Charlotte, N.C. – (November 15, 2023) – The YMCA of Greater Charlotte and YMCA of Catawba Valley have signed a letter of intent to sell two of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s branches to the YMCA of Catawba Valley. The Lincoln County YMCA in Lincolnton and Sally’s YMCA in Denver will integrate into the YMCA of Catawba Valley association, with the anticipated completion of the transfer slated for the spring of 2024.

The YMCA of Greater Charlotte currently owns and operates the two Lincoln County branches, and conducts enriching after-school programming at multiple Lincoln County Schools sites. In a forward-looking approach earlier this year, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte began to reach out to other YMCA associations in the region, as part of a process of evaluating its real estate footprint, to gauge potential interest in the branches.

In response to concerns expressed by county residents and community partners regarding the potential sale, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte formed a task force including representation from Lincoln County Schools, key community stakeholders and volunteer leadership from the two Lincoln County branches, to discuss how to best serve the citizens of Lincoln County. The overwhelming feedback from task force members was that the citizens of Lincoln County want YMCA programs and services to remain in the county.

Recognizing the profound impact that the Lincoln County branches have had on their communities, the YMCA of Catawba Valley formally expressed interest in assuming ownership and operational responsibilities for the branches. After submitting a comprehensive offer to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, both entities have successfully entered into an agreement in principle, marking a significant step forward in further extending the impact and legacy of the YMCAs in Lincoln County. The agreement is contingent upon final approval by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s association board of directors and the YMCA of Catawba Valley’s association board of directors. Additionally, the Lincoln County board of commissioners must approve the Lincoln County YMCA sale.

"As we move forward, I'm genuinely excited to integrate the Lincoln County YMCAs into our YMCA of Catawba Valley family," expressed Nat Auten, president & CEO of the YMCA of Catawba Valley. "This transition goes beyond a transaction; it's a heartfelt acknowledgment of the impactful role these branches have played in their communities. Embracing their legacy, we anticipate fostering an even greater positive impact together. Lincoln County offers an excellent opportunity for our Y to expand its services geographically and demographically. I look forward to welcoming staff, members, and community partners into our Y as we extend our service into Lincoln County."

“This is the best outcome we could have hoped for, and a win for all parties involved, from the YMCAs to our members and the citizens of Lincoln County,” said Gene Johnson, interim president & CEO of YMCA of Greater Charlotte. “I’m happy that we arrived at a solution that I’m confident is best for the future of Lincoln County, and I look forward to supporting the transition to YMCA of Catawba Valley.”

The two YMCA associations will work through details involving the agreement in the coming months, and expect to have more information to share in the spring. Operations and programs will be running as usual at both Lincoln County branches for the foreseeable future.

About the YMCA of Catawba Valley

The YMCA of Catawba Valley was established in 1969 to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The Y engages over 25,000 men, women and children each year – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being and to provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. www.ymcacv.org

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves our community’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for nearly 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a proud recipient of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.  www.ymcacharlotte.org

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