Stories

SHARE Charlotte's #SpotlightOnCLT Volunteerism Story with The YMCA of Greater Charlotte

Each month, SHARE Charlotte highlights nonprofits big and small in our city who are doing the good work in a specific cause. This month, in honor of National Volunteer Week, we're highlighting volunteerism across the city. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte heard that call and partnered up with us to help not only lift the voices of other nonprofits and their volunteer needs, but to help us better understand that the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is so, so much more than a gym and swim (although that's a fun part too!).

We sat down with some of the great people inside of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. We got a chance to see the faces behind the curtain who are greeting people every day, helping to spread the exciting news of all things happening, and creating and offering incredible volunteer opportunities and programs that help you as a Charlottean get more connected to your neighborhood.

Check out what we learned about the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. 🎂 First of all, we're wishing them a happy 150th birthday! ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY. Think about how much good has been done! Let's learn even more fun facts. Check out our chat, below!

Why you are excited to support SHARE Charlotte's #SpotlightOnCLT Volunteerism month? 🫶🏽

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is grateful to be featured and share our many opportunities for community members to get involved and give back. Since having to pause volunteerism for almost a year due to COVID-19, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte was able to rebuild and expand its volunteer offerings. From serving as a buddy in our adaptive sports programs to food distribution events and opportunities for corporate groups to participate collectively, we now offer more options than ever before that serve the needs of our community.

What would you like Charlotteans to know about the YMCA? ❤️

1. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. Founded in 1874, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte was founded by volunteers on Christian principles. At that time, it served community needs through educational programs in bookkeeping, stenography, carpentry, temporary housing, and North Carolina’s first indoor pool. Today, it’s a safe space where community members can thrive, get connected to services and help their neighbors.
2. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a community-centered organization with 17 centers and two resident camps. While each location is united in our mission of building a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, our centers offer unique services to cater to the needs of the communities they serve. From the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at the McCrorey YMCA to the Ballantyne Arts Center and Spanish-speaking classes at the Harris Family YMCA, volunteers have multiple unique opportunities to engage in a specialized experience that aligns with their interests.
3. Y Readers, a program developed by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and now adopted at YMCAs across the country, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The program provides literacy instruction to rising first through third grade students that focuses on foundational skills students need to read proficiently, helping ensure their success and increasing their chances of graduating high school.

What impact does volunteering have on the YMCA and broader community?  🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s goal is to match volunteers with opportunities that align with their skills and interests to maximize the volunteer experience. We are proud to offer a wide variety of opportunities that allow volunteers to share their talents with others to create a rewarding and memorable experience.  Our opportunities consist of a wide variety of programs and events including Youth Sports Coaching, Preschool and afterschool assistance, Y Readers Reading Buddies, Food Share assistance and much more!  Contact us to setup your volunteer experience at volunteer@ymcacharlotte.org or sign up today on our SHARE Charlotte profile.

What events in the near future are you celebrating? 📅

During Do Good Week (April 15 - 20), the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the below events for volunteers to get involved:

1. ⛳️ Golfing for Good – Monday, April 15
   1. Be a contest hole monitor or a comfort station volunteer (click here to learn more).
2. 🦆 Clay Shoot – Friday, April 19
   1. Assist with scorekeeping and fellowship with participants (click here to learn more).
3. 👟 Run! Ballantyne – Saturday, April 20
   1. Volunteer as a course monitor, start/finish line assistant, or water stop assistant (click here to learn more)

Other upcoming opportunities include Y Readers book buddies in June and July, which can be found here. For more opportunities to get involved with our YMCA, visit our volunteer page here.

You've got a new CEO!Tell us more! 🤗

As the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s first female leader, Sue Glass brings more than 20 years of experience and a passion for leading with excellence and serving others. Sue joined the YMCA of Greater Charlotte at a pivotal point in its history and is eager to connect with volunteers and community members to maximize and increase awareness of the Y’s impact in greater Charlotte.

💜 Thank you, The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, for all you do and for helping us lift the voice of volunteerism in Charlotte!