The Alexander Jones Wright YMCA Youth Center is officially open and ready to serve kids and teens in downtown Raleigh. On Thursday, Jan. 29, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of this new era of service to the community. Designed as a dedicated space for young people to learn, grow and thrive, the new 13,050-square-foot facility provides a safe, welcoming environment where youth can build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop resilience.
The Youth Center includes dedicated indoor and outdoor spaces for recreation and wellness, along with flexible areas that support academic assistance, YMCA After School, day camp, youth sports and teen leadership programs. Beyond daily programming, the facility will also serve as a hub for community events, bringing families and neighbors together to support youth development and connection.
Building resilience is at the core of the YMCA’s work with kids and teens. Through school programs, sports and camp experiences, the Y surrounds young people with caring adults, supportive peers and consistent routines that help them build social and emotional skills, try new things and persevere through challenges.
Strong volunteer leadership was critical in the success of this project. John M. Alexander, Jr., Lacy Presnell and John Koonce each played pivotal roles. Mr. Alexander had vision and foresight in the purchase of land many years prior, positioning the Y well for its current growth and success.
Mr. Presnell and Mr. Koonce led the Capital Campaign Committee, facilitating the funding for the $9.2 million project entirely through private gifts and state and federal grants. This includes $1 million in Community Project Funding secured by U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) in the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding package and a $1.5 million contribution from the State of North Carolina’s Fiscal Recovery Reserve facilitated by Representative Erin Paré (HD-37).
The new annex is named in honor of Pearl Alexander, Earl Jones and Willie Wright, who collectively served more than 130 years at the YMCA on Hillsborough Street. Their dedication to building community and ensuring everyone felt welcomed and included continues to inspire the work that takes place within these walls today.
