We are excited to partner with UNC Health Blue Ridge and look forward to offering you enhanced access to a variety of health and wellness services and programming.  We have started a list of frequently asked questions in order to help answer questions you may have about our partnership and how it might impact you. It is our plan to update the FAQ regularly and stay in contact with you.  Through our continued communication pieces, we hope you gain a better sense of the YMCA commitment to the well-being of individuals, supporting families, protecting and developing children and fostering a sense of belonging and community for all.

If you have any further questions or comments about your membership, please reach out to Alyssa Holder (alyssah@ymcacv.org).  We look forward to serving you in the days ahead!

 

Kindest Regards,

YMCA of Catawba Valley

 

 

 

Membership FAQs


Why the Y?

Like Blue Ridge Healthcare, we want to be a partner that helps explore, research and discover niches to meet community needs.  The Y recognizes the issues facing our communities (cancer, diabetes, childcare, isolation, etc.) and the Y wants to be a partner in those efforts because we cannot tackle these issues alone. Several individuals and organizations have continued to discuss how the YMCA could help in various markets and various assessments we completed led us to this point.

 

Will my membership dues increase?

No.  As a current Phifer member, you will have the opportunity to seamlessly transition to a YMCA membership and stay at your current rate until May 31, 2023.  However, if one of the YMCA membership options works better for you, you can transition to one of the new rate options at any time.  If you would like to more information on membership, contact Alyssa Holder (alyssah@ymcacv.org)

 

Is there an extra cost for group exercise classes?

No, your YMCA membership includes all group exercise classes including water aerobics.

 

We heard childwatch is coming back, will childwatch be included with my membership or additional fee?

When childwatch becomes available, it will be included with a family membership. 

 

Do YMCA members receive discounts on YMCA programs?

Yes, we do offer member discounts on programs such as summer camp, family programs, swim lessons, etc. and in order to receive the discount the program participant must be a member. For example - in order for a child to receive the member rate on summer camp, you must have a family membership. 

 

Do you offer insurance based memberships such as Silver Sneakers?

Yes, we accept Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active.  Please check with your insurance company to determine if you are eligible for one of these membership programs. 

 

Can I use other YMCAs with my membership?

Yes, if you have the YMCA of Catawba Valley Association membership, you can use the Phifer Family YMCA, Hickory Foundation YMCA and the Adrian L. Shuford Jr. YMCA.  You will also have access to more than 2,700 YMCAs nationwide through our Nationwide Membership program if you have the YMCA of Catawba Valley Association membership. 

 

Are there any restrictions with the Nationwide Membership program?

  • The Nationwide Membership program is valid for YMCA full facility/full privilege members only.
  • Branch only members are not eligible for Nationwide Membership.
  • Program-only participants (including Silver Sneakers, Silver and Fit or Renew Active) are not eligible for nationwide membership. Silver Sneakers® members may be able to visit other locations with Silver Sneakers®, please contact the Y you wish to visit. 
  • YMCA full facility/full privilege members must use their home branch (51%) fifty-one percent of the time. 
  • Program discounts do not apply. Participating YMCAs reserve the right to restrict facility or program access. Other restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact the Y you wish to visit for specific information.

 

Can I bring a guest to the YMCA?

Yes, you may bring a guest to the YMCA and they may purchase a day pass. Day passes are $10 with a member. Guests must complete a guest waiver when they visit. If they are under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign for the minor. 

 

Can you purchase a membership for just the pool or wellness center?

No, your YMCA membership includes all the facility amenities.

 

Will the staff remain the same?

Any staff person who would like to learn more about employee opportunities should reach out Kara Cloninger (karac@ymcacv.org).  We are working now to retain team members who are excited about the opportunities to expand programs and serve others!

 

 

Are there any programs that were part of Phifer Wellness Center that will not be part of Phifer Family YMCA?
 

It is our desire to maintain all existing programs (including but not limited to: crossfit/functional training, racquetball, aquatics, group exercise, facility access, etc.) and we are working daily to ensure a smooth transition for our members/guests.  New programming will be phased in over time to complement existing programs and to fulfill needs identified in a recent feasibility study.  Additionally, we will add NEW benefits that will be provided immediately to members/guests:

  • Access to hundreds of YMCAs through nationwide membership

  • Unlimited group exercise classes will be included with membership

  • Drop-in childcare for families

  • Discounts on YMCA programs (swim lessons, afterschool, wellness and youth programs)


What programs are you adding to Phifer Family YMCA?
 

