Serving All
True to our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, each year the YMCA of Avery County, through our Community Outreach Programs, provides community members with a YMCA membership. These memberships help them maintain their independence, develop new friendships, and find their place in our community.
For more information on YMCA Outreach or to partner with the YMCA of Avery County on a community project contact Sheila Bauer at 737-5500 extension 311
What We Do
Our Outreach programs are designed to serve all ages with an emphasis on serving Avery County Seniors. Our programs include brining healthy living programs to outreach sites throughout the county, preform home visits to assess daily living needs, deliver hot meals and aid in helping them maintain their independence to stay in their homes.
“About six years ago, in the Avery newspaper, I read about an Outreach Program happening in the community that included exercise. As a newcomer to the area this was exactly what I was looking for as a way to be active and meet new people. After a year, Sheila Bauer convinced me to try her Stretch, Tone, and Balance class at the Williams YMCA. I LOVED it! I met people who have become some of my lifelong friends. We do celebrations, holidays, and live life together all because of my experience with the Outreach Program at the Williams YMCA.”
2019 National Senior Health & Fitness Day Volunteers
Maintaining Independence
Community Outreach maintains the mindset of helping Avery Seniors stay in their own homes and live independently. Outreach volunteers help with home visits, general home assessments, meal deliveries, transportation to and from medical appointments, and much more!
Avery Mentoring Program
A partnership of Western Youth Network and The Williams YMCA of Avery County
What is a mentor?
A compassionate adult role model and advocate who helps a youth in need or caring guidance grow up to be their best.
What would a mentor do?
A mentor commits to spending about two hours per week for one year with a specially-matched mentee. Go fishing together, take a walk, make a meal, or do whatever everyday fun things you both enjoy doing, and just listen to each other.
Why do it?
Someone need you. PLUS, it works! Young people involved in mentoring programs improve academic performance, school attendance, and behavior. Most of all, they know someone cares about them being the best they can be! Also, mentors and mentees receive a complimentary Y membership, so you can be healthy together!
Community Support
We collaborate with other local agencies and organizations to provide a wide array of support to those who need us the most. It is through these partnerships that our Community Outreach programs are able to serve the residents of Avery County.