To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
A trusted, high-capacity organization with measurable local impact and regional influence, the YMCA of Central Virginia is the leading provider of innovative and collaborative youth empowerment programs and community health initiatives.
This year, we celebrate a rare milestone: 170 years of continuous service in Central Virginia. As the oldest nonprofit in Lynchburg, the YMCA has helped generations learn to swim, play their first sport, and reclaim their health after illness.
We remain focused on what matters most: access to well-being, youth development, and community health. For many families, the Y is where lifelong memories begin - through preschool drop-offs, swim lessons, after-school care, or the first time stepping onto a field.
This year, our T-ball players ended their season with a game at Bank of the James Stadium, cheered on by family, friends, and even Southpaw the mascot. A moment like that may seem small, but for a child, it can spark a lifelong connection to movement and confidence.
Moments like these reflect something bigger. At every stage of life, the Y steps in to meet real needs that are often overlooked, but deeply urgent:
90% of brain development occurs before age 5. Yet many families lack access to quality early education. At Little Scholars Academy Preschool, children ages 2½ to 5 build the foundation for lifelong learning in a nurturing, playbased environment.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 in Virginia. It’s silent, fast, and preventable. Through Safety Around Water, more than 1,300 kids gained life-saving skills and the confidence to enjoy but respect the water.
70% of kids under age 6 have all parents in the workforce. Working families need more than childcare - they need trust. At the Y, we provide safe, enriching spaces where kids can grow while parents care for work, health, and life.
Social isolation in older adults is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. At the Y, belonging is built into the routine. From morning workouts to casual hallway conversations, older adults find connection that protects both heart and mind.
Heart disease causes 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. With 42% of adults facing obesity, the Y provides more than equipment - we provide a path. With personalized support and variety in wellness programs, health becomes a habit that lasts.
At the Y, people don’t just come to exercise - they come to belong. Across every stage of life and from all walks of life, they show up with one goal: to feel better, live stronger, and stay connected. There’s no place like this place.
As we approach our 170th year in 2026, I’m filled with gratitude. Thank you for believing in the Y. Thank you for making this a Y town. And thank you for proving that even the smallest moments can lead to something extraordinary.
Here’s to 170 years of impact.
$527,639
Thanks to the commitment and generosity of so many, FY 2024-2025 was an impactful year.
$1,116,467 Value of Programs and Services Provided to the Community received in Total contributions to help support the YMCA in expanding access, empowering youth, and elevating health and well-being.
$474,187 Awarded in Financial Assistance
$28,500 Received from United Way $959,939 Received from Government Grants & Other Support $11,003,624
For 169 years, the YMCA of Central Virginia has brought people together to strengthen communities and build meaningful connections. As the fifth YMCA established in Virginia, the YMCA of Central Virginia continues this legacy by serving the unique needs of our region and helping individuals and families lead healthier, more connected lives.
Our donors, staff and volunteers are an integral part of creating connection in community.
3 Branches 5 Summer Camps
33,983+
people served through youth programs, wellness initiatives, community impact, and more
22,000+
people were members of the YMCA of Central Virginia in 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
FOR ALL $474,187 AWARDED IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
739K+ VISITS
3,000+ AGING WELL ADULTS FOUND BELONGING
At the YMCA of Central Virginia, we believe well-being starts with connection. According to the CDC, social isolation increases the risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%. That’s why we prioritize connection just as much as movement - we create a place where people feel supported and part of something meaningful. With accessible programs and financial assistance, we empower the community to nurture their spirit, mind, and body.
MEET ANGELA,
after returning to the Y as a new mom, Angela’s journey has taken her from group fitness classes to DEKA challenges, where she’s built confidence, strength, and healthier habits for herself and her daughter.
Scan the QR code to watch Angelea’s full story.
The Youth Sports program helps children grow on and off the fieldbuilding confidence, teamwork, and lifelong memories. This year, our T-ball players had a season to remember, ending with a special final game at Bank of the James Stadium. Where they were able to meet SouthPaw, the Hillcats’ mascot. Through positive coaching and play, we create experiences that shape character and strengthen young lives.
