Big Idea: It’s the Mission

At the YWCA of Asheville, our mission itself is the big idea: We incorporate “eliminating racism and empowering women” into everything we do.

In 2012, the YWCA will continue to offer vital programs bridging gaps in child care, education, health care and earning power. In April, we’ll hold our third annual Stand Against Racism campaign, which is aimed at increasing awareness that racism still exists and that it will no longer be tolerated. Our community struggles with issues related to race, and the Stand Against Racism provides an opportunity to address those issues.

This year, the focus will be on how we as a community can make our common spaces more welcoming to all types of people. We invite local businesses, organizations and faith groups to join us in the Stand Against Racism.

In September, we’ll hold our annual Tribute to Women of Influence, which celebrates women who have excelled in their field and empowered others through their work. This inspiring event highlights how far we have come toward equality in the workplace, and it advocates for the day when women possess the same financial and political power as men in this country.

Throughout the year, our wellness programs address health disparities, our child care programs strive to minimize the achievement gap, and our economic-empowerment programs give people tools to succeed. We look forward to continuing to strive for peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all in 2012.

After nearly sixteen years of service as Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, Holly Jones left the organization in December. She has assumed the role of Regional Manager for the YWCA Southeast Region. In this new role, she will be working with 23 local YWCAs, in seven southeastern states, to strengthen their organizational capacities and enhance the YWCA’s collective voice.

As the longest serving Executive Director in YWCA of Asheville history, the impact Jones has had on the agency is profound. She has shown extraordinary dedication to the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. She will be honored in a variety of ways at this celebration.

This program is part of the activities to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Ms. Oralene Simmons, the head of the MLK Committee in Asheville, will be participating in this activity by telling a story to the children and inviting them to share their gifts as Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his.

Then children from Asheville Middle School 8th Grade will read a book (that the younger child has chosen) to the child and each child (both younger and older) will be given a book to take home.

photo by john fletcher

• No enrollment fee if you join in January 2012

• Join by Jan 15 and get two months free plus be entered to win great prizes.

• Join by Jan 31 and get one month free plus be entered to win great prizes.

Club W Offers:
Fully Equipped Gym
Solar-Heated Pool
Adaptive Equipment
Triathlon Training
Health Screenings
Fitness Orientation
Child Care
Wi Fi

Classes include:
Yoga
Zumba
Water Aerobics
Indoor Cycling
Bootcamp
plus much more

Visit us at 185 S. French Broad Avenue for a tour!

Find out more at www.ywcaclubw.org.

Because of your contributions and support:

• 95 people with diabetes are exercising!
• 9 young moms graduated from high school!
• 33 teens are doing better in school!
• 50 children are playing on our Natural Learning Playground!
• 75 women have improved their earning power!

“I’ve been a member of the YWCA of Asheville’s Club W for many years – and I can’t imagine working out anyplace else! It feels like an old friend, walking through those doors, and I love the swim program, the gym, and
all the ways the YW is connected to our community around issues that matter.

One of the highlights for me at the YW  is working out there once a week with personal trainer and wellness coach, Michael Scholtz. Michael is an amazingly intuitive trainer who challenges me in ways that support me rather than intimidate me. He is an even more amazing wellness coach along with his business partner, Greg Hottinger–they are clear, honest, transparent, and wise. I can’t wait for their new book, Coach Yourself Thin, and their series of webinars. I’ll be there to learn, laugh, and be challenged to rethink my definitions of wellness!

Thanks to the YWCA for all it does!”

- Patti