Opening soon in the same space as the Winston Lake Family YMCA, the new YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake will be a bustling hub of community spirit and camaraderie.
This transformative idea grew from the vision of city leaders to better serve the East Winston community, while also addressing disparities that include educational challenges and healthcare concerns. Community collaboration has driven the project, which officially began renovations in July of 2024 and will conclude Phase 1 of its changes with a ribbon cutting and open house on Wednesday, May 14th.
The YMCA REACH Center – which stands for Resources for Economic Development, Academics and Community Health – will create a centralized location where neighbors can access the day-to-day resources they need.
The Center will combine the values and mission of the YMCA with the strengths and incredible resources of Novant Health and Goodwill Industries.
Executive Director Kenneth Pettigrew shares that if all our neighbors are thriving, with the tools to build a self-determined life, the entire community reaps those benefits.
“Our partnerships with Novant Health and Goodwill (along with others, including Forsyth Tech, Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, Second Harvest Food Bank and more) are related to our commitment to the holistic health of our community, particularly in areas where divestment and underinvestment have long hindered outcomes in health, education and economic mobility. Coupling workforce development and educational support with existing YMCA programs and new opportunities offered by our partners, is an opportunity to impact generational change,” he explains.
The REACH Center is located in a federally designated Health Care Provider Shortage Area, which means residents have difficulty accessing necessary care for chronic and acute health challenges.
“Novant Health’s services are a step towards removing barriers to access for our neighbors and will directly contribute to increased positive health outcomes in an area where life expectancy is six years shorter than other areas in Forsyth County,” Pettigrew adds.
He also explains the renovation is a testament to how we use the good space we have.
“The physical footprint of the building did not change, but the experience within it has shifted. One of the most exciting changes is the new lobby, which we refer to as the ‘community living room.’ The space has doubled in size from the original lobby and will have comfortable furniture for gathering and relationship building.”
Other new amenities will include a Novant Health primary services care clinic, renovated childcare facilities, multi-purpose classrooms that can be used for many of Goodwill’s career programs, job training, English instruction for speakers of other languages, enhanced wellness spaces for the entire family including the gym and pool area, and updated locker rooms.
President and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest NC, Darryl Head, echoes the importance of Novant Health and Goodwill Industries as partners.
“Together, our combined efforts are going to result in a healthier, more prosperous future for the residents of East Winston,” he shares. “By addressing pressing social issues in a unified space, we are ensuring that every child and family has what they need to make positive life changes and overcome obstacles. The YMCA REACH Center is a place where the strength of partnership is leveraged for the betterment of the community, with the sum of our results far outweighing the individual investment.”
Given the excitement already building in the community, there’s no doubt that neighbors will quickly spread the word to other neighbors about what they gain from being active at the YMCA REACH Center, igniting even more positive outcomes for Winston-Salem families.
For updates and more information on the YMCA REACH Center at Winston Lake, visit ymcanwnc.org.