The Safety Around Water program teaches children and adults essential skills to stay safe in and around water - a crucial step in preventing drowning and building confidence. In April, we hosted Water Safety Day, welcoming over 100 children for hands-on training in flotation, emergency response, and safe pool entry and exit. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1–4 in Virginia. This event provided water safety education to the wider community, turning awareness into action
Our Before & After School Program and Summer Camps offer safe, trusted care that keeps kids active, confident, and connected - while giving working parents peace of mind year-round.
BY THE NUMBERS
1,475 KIDS DEVELOPED LIFE SKILLS THROUGH YOUTH SPORTS
125+ SUPPORTIVE VOLUNTEERS/ COACHES
1,300+ KIDS LEARN HOW TO BE SAFE IN AND AROUND WATER
424 ACTIVE KIDS IN YMCA CAMPS AND BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Little Scholars Academy Preschool, held at West Lynchburg Baptist Church, serves children ages 2½ to 5 using the STREAMin3 curriculum to support hands-on learning and social growth. The program expands access to affordable, high-quality preschool, giving more families a trusted start to early education.
BY THE NUMBERS
23+ LITTLE SCHOLARS ENROLLED
90% OF BRAIN DEVELOPMENT HAPPENS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN
“My kids love Little Scholars Academy! They are always telling us about their friends and what they have learned or did in class ”
- Steven T. Parent of Little Scholars
Power Scholars Academy helps prevent summer learning loss for students in under-served areas through a no-cost, four-week program focused on math, literacy, STREAM, and social-emotional learning. With added enrichment like art and physical activity, students return to school up to 3.5 months ahead of their peers.
BY THE NUMBERS
398 SCHOLARS GRADES K - 5TH GRADE +3 MONTHS GAINED IN READING AND MATH
57 HOURS OF MATH AND LITERACY INSTRUCTION
“I’m so grateful my grandchildren have a place to keep learning, have fun, and get ahead before the next year. Power Scholars is a wonderful program!” - Guardian of Power Scholars
after completing LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Stephanie found friendship, purpose, and renewed strength. Today, she moves with intention - making mindful choices and staying connected to a community that understands.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a no cost, 12-week program that helps cancer survivors rebuild strength, confidence, and community after treatment. Supported by generous donors, participants and their immediate family members receive a free YMCA membership and work with certified instructors in small groups. Graduates of the program also give back through our Living Stronger group - a volunteer-led network that offers encouragement, shared experience, and peer support to survivors participating in the program.
Scan the QR code to watch Stephanie’s full story.
SURVIVORS JOINED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA ALUMNI JOINED LIVING STRONGER GROUP BY THE NUMBERS 51 119+
“My cancer is chronic and incurable, so learning to "live" with it has been a challenge. LiveStrong pointed out the importance of everyday movement and exercise which cannot be overstated. This leads to a better quality of life, living longer, stronger physically and mentally ”
- Julia K. Prasse MSN, RN retired
The Memory Café provides a warm, welcoming space for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers. Through engaging activities, conversation, and shared experiences, participants find comfort, connection, and understanding. The program fosters community and reduces isolation - reminding families that they are not alone on their journey.
L.E.A.N. is a lifestyle-based wellness program designed to help adults make sustainable changes in nutrition, activity, and overall health. Through small group support, hands-on education, and goal tracking, participants learn how to build healthy habits that last.
“I learned a lot: healthy foods, importance of eating a variety of foods, how to read food labels, how to exercise daily, importance of activity and so much more. I lost weight, exercised and learned so much The class is well worth taking!”
- Robert L.
14
FAMILIES FOUND BELONGING IN MEMORY CAFÉ BY THE NUMBERS
SESSIONS TO SUPPORT HEALTHIER LIVING THROUGH L.E.A.N.
44.75
12 LOST COLLECTIVELY 257lbs TOTAL BODY FAT PERCENTAGE POINTS REDUCED 39% INCHES LOST FROM WAISTLINES
The Rock Steady Boxing Parkinson’s program is a noncontact fitness class that helps individuals with Parkinson’s improve strength, balance, and agility while slowing symptom progression. The program also fosters a strong sense of community.
