The YMCA of High Point hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 5 to celebrate the reopening of the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA and the adjacent Carlvena Foster Child Care Center following a $4.5 million renovation and expansion.
“The dedication and generosity of volunteers and donors has made this vison for the Chavis Y become reality. The Chavis Y has made a significant impact in the local community through our 5-star licensed day care center, teen programs, youth sports leagues, healthy living initiatives and community partnerships,” said Lynn Lomax, CEO of the High Point YMCA. “We are thrilled to re-open this expanded facility and tremendously grow our impact through improved and expanded facilities and enhanced programs.” The Y is reopening first for programming and then to membership and the full facility within a few weeks.
Through the generosity of so many including individuals, companies, foundations, the city and county, the campaign surpassed the fundraising goal toward this project with High Point University and The Congdon Family Foundation leading the way.
Named for the first African American from High Point killed in World War II, the Chavis YMCA has been a connecting point for the community despite having been moved five times in its 75-year history. “The Chavis Y is a historic branch founded in 1943. We continue to meet the needs of the people we serve,” said Carlvena Foster, Executive Director of the Carl Chavis Memorial YMCA Branch for more than 20 years. “When I see the difference we are making in children’s lives, it just makes me want to do more and more. We have everything we need here to be a first-class YMCA. We’ll be able to offer more services and serve more people.” The renovation includes an expanded lobby and entrance, renovated classrooms, new childwatch and teen center, construction of a raised indoor track area, as well as renovated state-of-the-art fitness center.
In addition to transformational wellness services, the branch serves more than 130 children per week in summer day camp and nearly 50 children newborn to age five in its 5-star licensed child care facility. In 2018, the Y began offering free teen memberships and now engages 90 teens in leadership opportunities, collaborative programming and developmental activities. The branch is also a well-known gathering place for neighborhood groups, local agencies and local churches.
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of High Point is comprised the Chavis Y, the Hartley Drive Family YMCA, the Carl & Linda Grubb Family YMCA and a resident camp, Camp Cheerio.
Together these branches engages approximately 25,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community, the YMCA of High Point has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.
3/7/2023