Our Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our Values
Y programs, activities and relationships teach and model Christian values—caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith are evident in all that we do. The Y is community centered. For 14 years, we’ve been listening and responding to our community.
The Y brings people together. We connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs.
The Y nurtures potential. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y has local presence and national reach. We mobilize local communities to effect lasting and meaningful change.
Our Cause
We are committed to strengthening community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back by supporting our neighbors.
Our Impact
There is no other nonprofit quite like the Y. That’s because we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The impact of the Y is felt every day when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.
Our Vision
To create a community where people have the opportunity to live healthy, all youth can be safe and reach their potential and the elderly have support to live quality, independent lives.
Our Leadership
CEO
Trey Oakley ~ I work at the Y to make an impact in the community. The Y changed my life as a child and I hope through my involvement, that I can do the same for someone else.
CFO
Holly Magid ~ I work here because… It feels great to be a part of something that is making an impact in our community in so many ways. We are changing lives and I see the difference we are making in people every day.
holly@ymcaavery.org
Avery County Associate Executive Director
Bonnie Clark ~ I love working for the YMCA because I get the chance to have a positive impact on someone’s life every day!
Association Business Manager
Edie Young ~ Edie grew up in Pickens SC. She began her “YMCA life” in her local gymnastics program and went on to participate in other activities there. She is always smiling and believes ‘Wherever you go, go with all of your heart” (Confucius). She chose the Y because it feels amazing to know that what she does everyday makes a difference to our shared community.
Community Outreach Director
Sheila Bauer ~ I absolutely love helping people. Watching their faces when we at the YMCA have helped them to make a difference in their lives is a wonderful feeling. Knowing that when you have helped to make a change for the better in someone’s life is one of the best feelings in the world. That tells me we do and can make a difference. Our mission statement is being fulfilled thru spirit, mind, and body.
Fund Development & Accountability
Dennis Betz ~ more than thirty years of nonprofit and business management experience. Sixteen years proposal and budget development, data management and program evaluation. Successfully designed innovative projects, budgets and developed proposal for and secured over $40M for nonprofit organizations.
Director of Funds Development
Lauren Wilson ~ earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion with internship experience. A motivated young professional with an aptitude for innovation and creative problem solving. People in her class say she is communicative and personable. She serves internal and external customers with poise and professionalism.
Senior Program Director
Erin Spear ~ Working in the wellness center and with healthy living at the Y has been such a great opportunity to not only be the change in somebody’s life, but to help them create the change they need for themselves to feel better. I enjoy experiencing the impact the Y has in the community.
Association Director of Youth Development
Fabienne Dellinger has a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has spent the last few years working in Higher Education. “I am excited to learn all about the YMCA’s After School, Summer Camp, and other youth programs and explore new opportunities in the community!”
Avery County Director of Youth and Child Development
Recreation Director
Erica Shingleton~ During my time in the mountains I have felt a sense of community everywhere I look. Having the opportunity to work at the YMCA that is community focused and driven has been extremely fulfilling. Being able to serve this community by providing Athletic Programs to children and adults alike has been, and will continue to be, very rewarding. Erica oversees all of the YMCA Athletic and Aquatics programs.
Aquatics Program Coordinator
Faith Boyette~ “I love working at the YMCA, especially the pool because it’s one of the few places where I get to interact with members of all ages. On any given day I get to babble with babies, argue with middle schoolers about Marvel movies, work with high schoolers and receive advice from members older than me. I truly love working here!”
Mitchell County Associate Executive Director
Katie Willet ~ I am so excited to be a part of the YMCA team and the Mitchell County Y initiative. As a physical therapist in the community, I can see firsthand that bringing YMCA opportunities to Mitchell County will make a large impact on the greater health and wellness of our community. I love working with all ages, encouraging movement, building relationships, and community interaction.
2021 Board of Directors
Ms. Talia Freeman 2020