“When I joined Rock Steady Boxing I was bending forward and to my left. I now have relief from this problem. Another important thing I have learned is how to get up after a fall. It is not intuitive - it has to be learned by practicing. My doctors agree that Rock Steady Boxing provides the vital exercise that is required to push back negative symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The 1 5 hours of class time fly by each time ” - Sharon Schultz Rock Steady Boxer
PARTICIPANTS JOINED THE ROCK STEADY BOXING PROGRAM
THE NUMBERS 34 ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS ENGAGED EACH MONTH 21
RAISED IN ONE EVENING ON WORLD PARKINSON’S DAY 3.5K+
pril 11th, 2025 our Y community ered to honor World Parkinson’s with an evening of strength, ort, and connection. Rock Steady ng participants showcased their , surrounded by friends, family, others seeking hope. It was a erful reminder that no one fights inson’s alone.
We are so grateful to our philanthropic supporters who made contributions to our Annual Campaign between July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Our donors are recognized for their gifts below.
FOUNDERS CLUB
$10,000 +
Anonymous
Cathy & Bobby Montgomery
Surekha & Nipun Parikh
BENEFACTOR'S CLUB
$5,000 - $9,999
Janie & Tom Hall
Margaret Metzinger
Rosemary & Michael Suess
CHAIRMAN'S ROUND TABLE $1,000 - $4,999
Sharon Ainslie
United Way Anonymous
Karen & Reggie Berry
Jacqueline Bibby
Rose Mary Blankenship
Terry & Bob Brennan
Lynn & Mike Cassidy
Emma & Luke Chelli
Melanie & Lynch Christian
Donna Cone
Preston & Marian Craighill, III
Thomas Delaney
David Dobel
Deidre Douglas
Crystal & Brian Edwards
Stacy & Stuart Evans
Libby & Paul Fitzgerald
Cindy & Mike Forren
Frances Giles
Terrell Griffin
Sue & Robert Hahn
The Hoilman Family
Jennifer & Ron Kennedy
Susan & Kevin Landergan
Luther Maddy Real Estate LLC
Meghan & Gene Moss
Gail & Paul Mudrick
Jim Murdoch
Dr. Wade & Andrea Neiman
Becky & Bobby O'Brian
Debbie & Ronald Overstreet
Linda & Rob Palmer
Patty Parsons
Carter & Bill Paxton
John Ramsey
Melody & Shaun Redgate
Kira & Lawrence Roberts
Anthony Robinson
Lisa & Phillip Sauls
Barb & Marc Schewel
LaDonna Shedor
Alison & Robert Shetlar
Jennifer & Shep Sittason
Sharon Stiteler
Mary & Rob Taylor
Kristen & Thomas Vaughan, III
Judy & John Walker
Sandy & Mike Walker
Marty & James Watts
Ryan White
Anne & Gorham "Bunny" Wood
Heather & George Zippel
$500 - $999
Randi & Shawn Abell
United Way Anonymous
Robert Babcock
Kerry Cofer
Art Costan
Paula & Tim Dahl
Sarah & Jim Dunstan
Margaret Anne & Dr H C Eschenroeder, Jr
Hilary & James Fiddes
Katie & John Gillette
Jason Hale
Jeanne Landis
Chad McCain
Patti McCue
Andrew Pearson
Jennifer Richardson
Cynthia & Jeffrey Riley
Mary & Neville Rowland
Persis & John Tinsley
James Trent Jr.
Roxanne & Alan Wank
Paula & Thomas Warwick
Christina Williams
Jingyu Wu
Rebecca Yaffe
$100 - $499
Shannon & Ben Abatecola
Michael Robertson
Edward Fontana, Jr.
