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
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, perform 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!
Feeding Avery Families Food Pantry
Feeding Avery Families (FAF) is excited to partner with the Williams YMCA of Avery County to provide emergency food relief to any of our friends and neighbors in need. FAF currently has seven Community Pantries scattered throughout Avery county. Anyone in need can get food from the pantries at any time, day or night, seven days a week. Those in need can find one of these pantries beside the YMCA Playground on Hospital Drive.
At the present time we estimate that approximately 5,000 pounds of food are distributed through the Community Pantries each month. With 2,500 to 3,000 people suffering from Food Insecurity in our county, help is always needed. People in need may also come to the FAF distribution center in the Newland Shopping Center any one of the first four Fridays of each month for food assistance.
For more information please visit the Feeding Avery Families website.
The Walk-Fit Program
Led by Sheila Bauer, the Walk-Fit program is a great way to catch up with new and old friends while improving your cardiovascular endurance. This program will meet outside where participants can choose how far and how fast they want to walk.
For more information or to register for the program, contact Sheila Bauer.
Community Hiking Trips
Our Community Outreach programs are designed to serve all ages with an emphasis on serving Avery County Seniors. As we age we tend to shy away from activities that we use to for fear of injuring ourselves. Our Community Outreach programs provide opportunities for seniors to regain their confidence and maintain their independence.
Community Hiking Trips gives everyone an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fellowship of good friends while being active. You’ll have a blast climbing up and down hills, over logs, and on occasion a picnic lunch. Volunteer Trail guides are available to assist in navigating the trails. Everyone who joins surprises themselves at how much they can do and are eager for the next hiking trip.
Registration is required.
Who: Anyone
When: The last Wednesday of each month (Late Spring through Early Fall)
Where: A different trail is selected each month
Cost: Offered at no cost to YMCA Members and Non-Members.
What do I need to bring? Comfortable and safe shoes, walking sticks or assistive devices if desired or needed, your own lunch, and water.
To find out how you can get involved in the next hiking trip or with our Community Outreach Department email Sheila Bauer.
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.
