Initiatives
For the past three years, the YMCA has been working with the local Mitchell Wellness Initiative group with the goal of bringing a YMCA and healthy living programs to Mitchell County. In late 2018 the YMCA surveyed the people of Mitchell County to identify the facility and program needs. More than 1,300 people responded with interest in bringing a YMCA to Mitchell County.
While we continue to work towards a physical YMCA in Spruce Pine, the YMCA is delivering several Healthy Living and Community Outreach Programs throughout Mitchell and Yancey Counties. Learn more about our efforts below!
After School Program Staff
Jessa Cannon
Association Director of Youth Development
Williams YMCA of Avery County
Burton Blankenship
Mitchell County Branch Youth Director
Williams YMCA of Avery CountyMitchell County After-School Program
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve regardless of socioeconomic status or ability. That’s why, through the YMCA of Avery County local children and teens cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Youth development is a primary focus area of the Mission of the YMCA of Avery County.
In the Spring of 2022, the YMCA of Avery County, Mitchell County School System, and Tri-County Private School came together to apply for the Nita M. Lowrey 21st CCLC Grant Competition. The application was awarded funding in July 2022 and After-School programming began in September 2022 for students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth Grade! Learn more about the program and the grant opportunity below!
Imagine going to work each day knowing that what you do positively impacts people’s lives. Work at the Y and discover your true purpose.
The Williams YMCA of Avery County is currently seeking individuals interested in being a Counselor at one of the 2 elementary after-school sites during the 2024-2025 school year. If you are interested, please fill out an application on Indeed and then schedule an interview during one of our open interview periods.
Counselor: https://www.indeed.com/job/after-school-counselor-mitchell-county-6baf2ab9d487f80c
Schedule Your Interview: https://bit.ly/4cGBFs1
Contact Burton Blankenship, Mitchell County Director of Youth Development for more information about any of the Youth Development Programs below.
Mitchell County Elementary After School Program 2024-2025
The Williams YMCA of Avery County is proud to be able to offer After school in 2 Mitchell County Elementary Schools for the 2024-2025 school year. After-school will be held on-site at our two designated elementary schools and will operate from the time school lets out (varies by school) until 6:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. After-school serves students from any of the Mitchell County School District schools with Kindergarten through 5th-grade classrooms and participating Mitchell County Private schools.
Registration is online only
Select your school to register today:
After school provides students with an opportunity to continue learning after school is over through homework help from staff and tutors, targeted reading and math activities, social-emotional learning, art projects, guest speakers, and other enrichment activities. We provide physical activity daily to ensure your child is staying active, as well as a nutritious snack.
When: We follow the school calendar and will be offering after-school Monday through Thursday when school is in session for a full day; we do not provide after-school on early dismissal days.
Time: School dismissal – 6:00 PM
Where: Greenlee or Gouge Elementary School
Cost: Offered at No Cost
Call Us for More Information: 828-520-1379