United Way Anonymous
Henry Archie
Melinda Arthur
Kathryn & James Beck
Jeanette Benefield
William Berkley
Mary Bice
John Blanks
Erica & Richard Bottoms
Sandra & Brent Brooks
Jann Brown
Joyce Brown
Kathy Brown
Donna Bryant
Robin Burge
Robert Burnett
H Francis Bush
Linda Campbell
Nancy Campbell
Robert Cole
Sherri Conner
Rhonda & Bill Cook
Betty Corbin
Susan & Ed Craighill
Brittany Crawley
Rodney Crews
Anne Crowder
Gordan Cudd
Richard Deveney
Dennis Dexter
Vanessa Donson
Elizabeth Eckert
$100 - $499 (CONTINUED)
Donna Elder - Juice Plus
Joel Epperson
Christine Euhus
Lee Fisher
Angel Fleshman
Norma Foy
Susan & Gene Frantz
Caleb Fretwell
Michaela & Urs Gabathuler
James Gallagher
Karen Gandy
Gary Garner
Tiffany Gee
Kathy Gerbracht
Griffin Hammersmith
Kevin Harris
Deborah & Douglas Harvey
Lucia Hathaway
Graham Helton
Stephen Higgins
Justin Holdstock
Olivia Hutton
Kathy Ingram
Charles Irvine
Michael Jackson
Noah Jackson
Sandra Jackson
Mark Johnson
Nathan Joseph
Allison & Andrew Kappler
Karugah Kariuki
Barbara Karz-Wagman
Dakota Kelly
Michael Kelly
Paul Kerr
Kelly Knapp
Robert Knodel
Skip Kughn Jr
Jimmy Laverty
Lisa Liston
Bernadette & Bill Lyford
Liza & Jeff May
Michael McCarron
Holly & Ryan McEntire
James McFeely
Larry McGlothlin
Madison McKay
Louise Mekanik
Angelo Mercado
Kathy Morris
Patricia & Lester Mulligan
D.V.M.
Dana Guarino-Murphey
Emma Napier
Jessica & Alex Newmark
Dan Newmark
Ferrell Nexsen
Cullen Nicely
Deborah & Michael Okin
Billy Overstreet
Hoa Peery
Orville Peterson III
Rhonda Pommert
Tina Power
Ida Proco
Barbara Raine
Jackie Randolph
Larry Ring
Julia & John Robertson
Chloe Saumenig
The Scheffler Family
Laura Shannon
Karen Shaver
Susan Shipps
Will Sigler
Paula Sloan
Bradley Spitzer
Tabitha Stitt
Kathy Thomas
Tiana Turner
Kay & Kent VanAllen
John Vassar
Renata & Wallace Vaughan
Caleb Wagar
Sydney Walton
Peter Ward Jr.
Mary Welch
Phebe & Bill Wescott
Arjhane' White
Marian & Barry Wilhelm
Robert Wilson
Abby & Ryan Woodruff
Marlena Wray
Daniel Yerdon
Gary Young
Jeffrey Young
GIFTS RECEIVED IN HONOR OF
We gratefully acknowledge the gifts made in honor of the following:
Mary Bice
Torii Jones
Steven Blake
Mr Frank Blake
Herman Cone, III
Anonymous
Paula Dahl
Sandy & Mike Walker
Dr. Tom Delaney
Hoa Peery
Bill Jamerson
Carolyn & Bernhard Renner
Lincoln Mead
Linda Campbell
Catherine & Mitch McEntire
Louise Mekanik
Jessica & Alex Newmark
Dan Newmark
Mary Lynn Poe
Peter Ward Jr
Mary Taylor
Susan & Gene Frantz
Cynthia & Jeffrey Riley
Eden Walton
Sydney Walton
Anne Massie Winstead
Alexander Winstead
GIFTS RECEIVED IN MEMORY OF Dr James L Campbell
We gratefully acknowledge the gifts made in memory of the following:
Nancy Campbell
Dorothy Friend
Kathy Ingram
Alvin H. Okin
Deborah & Michael Okin
Gail Stapert
Empower Counseling, PC
Kathy Morris
Sondra & Jeryl Rowe
The Scheffler Family
Wallace Vaughan
Jeffrey Young
Ben Yaffe
Monica & Phil Abatecola
Gerry Anderson
H. C. Rudder
Herman Steward
Rebecca Yaffe
GIFTS RECEIVED IN KIND OF
We gratefully acknowledge the in-kind contributions that have helped support the YMCA of Central Virginia:
Blue Ridge Outdoors
Frito Lay
LMNT
Lotus Bakeries
Peaks View Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Pickle Juice Company, LLC
Play It Again Sports
Twenty-Two Gourmet
Virginia Eagle Distributing Company, LLC
Westover Dairy
7 Hills Art Club
All Phase Roofing & Construction
Appomattox Glass & Storefront, Inc.
