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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.

THE Y IS FOR ALL

The Y is a place where common ground thrives and people of all walks of life can belong. We approach diversity and inclusion through the Christian principles of love, compassion, kindness, and respect. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina will promote and exemplify togetherness. We value, encourage, and nurture the contributions that each person makes to our increasingly diverse association and the community we serve.

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

Lisa Beard
Wellness

Association Spotlight: Lisa Beard

Lisa Beard has worked at the Wilkes Family YMCA for almost 7 years and is the Associate Engagement Director for Group Ex. And since then, she has become an integral part to the branch. She first got involved with the Y in Charlotte and was drawn in by the child care services. “The free child care here. I had children that were 6
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Kids reading
Before and After School Academy

Learning After the School Bell Rings: Before and After School Academy

A new school year is filled with potential—a chance to start new routines and habits, build new friendships and discover new possibilities and interests. It’s an exciting time for many kids, however—at the end of the school day, 1 in 5 children kids do not have someone to care for them after school, according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization.
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Sue Padgett
Swim

Lifelong Connection to Y Becomes a Legacy

As a little girl, Sue Padgett went to the Y in Elkin, where she grew up. “The Y was where the whole community came together,” she recalls. Sue participated in all the programs available to her at the Y. “I swam, was in Leaders Club, took gymnastics and even synchronized swimming,” she says. She later worked for the Y as a swim instructor and lifeguard.
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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."