Thank you to our Y leaders who joined Sherée Thaxton Vodicka and the Alliance in Raleigh yesterday for the Alliance's State Advocacy Day! YMCA advocates from across North Carolina met with legislators to share the powerful impact Ys have on our communities — and the support we need to do even more. Here’s what we highlighted: ✔️ YMCAs serve over 800,000 North Carolinians through our 28 associations. ✔️ We’re seeking $220M in recurring child care subsidy funds and a subsidy rate reimbursement floor using 2025 market rates to ensure access and quality for families across all counties. ✔️ Teen mental health matters. We’re requesting $1.875M to continue our life-saving work supporting teens and training staff across the state. ✔️ $1M for Youth & Government will expand civic education and leadership development to more students and teachers. ✔️ YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, a vital leadership and economic hub, needs $15M to repair and reopen after catastrophic storm damage. Many thanks to Rep. Robert Reives for welcoming our advocates, and to Jon Williams with the Southwest Childcare Commission, Elizabeth Anderson with NC Center for Afterschool Programs, and Kim Mcclure of YMCA of Northwest North Carolina and the NC Child Care Commission for helping our Y leaders fully understand the child care crisis our state is facing and how our legislators can support changes to move our state forward and support our working families. #YAdvocacy #NCYMCAs #StrongCommunities
Senior Vice President First Horizon Bank
5dThoroughly enjoyed my day as a Y advocate. I appreciate the legislators that took the time to meet with Y leaders and volunteers from across the state to discuss issues and opportunities that affect our communities.