Atlantic Precision Resource
Atlantic Union Bank
Bank of the James
The Bice Law Group
Bikes Unlimited
Blue Ridge Scientific Transport
Blumont Energy
BMS Direct
BOXLEY
CarMax Foundation
Centra
Central Technology Solutions
Central VA Criminal Justice Academy
Christopher White Lawyer, LLC
City of Lynchburg/Office of Economic Dev. & Tourism
Clark's Lumber & Millwork
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Coleman-Adams Construction, Inc
Colony Tire & Service
CORE Health & Fitness
Crossroads Family Dentistry
Daxko
Delta Star, Inc.
Destination Bedford
Dodson Brothers-Bert Dodson, Jr
Dogwood Rentals / Taylor Langley
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Dominion Seven Architects
Edward Jones - Matthew R Szabo Financial Advisor
Elite Cabinets & Flooring, LLC
Empower Counseling, PC
Endurance Auto Repair & Tire
Falwell Corporation
Finly Corporation
Firestop of Virginia, Inc.
First National Bank
Flowserve
Ford Mays Wealth Management
Foster Electric
Foster Foundation
Gentry Locke Attorneys
Genworth Foundation
Give Butter
Glass America
Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation
Handy Distribution
Health Nut Nutrition
Holy Heaven Cookie Company
Hurt & Proffitt, Inc
Infectious Disease Associates of Central VA.
Jamerson Building Supply
Jamerson-Lewis Construction
Jeremy Phillips & Company
Kirby-Cundiff Insulation
Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg
Kona Ice
Kubota of Lynchburg
Legacy Wealth Management Group, Inc.
Liberty University
Lynchburg 7 Hills Lions Club
Lynchburg Ready Mix
M.H. Masonry & Associates, Inc.
Matrix Fitness
Moore & Giles, Inc
Moore's Electrical & Mechanical, Inc.
Morcom Building, Inc.
Myers & Woods Appraisal Group
Nation One Mortgage Corporation
National Pools Of Roanoke, Inc.
NexGen Utility Sales
Outside the Cone
Pawprints Mobile Medicine for Pets
Peaks Coaching Group
Pearson Equipment Company
Pearson Veterinary Clinic
Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc.
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Putt-Putt Fun Center
R Coffee, Ltd
R L Lovelace & Associates
Rehab Associates of Central Virginia, Inc.
Elred LLC-Rivermont Pizza
Riverside Runners
Rotary Club of Forest Foundation
Rustburg Village Dental
Scott Insurance
Service Printing of Lynchburg
Silverman Law Firm
Southern Maintenance Supply
State Farm Insurance - Mitch Saum
Terry Volkswagen Subaru
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory
Thompson-Brooks Insurance
TRUE Fitness Technology, Inc
Truist Wealth
U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company
United Healthcare Services, Inc.
United Way of Central Virginia
Virginia Farm Bureau
Virginia Ten Miler-Lynchburg Road Runners Club
West University, LLC
Wiley/Wilson
Wiltshire Charitable Fund
Women's Health Services of Central VA
WSET-ABC 13
State of Virginia
YMCA of the USA
We are so grateful to our Board of Directors and Honorary Board of Directors who provide their time, talent, and treasures to uplift the mission during FY 2024-2025.
Cindy Forren | President
Thomas H. Vaughan, III | Vice President
Michael Cassidy | Secretary
Stuart Evans | Treasurer
Robert Babcock
Jacqueline Bibby
Dr. James Camm
Herman Cone, III
Art Costan
Preston Craighill
Dr. Thomas Delaney
Dr. Crystal Edwards
George Kayes
Ron Kennedy
Luther Maddy
Patti S. McCue
Ryan McEntire
Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar
Robert O'Brian
Carter Paxton
Andrew Pearson
Lawrence "Wren" Roberts
Anthony W. Robinson
Phillip Sauls
James O. Watts, IV
Gorham "Bunny" Wood
William H. Gorman
J.R. Harris, Jr.
Clara Jackson
Ellen Jamerson
Walter G."Chip" Mason, II
Robert K. Pearson, Jr.
Marc Schewel
Richard J. Sterne, Jr.
Robert C. Wood, III
IN LOVING MEMORY
William "Bill" Edward Jamerson Sr. February 12, 1934 - October 19, 2025
