Local leaders, community collaborators, volunteers and YMCA staff gathered to mark the opening of our newest YMCA on Wed., Sept. 4.
The Southeast Raleigh YMCA opened its doors at 5:30 a.m. and the earliest members were excited for a chance to come inside and workout in the new facility.
By 11 a.m. others arrived for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting event. Speakers included community leaders Dr. Dudley Flood, Courtney Crowder, Cheryl Fenner, YMCA staff and volunteers.
"The future is partnerships," said Damon Circosta, executive director and vice president of the AJ Fletcher Foundation. "The Y couldn't have done this alone. Wake County schools couldn't have done this alone. DHIC couldn't have done this alone. But together they've accomplished something amazing."
For more than 50 years, the YMCA has served the Southeast Raleigh community. In 2013, the YMCA convened community leaders, volunteers and Southeast Raleigh residents to explore expanded service in the community. A broad vision for greater impact was developed beyond traditional YMCA programs and services.
The YMCA of the Triangle, Southeast Raleigh Promise, Wake County Public Schools and others joined together to provide services for the Southeast Raleigh community. The new elementary school, Southeast Raleigh Elementary, opened its doors on August 26.
"We're proud to open the Southeast Raleigh YMCA to the community. Few of us witness the transformation of a community," said Dexter Hebert, Southeast Raleigh YMCA executive director. "Thanks to the vision of the community, support of leaders and generosity of volunteers and donors, we celebrate a collective dream realized."
The Southeast Raleigh YMCA offers youth and adult programming, fitness classes and sports leagues.
