Rocky Mount, Va. (June 8, 2023) – Water safety is a top priority and the Y is here to ensure that individuals of all ages can enjoy the water with confidence. With a comprehensive range of swim lessons and a fantastic opportunity to experience the swim team, the Y is committed to promoting water safety, skill development, and an active lifestyle for all.

The Y is proud to offer both group and private swim lessons tailored to various age groups and skill levels. These lessons provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to enhance their swimming abilities, learn vital water safety skills, and build their confidence in the water. Our experienced and certified swim instructors are dedicated to creating engaging and enjoyable lessons that cater to each participant's unique needs. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your technique, the Y has the perfect swim lesson program for you.

"Our goal is to empower individuals with the necessary skills to enjoy the water safely and confidently," said Kameron Kitts, Aquatics Director.

In addition to swim lessons, the Y invites youth ages 4 to 19 to dive into the exciting world of competitive swimming with a free trial of the swim team. During the first week of every month, individuals can experience the camaraderie, discipline, and thrill of being a part of the swim team at no cost. This unique opportunity allows swimmers to get a taste of the training, coaching, and teamwork involved in competitive swimming.

By participating in the Y's swim lessons and swim team trial, individuals can develop essential water safety skills, improve their swimming abilities, and embrace a healthy and active lifestyle. The Y is committed to ensuring that individuals of all ages have the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water.

To learn more about the Y's swim lesson programs, the free trial of the swim team, or to register, call (540)489-9622 or contact Kameron Kitts at kkitts@franklincountyymca.org. 

Rocky Mount, Va. (February 10, 2023) – The Franklin County Family YMCA helped feed the community this January by holding a canned food drive. Nearly 600 canned goods were donated and delivered to God and Food Provisions of Rocky Mount and Lake Christian Ministries at Smith Mountain Lake.

“Community members who donated at least three canned goods in January got to join the Y for free,” said Jessica Thomason, Branch and Membership Director, Franklin County Family YMCA. “We surpassed our goals this joining special, almost making it to our pre-pandemic membership numbers. I think a large part of that has to do with people knowing that they’re helping a neighbor while getting a good deal!”

Drop boxes were located in the lobby at each location of the Franklin County Y – Rocky Mount and Smith Mountain Lake. Food items collected included spaghetti sauce/pasta, peanut butter, jelly, canned/boxed soups and meals, canned vegetables/fruits, tuna fish, and other canned meats. With support, community members and the Y helped hundreds of families.

“Our members showed so much support during our drive, which brought in a significant amount of canned goods. Expanding our reach and helping the community is our number one goal,” said Andrea Fansler, Branch Director, Smith Mountain Lake YMCA.

February 13th – 17th, the YMCA will be hosting a member appreciation week to thank everyone for the effort to support the community. Each day tables will be set up in the lobby with gifts of appreciation. Members will also have the opportunity to win a free semi-annual membership if they correctly answer YMCA trivia questions that will be posted on the Y’s social media pages throughout the month of February.

To learn more about the Y’s community outreach efforts or for information on other programs please contact info@franklincountyymca.org or call (540)489-9622. 

Rocky Mount, Va. (November 28, 2022) – Starting in the summer of 2017, the Franklin County Family YMCA began offering an adaptive swim program for children and adults with varying physical or mental needs.

Known as Adaptive Swim for All, the program is led by Kameron Kitts, the Y’s aquatics director, and other YMCA aquatics staff. The Franklin County High School special education program participants are able to take field trips to the Y to participate in lessons that fall under Adaptive Swim for All guidelines. Students enjoy between one to three hours in the Cooper Aquatics center at the Rocky Mount Y.

“I just want to give a huge thank you to the YMCA staff and Kameron for arranging my students to come for swimming lessons. When we first started coming to the pool, many students were uncomfortable. After attending for the 4th time, the students have such an amazing time and enjoy themselves. It is such a pleasure to see our kids in a relaxing fun environment. Many students are able to get out of wheelchairs they sit in all day and it shows on their face how happy they are. Thank you so much for putting smiles on our kids' faces and love in their hearts,” said Tiffany Sproles, FCPS teacher.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the water. This program ensures that all children and adults have that opportunity and can learn at their own pace in a fun environment,” said Kitts.

The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose from, including group lessons, mommy and me classes and swim team. All teach life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing, skills that last a lifetime.

“The Y teaches people of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives, it builds confidence,” said Linda Allen, YMCA swim instructor.

As part of the Y’s commitment to keep people safe in and around the water, the Franklin County Family YMCA provides scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to underserved children and adults in our community through their financial assistance program.

To learn more about aquatics or other programs please contact the Y at (540)489-9622 or at info@franklincountyymca.org

Rocky Mount, Va. (December 7, 2022) – The Franklin County Family YMCA organized a campaign called Keeping the County Warm that included a coat drive the month of November to help county residents this winter season.

The Y’s generous members were able to provide 39 children’s coats, 26 adult coats, 6 shoes, 6 scarves, 8 hats, 7 pairs of gloves that were donated to Stepping Stone Mission and Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Rocky Mount.

“Strengthening the community through programs like this stays true to the ultimate mission of the YMCA – making sure our neighbors are supported,” says Kevin McAlexander, CEO of the Franklin County YMCA, “We’re thrilled to once again partner with local organizations to meet the needs of community members.”

The Y, in addition to its mission work in swim, youth development, childcare and senior programs, also hosts food drives, blood drives and much more. To learn more about this and other available programs visit www.franklincountyymca.org or call (540)489-9622.

Rocky Mount, Va. (December 20, 2022) – The Franklin County Family YMCA will make the holidays brighter for more than 140 deserving children and 120 local seniors through its annual Holiday Toy and Stocking Drive. Starting the end of November, the YMCA accepted new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and seniors.

“We have an awesome community that loves helping each other out. The Y’s members are eager to participate in the angel tree and stockings for seniors program because they know how good it feels to be of service, especially during the holiday season,” said Jamie Stump, Childcare Director, Franklin County Family YMCA.

The gifts for children included outfits, shoes, toys and books while the gifts for seniors included simple puzzle books, stress balls, socks and toiletries. The seniors' gifts were delivered to Rocky Mount Health and Rehabilitation Center and the angel tree gifts were distributed to all of the elementary schools in the county.

“Getting gifts in the hands of people who may not receive any others during the holiday season fills the Y staff with a beautiful holiday spirit,” said Jessica Thomason, Branch/Membership Director, Rocky Mount YMCA.

The drive was a collaborative effort with local businesses including Cornerstone Building Products who sponsored 27 angels, Roanoke Water Authority who sponsored 8 angels, Trinity Women’s Episcopal Group Church who also sponsored 8 angels and United Health Care who provided all of the stockings for seniors.

“Our local partnerships allow for greater engagement in the community, increasing the impact we have on those who need support the most. We can’t thank these local businesses enough for their consideration and faith in the Y’s programs,” said Kevin McAlexander, CEO of the Franklin County Family YMCA.

In January, the YMCA will continue its efforts to support the community by hosting a canned food drive. Anyone who donates at least three canned goods will get their first month of membership for free.

To learn more about the Y’s community outreach efforts or for information on other programs please contact info@franklincountyymca.org or by calling (540)489-9622.