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Welcome to the Wilkes Family YMCA

The Wilkes Family YMCA is active in the local community, and offers a wide range of programs for the whole family — including swim lessons, after school care, boot camps, personal training, and youth sports. The Y includes a comprehensive Wellness Center with on-duty staff, group exercise programs, and SilverSneakers® classes. The Y is dedicated to social responsibility and healthy living with efforts such as LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and Moving for Better Balance.

We're Hiring!

We have full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions available in multiple departments in branches across the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.

Your Wilkes Family YMCA

Teen Referral Memberships

In a world full of isolation and unrest, it is more important than ever that we keep our young people engaged in positive experiences in healthy, safe environments. Our new initiative offers eligible young people ages 12-18 years old in our communities a FREE membership to access the Y’s fitness facilities, basketball courts, swimming pools, and so much more.

41st Annual Mistletoe Run

You are invited to the most wonderful run of the year! Join us for our 41st annual event on December 7. In addition to our updated and improved half marathon, 5K and 1 mile Fun Run course, we will have bounce houses, music, cheerleaders, community mascots, donuts at the finish line, & more! Mistletoe Run is presented by Bell Davis and Pitt and proud to be the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina's largest fundraiser!

Merlefest Camping

The Wilkes Family YMCA is proud to be your home for Merlefest, whether you camp at the YMCA or you stay at Rivers Edge! Shuttle transportation to the festival is available from both the Y and Rivers Edge campground.

Branch Amenities

This YMCA offers numerous programs and services dedicated to building healthy, confident, and connected children, adults, and families.

Outdoor Pool
Outdoor Water Park
Wellness Center
Strength and Conditioning Center
Indoor Lap Pool
Youth Sports
Summer Day Camp
After School Academy
Sauna
Steam Room
Whirlpool
Kids Zone
Basketball Courts
Racquetball Courts
Pickleball
Group Exercise Classes
Adaptive programs
Personal Training
Indoor Track
Playground
Locker Rooms

The Latest from the Wilkes Family YMCA

Picture of Rick French
Our Mission and Impact

YMCA of NWNC Annual Celebration

During our Annual Celebration we honored those who have supported our association and contributed to the growth of its mission and impact. We inducted the late Richard “Rick” French into our Red Triangle Society, presented 13 volunteers of the year with the Strong Award and presented Carver High School’s inaugural Youth and Government delegation with the Youth Leadership Award.
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Man presenting to a group of teens
Our Mission and Impact

With the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina You Belong

The Y Highlights its 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts The Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith inspire us to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and be authentic in all aspects of life: ability, age, cultural background, economic status, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, language, national or
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Group skiing
Wellness

Have a Happy Healthy Holiday!

With all the shopping, cooking, family visits, and parties, it’s harder for people to make healthy choices during the holiday season. Luckily, two experts from the YMCA are here with tips to help everyone feel their best – even when life gets busy. Together, they’ve compiled a 7W “Wish List” of healthy habits to build over the holidays.
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YMCA Ukraine
Our Mission and Impact

Crisis in Ukraine Hits Close to Home for YMCA of NWNC

The Y Association has had a partnership with YMCA Ukraine for nearly 30 years; hopes to generate local support, aid for Ukrainians. WINSTON-SALEM — The invasion by Russian forces into Ukraine and the damage it has caused hits close to home for many at the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, as the organization has had a longstanding connection with YMCA Ukraine for near
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Support the Y

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. You can help kids learn, grow and thrive, as well as ensure no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay. Donations provide financial assistance to make Y programs available to everyone in our community.

Every gift makes a difference. Everyone has a role to play. Together, we can do so much more.

Our Mission: "Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body."