and an outdoor basketball court, the Woodfin Community Field Space will soon be filled with kids playing youth baseball, soccer, and other sports. The field will also be used for the Fit After 50 program launching in September.

Recently, Asheville Y staff members teamed up with Johnson Price Sprinkle for a work day and wall-raising for a Habitat for Humanity home. The home is being constructed through a community partnership between Johnson Price Sprinkle, First Baptist Church of Asheville, and Bank of America.

The Ys Kristen Weaver and PHC partner Diana Manee from Youth Empowered Solutions (YES!) recently represented Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) at the NC Public Policy Forum and NC Nonprofits Day in Raleigh. They had an opportunity to share the progress and future needs of PHC as it continues to address barriers to healthy living in our community.

The Reuter Y recently opened an art studio where kids can discover their inner Picasso or Van Gogh. With lessons in paper mache, painting, printmaking, cartooning, and more. The Center plans more fun programs and open studio times for the fall.

With support from First Citizens Bank, the Henderson County Y is offering the Schools to Pools Program to preschoolers. The program builds self confidence, eliminates fear, and introduces kids to swimming which can have lifelong health benefits.

Summer diScoverY
Shelbys Story
Shelby was in 7th grade when she began attending the 21st Century Program. Initially she was defiant, not showing interest in school work or engaging in activities. However, as she built trust, she began to open up and develop relationships. Shelby began the school year with Ds in math and science - her struggles due in part to a hearing impairment. Staff and tutors helped Shelby get the explanations she needed to understand her school work. She ended the year by making the AB honor roll and passing her math EOG for the first time! Concerned about summer learning loss, Shelbys mom and grandmother were
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enthusiastic to sign her up for Summer Discovery. This new program engages students in experiential learning through STEM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Students also choose from four enrichment camps with activities in career exploration, service learning, team building, and Developmental Assets. Funding for this program was provided in part by the Asheville-Buncombe United Way and CFWNCs Janirve Legacy Fund. For more information about Summer Discovery, contact Heather Deifell at 828 775 5888 or hdeifell@ymcawnc.org.
Shelby (center) with friends at Summer discovery.

Y VOICE | YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA NEWSLETTER

AFFordAbLe overNigHT cAmP comiNg To YouTH oF WNc

Imagine yourself, 10 years old again, exploring the mountains of western North Carolina, hiking, rafting, kayaking, and swimming. At night, you gather around the campfire with new friends and realize that youre part of something that will stay with you the rest of your life. We have an opportunity to make this a reality for youth of western North Carolina. Located just an hour from Asheville in Swain County, a 900+ acre track of property has been made available to the YMCA for this amazing opportunity. Bordering the Nantahala Outdoor Center and national forest land, this property is complete with a small lake, open fields, and easy access to area resources. This new program will be integrated into the Y tradition of offering life-changing experiences that will strengthen the spirit, mind and body for all. The camps primary function will be to serve as an affordable summer camp destination for local youth. Camp often provides the setting where new and often lifelong relationships develop, grow, and thrive. The program approach will keep campers in a learning mode ensuring they end the summer fully ready to address the academic challenges of a new grade. Traditional summer camp activities will complement educational activities that focus on sharing and learning the rich heritage of the lives of our HeNderSoNviLLe cAmP predecessors. A big SucceSS Well launch a capital campaign to raise the resources necessary to create this opportunity. The Y is committed to funding both the facility needs of the camp as well as scholarships for deserving campers. Get more information on how you can help make this life-changing experience available to all youth in western North Carolina by contacting President & CEO, Paul Vest, at pvest@ymcawnc.org or 828 251 5909.

HeriTAge cLub groWS

In May, The Heritage Clubs Annual Recognition Dinner welcomed new members, announced a new named fund, and celebrated the generosity of our current members. This special dinner honors our friends who are ensuring our services are available to all now and in the future. With gratitude, we recognize our new members: Tim and Julie Blenco, Betsy Ervin and Ken Razza, Gary and Taylor Foss, Chris and Jana Lechner, Dawson and Susan Mims, John and Dianna Pierce, Phil and Dawn Points, Martha Rutherford, Kay Sinclair, and James Spearin. A new named fund, The Jennifer Svenstrup Scholarship Fund for Child Care, was also announced at the dinner. After serving seven years in the YMCA School-Age Child Care program in Indianapolis, Jennifer came to Asheville in 2006 to launch the Buncombe County afterschool program. With her ability to inspire and train new staff, address program and licensing needs, and raise expectations, Jennifer built the foundation for the largest school-age child care program in western North Carolina. This scholarship fund honors her work and assures Jennifers fingerprints will remain on the Ys work with children for generations to come. If youd like more information on joining the Heritage Club or planned giving, contact Financial Development Director Dana Davis at ddavis@ymcawnc.org or 828 210 9656.
Pictured above gary and Taylor Foss.

Hendersonville Camp opened in June with great anticipation from past participants. Enrollment has grown 40% higher than expected with plenty of positive camper feedback. Campers are participating in campouts at Beaverdam, field trips, swimming at the Hendersonville Y and Blue Ridge Assembly, and participating in Color Wars which includes day camps throughout our association.

regiSTer TodAY For AFTerScHooL

Register today for YMCA Afterschool. Now in 20 Buncombe County Elementary Schools, we operate from dismissal until 6:00pm daily. In addition to our standard curriculum, afterschool provides free tutoring, a healthy snack, swim trips, and group exercise classes. For more information about YMCA Afterschool, please visit our website at ymcawnc.org or call Child Care Services at 828 210 2273.

Afterschool programming will expand to Woodfin, Barnardsville, Vance, and Hall Fletcher Elementary Schools. Two sites will serve these four schools.Were excited to offer programming, like adventure and anti-bullying programs, healthy-eating initiatives, and small group tutoring programs, to more children and families, says James Spearin, Executive Youth Development Director.

The Arc of NC has partnered with Child Care Services to provide a model program for school-age children in camp and afterschool. This summer, our Hominy Valley Camp had 15 children with special needs participate in our daily programs and we plan to expand to at least three county elementary schools in the fall. Were giveing children who have been kept separate throughout their lives the opportunity to feel accepted and part of a group. Children are empathetic of our differences and its heartwarming to see this program in action, notes James.
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2012 HeALTHier commuNiTieS cAmPAigN PArTNerS

YmcA oF WeSTerN NorTH cAroLiNA

53 Asheland Avenue, Suite 105 Asheville, NC 28801 P 828 251 5909

Y voice
YmcA oF WeSTerN NorTH cAroLiNA NeWSLeTTer Summer 2012 53 Asheland Avenue, Suite 105

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