Since the YMCA of Catawba Valley’s inception, our YMCA has experienced dramatic growth in program participation, new program services, membership involvement, and financial support for children and families that have a financial need. The Y is for everyone and has a trusted national brand that is tested and approved by families across the country. Our programs and services enable kids to realize their potential, offer ways for families to have fun together and empower people to be healthier. We would hope to create more kid-friendly areas and start offering a large selection of programs to members. Below is a short list of programs we could envision bringing to the Phifer Family YMCA over time:

  • Family & Child Programs: Childwatch, Parents Night Out, Family Nights, Bright Beginnings, Fit 4 Motion

  • Health & Wellness: Evidence-Based Health Programs (LiveStrong at the YMCA, Diabetes Prevention Program, Enhance Fitness, Parkinson Programs), Healthy Cooking Demonstrations, Coaching Connection, Active Older Adult programming, Group Exercise, Race Events (Kids Marathon, 5k/10k)

  • Aquatics: Swim Lessons, Water Fitness, Lifeguard trainings

  • Teen Programs: Leaders Club, Youth & Government, Leaders In Training, Teen Character Awards, Teen Achievers

 

 

 

WELLWORx FAQs

 

Does my WELLWORx membership allow access to other YMCAs?

The WELLWORx membership allows access to the Phifer Family YMCA only.  

 

How can I access other YMCAs with my WELLWORx membership?

The WELLWORx employee can upgrade their membership to a YMCA of Catawba Valley association membership that will allow unlimited access to the Phifer Family YMCA, Hickory Foundation YMCA and the Adrian L. Shuford Jr. YMCA.  You also have access to more than 2,700 YMCAs nationwide through our Nationwide Membership program. 

 

Can I bring my spouse and/or children?

There is an option to upgrade your membership to a two adult plan or a family plan for Phifer YMCA only membership plans or Association Membership plans. If you would like to more information on membership, contact Alyssa Holder (alyssah@ymcacv.org )

 

 

 

YMCA Employment FAQs

 

Were all of the employees at Phifer Wellness Center let go from their positions with the understanding they could reapply for a position with Phifer Family YMCA?
 

We work relentlessly to strengthen communities, starting with our staff team. The Y sees all staff as Cause-Driven Leaders and, to help each team member reach their fullest potential, we offer coaching, career pathing and training through a comprehensive leadership development and certification system. We value diverse perspectives, experiences and encourage our staff to serve in positions that allow their individual skills and talents to shine. During transition, any existing staff person is given priority for job opportunities and we have found ways to retain staff who are seeking those opportunities within the YMCA. In the coming days we will announce members of our staff team, which include current Phifer Wellness Center employees.

 

What is the process for them to reapply?
 

Any staff person who would like to learn more about employee opportunities should reach out to Kara Cloninger (karac@ymcacv.org).  We are working now to retain team members who are excited about the opportunities to expand programs and serve others!

 

Are any of the positions available at Phifer Family YMCA full-time or are they all part-time?
 

A combination of both and we see this expanding in the future.

 

What is the pay range for positions at Phifer Family YMCA?
 

The Y is filled with passionate dreamers, thinkers and doers. Whether someone is a front desk attendant, after school counselor, personal trainer or fitness instructor, we all share a common goal to serve and make our community better.  We have a wide variety of career options depending on individual goals and there is always room for advancement.  Hourly pay ranges differ based on job type, experience and certifications.  Other benefits for our team members include:

Benefits for part-time staff include:

  • Free individual membership to all YMCA locations and discounted membership for household members
  • Discounted program fees (swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more)
  • Retirement plan with current employer contribution of 12% of salary (NO match necessary and is subject to minimum requirements).  Optional, contribute to the 403(b) retirement savings account
  • Professional development opportunities through local and Y-USA trainings


Benefits for full-time staff include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Group life insurance and long-term disability paid by the Y; short-term disability, term life insurance and dependent life insurance available for purchase
  • Accident, critical illness, and whole life insurance
  • Generous paid time off
  • Retirement plan with current employer contribution of 12% of salary (NO match necessary and is subject to minimum requirements).  Optional, contribute to the 403(b) retirement savings account
  • Free household membership to all YMCA locations
  • Discounts on programs such as swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp and more
  • Professional development opportunities through local and Y-USA trainings