Empowering teens to reach their full potential!
YMCA of NWNC's Teen Referral Membership initiative — REACHING OUR POTENTIAL - provides students aged 11-18 years old in our communities with a membership to access the Y’s fitness facilities, group exercise classes, basketball courts, swimming pools, and so much more.
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. Programs such as REACHING OUR POTENTIAL help students cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement to help teens reach their full potential.
What is included in the initiative:
- A Reaching Our Potential Teen Membership through August of the teen's high school graduation year (based on program eligibility and good standing)
- Access to resources provided through the Y by community partners
- 20% discount on select YMCA of Northwest North Carolina programs
- Employment opportunities across our association
See below for a list of schools and community partners. If you don't see your school listed please contact your local YMCA branch.
Questions? Contact your local branch today to get more information. If you have any questions regarding registration, you may contact the YMCA of NWNC Member Service Center at memberservice@ymcanwnc.org, or call 336 777 8055, option 8.
- Alexander
- Davie
- Forsyth
- Iredell
- Stokes
- Wilkes
- Yadkin
- Action4Equity
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Church Groups
- Crosby Scholars (Iredell County)
- Crosby Scholars (Winston-Salem)
- Davie County Schools
- Forsyth County Public Safety Center
- Gear Up
- Guiding Institute for Developmental Education (GIDE)
- Hispanic League
- Iredell Statesville Schools
- Latino Community Services
- My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper of Winston-Salem
- My Brothers Second Chance
- Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods
- North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
- Novant Health
- Safe Kids Northwest Piedmont
- Salem College
- Stokes County Schools
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- Wake Forest University
- Wilkes County Schools
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- Winston-Salem Police Department
- Winston-Salem State University
- Yadkin County Schools
For students to be eligible for this initiative, they must demonstrate a need for a positive SEL (Social emotional learning) environment, be enrolled in and attending middle or high school, and must meet at least one of the following:
- Currently in the foster care system
- High risk of not graduating due to academic or attendance challenges
- Low income
- Single-parent household
Contact your local YMCA for more information if you are a school provider or community partner.
Daggett and Shuler Safe Sober Teen Center
This initiative establishes a unique space within the William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA that provides critical after-school support for Winston-Salem teens. Currently serving over 125 students, the Safe Sober Teen Center offers middle and high school students a safe, nurturing environment where they can focus on academics, participate in enrichment programs, and enhance their mental and physical well-being.
The Teen Center is designed to be a vital support system for students during their formative years, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to thrive.
Leading Through Literacy - The ROP Mentorship Initiative is a transformative partnership that harnesses the strengths and passion of high school students in Reaching Our Potential (ROP) to strengthen elementary students' foundational literacy skills. Through a partnership with Moore Elementary School, the program will create paid mentorship opportunities for 10-13 ROP high school students, who will be trained to provide consistent reading support to approximately 30 K-5 students. By connecting youth leadership development with early literacy, the initiative will build confidence, skills, and meaningful relationships across two generations of learners. The model is intentionally structured to support 10-13 mentors while promoting long-term sustainability and replication across additional YMCA and school partnerships.
Launching in January 2027!
Teen Girl Talks
Join us for Teen Girl Talks — a welcoming space where young women can chat with their peers and guest speakers about the real issues they’re facing.
Let's talk about identity, self-esteem, college, social anxiety, relationships, and more!
Upcoming Dates:
October 14, November 16, January 13, February 10, March 10
4:00-5:30pm
Because your voice matters...and you're not alone!
Barber Shop Talks
The barbershop is more than just a place for haircuts—it’s a space for real talk, where men can be open, learn from each other, and build connections.
Objectives
- Build trust and create an open space for meaningful conversations.
- Help teens reflect on their identity and aspirations.
- Allow teens and mentors to get to know each other in an authentic, engaging way.
- Set the foundation for ongoing mentorship and real dialogue.
Upcoming Dates:
October 29 and November 19
4:00-5:30pm
Join us for cooking classes where we’ll learn about healthy cooking, food education, kitchen safety and more! There are only 16 spots so be sure to sign up quickly on the sign up sheet at the Teen Center!
Fridays: September 15, October 2, October 9, October 16 and October 23
4:30-5:30pm
To be eligible for this initiative:
- Must be referred by their school guidance counselor, school resource center, a YMCA staff member, or a community partner
- Be enrolled and attend middle or high school
- Demonstrate a need for a positive SEL (Social emotional learning) environment
- Complete the Teen Referral Form and liability waiver. (Participants will need a Parent/Guardian signature on the waiver).
- Participants are required to attend a REACHING OUR POTENTIAL ORIENTATION/uFit 1 and MSO within 14 days of application.
- Additional eligibility needed. See guidance counselor, school resource center, YMCA staff member, or a YMCA community partner for more information.