YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina

This New Year brings a new Y! 2017 will bring many exciting changes for the Y as we continue to expand our programs and services throughout the area. Just three months ago we announced our newest partnership with Temple Baptist Church in which the Y will manage and operate the Temple Baptist Activity Center at 709 George Anderson Drive. Since then, we have started to transform the facility into what will be known as the Midtown YMCA. This new Y branch will offer cardio, weights, group exercise classes, Child Watch, basketball, pickleball and more to Y members and program participants. Beginning in January 2017, we softly opened the doors at the Midtown YMCA to offer pickleball, basketball and group exercise classes to Y members while we upfit the new branch. We expect to be in full operation mid-February and are hosting an official Grand Opening sometime in February. More details are coming soon!

In addition to the opening of this new Midtown Y branch, the Y manages and operates Camp Kirkwood, and we are continuing to expand Y programming for youth and adults into several surrounding counties. Our association is transitioning from a single-branch organization into a multi-branch association. In consideration of this expansion, we have taken the steps to legally change our organization’s name to the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina. This new name more accurately reflects who we are serving and our vision to reach even more individuals throughout the region. You will begin to see our new name on our website, social media pages and marketing materials as we make this transition over the next few months.

We are very excited for the changes ahead of us! New partners, programs, locations and a new building are all part of our exciting year to come!
Leaders Club Pays It Forward

Proving that anyone can make a difference, members of our Leaders Club started off their New Year volunteering at the Good Shepard Center. The teens helped prepare and serve lasagna spaghetti, salad, fruit, corn and garlic bread to more than 70 hungry men, women and children Monday evening.

"We have a really great group of teens who are genuinely excited to get involved and give back to our community," says Katie Wayman, Youth Development Coordinator.

Leaders Club is a national Y program designed for teens in grades 7-12 who want to make an impact in their schools, community and within themselves.

5 Easy Ways to Help You Stick to Your Resolutions

Eat less, exercise more; how many times have you heard that before? We’re all familiar with the drill when it comes to New Year’s resolutions: it’s as easy as pie to make them; the hardest part is sticking to them.

Thinking of resolutions as goals can be helpful. As YMCA personal trainer, Rosie Guender, says, “Life isn’t perfect; break down the big goals and don’t get discouraged.”

These recommendations are in line with the SMART goal concept which outlines five ways to prevent failure:

S = Be Specific
M = Define Goals that are Measurable
A = Make Your Goals Achievable
R = Be Realistic
T = Don't Delay; Be Timely

Whatever your goal, set aside a time to do it and schedule it into your life. Fitness trainer, Harry Grossman, and Wellness Coach, Tom Allyne, agree that getting started is 50 percent of the battle. But, we don’t live in a perfect world and life has a habit of getting in the way. Don’t worry if you get off track for a few days, but do try to be consistent and remember why you made your resolution. Whatever the reason, you are making a lifestyle change!