The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina hosts groundbreaking on Winston Lake Y
remodel Monday, June 10
Winston-Salem, NC (June 4, 2024) – The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina (NWNC) will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction on the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake (REACH Center), formerly known as the Winston Lake Family YMCA. The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 10, at the REACH Center located at 901 Waterworks Road in Winston-Salem.
The vision for the REACH Center was born from a desire to continue to serve the East Winston community while addressing disparities such as a lack of economic mobility and health care resources, as well as educational challenges. REACH, which stands for Resources for Economic Development, Academics and Community Health, is focused on meeting the needs of the whole individual in a centralized location. Community collaboration and an expansive membership model were reimagined and enhanced to secure the continued service of the Y.
“Acting on our mission of helping all people reach their God-given potential, we strive to continuously meet the needs of our community and find the best ways to serve our members, positively impacting their health and wellness. Our focus on and commitment to our neighbors led to the development of the REACH Center,” explained YMCA of NWNC President and CEO, Darryl Head. “The concept of the REACH Center is unique as it is does not duplicate services, but rather enhances existing services with other human service organizations. Together, with our partners we can provide the support individuals and families need in an accessible location.”
The YMCA REACH Center will be a multi-service provider destination and includes a 55,000 square foot renovation that will introduce new amenities including:
- A lobby expansion to become the community “family room”
- Multipurpose classrooms that will serve as a host for various courses, workshops and trainings
- Renovated childcare facilities
- Updated locker room
- New wellness center with state-of the art equipment and group exercise room
- Novant Health clinic providing on-site medical services
Utilizing the new REACH Center model, the Y is furthering its collaborative efforts with other organizations to provide improved opportunities for access. Community partnerships will provide services like healthcare, preschool and food pantry. Programs focused on job training, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and English for speakers of other languages may also be offered. Anchor partners of the REACH Center include Novant Health and Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina.
“This Y was founded by the community, for the community and we want to continue
exemplifying that in our service efforts,” shared REACH Center Executive Director, Kenneth Pettigrew. “The REACH Center represents our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our community through comprehensive programs. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by offering sustainable initiatives that will uplift our community for generations to come. By focusing on health, education and economic development, we aim to build a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can access the resources they need to thrive.”
The YMCA of NWNC utilized an independent consultant to survey community leaders from a variety of local institutions including government, educational institutions, industry, and workforce and health sectors to produce recommendations for the REACH Center. Additionally, a Community Advisory Board has been implemented to ensure community interests are represented and are the foundation for engagement.
For Frequently Asked Questions regarding the REACH Center, click here. For updates on the REACH Center, visit the REACH Center page. To support the REACH Center and invest in our community, click here.
About the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina engages more than 115,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in communities across seven counties, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.