WINSTON-SALEM — For the fifth-consecutive academic year, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, in partnership with local school districts in Alexander, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Stokes, Wilkes and Yadkin counties, is offering a teen membership referral initiative to give youth a positive space to thrive at no cost to the teenager or their family.
"Part of what we do here at the Y is recognize needs in our communities,” said Vice President of Community Engagement Richard Danials. “Several years ago we saw the need for safe and positive places for young people, so we created the Teen Referral membership and Reaching Our Potential. We are blessed to be able to serve over 750 kids across seven counties through this initiative and hope it continues to grow."
The initiative, Reaching Our Potential, helps identify and get students aged 11-18 in middle and high schools free memberships at the YMCA in their county. The membership includes access to the Y’s fitness facilities, group exercise classes, basketball courts, swimming pools, and more.
In order to be a part of Reaching Our Potential, teens must be currently enrolled in middle or high school and referred to the initiative by their guidance counselor, a Y staff member, or another community partner. They also need to demonstrate a need for a positive social emotional learning environment, and meet at least one of the following:
- Currently in the foster care system
- High risk of not graduating due to academic or attendance issues
- Low income and/or live in a single-parent household
- Social Emotion Learning (SEL) needs
For more information and how to sign up for the initiative, please click here.
Contact your local YMCA for more information if you are a school provider or community partner.
In addition to access to the Y’s wellness aspects, Reaching Our Potential provides youth with free snacks, tutoring opportunities, and a trip to YMCA Camp Hanes. Students also have the opportunity for virtual and in-person programs for teens, including Achievers, Youth & Government, Teen Talks, and more.
Opportunities in Reaching Our Potential vary by branch and community need; check with your local YMCA to see what programming is available for students in your area through the Reaching Our Potential initiative and Teen Referral Membership.
For further information, please contact Nick Wright, Director of Teen Impact at the YMCA of NWNC, at n.wright@ymcanwnc.org.
For media inquiries for all branches in the above listed seven counties, please contact Lucy Berres, Director of Communications at the YMCA of NWNC, at L.Berres@ymcanwnc.org.