#United States #Washington, D.C. #Hurricane Helene #YMCA #Chuck Edwards

YMCA Honors Rep. Chuck Edwards for Disaster Relief Support

On March 4, 2025, Representative Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina, was honored with the title of "YMCA Congressional Champion" during an event held in Washington, D.C. This recognition was given for his instrumental role in securing disaster relief for the Blue Ridge Assembly of the YMCA and various communities in western North Carolina that are in the midst of rebuilding after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The Blue Ridge Assembly, a crucial part of the YMCA network, has faced significant challenges since the hurricane's devastating strike. The facility has remained closed due to extensive damage, but efforts are underway to reopen by this summer. It's a multi-tiered approach requiring collaboration and financial support to arrive at a successful recovery—which is precisely what Rep. Edwards has been advocating for.

"The Y is fortunate to have elected leaders like Rep. Edwards," said Sheree Vodicka, the CEO of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. She emphasized that his dedication to supporting the communities affects not only his immediate district but extends beyond to improve lives across the state and country as a whole.

Upon receiving the award, Rep. Edwards expressed pride in his actions, stating, "It is an honor to be named a YMCA Congressional Champion for my role in securing federal disaster funds to help our mountain communities recover after Hurricane Helene. I'm pleased that the American Relief Act that I crafted will make sure that organizations like the Y can continue their important work rebuilding and strengthening our communities."

As a significant player on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Edwards was deeply involved in formulating the American Relief Act of 2024, which aims to provide crucial resources in response to disasters. Following Hurricane Helene’s impact on the Southeast, he proactively visited the Blue Ridge Assembly to assess the situation, understanding firsthand the challenges faced and advocating for much-needed federal assistance.

His efforts go beyond legislative support; they encompass a direct partnership between his office, the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, and agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Rep. Edwards’ staff collaborated closely with these organizations to guide the YMCA in navigating the complex federal relief application process and assist in any appeals that might arise.

The award was presented to him by Melissa Bailey Logan, the CEO of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, along with Tim Blenco, COO of YMCA of Western North Carolina. This presentation happened during the YMCA's National Advocacy Days event, where the vital role of YMCA in community development was highlighted. Discussions centered on the importance of policies that are structured to enrich the lives of youth, promote a healthy lifestyle, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

For context, the YMCA has long been a leading nonprofit organization in the United States, collectively serving over a million individuals in North Carolina alone. Their mission is not only focused on youth development and healthy living but also centered on building connections among people of diverse backgrounds. This focus is particularly essential as the state recovers from natural disasters and seeks to strengthen community ties.

The NC Alliance of YMCAs, which is an independent nonprofit corporation, continually supports various YMCA associations across North Carolina. Their objective is to bolster the capacity of YMCAs in the state, drive statewide initiatives, and serve as advocates for the YMCA mission at local, state, and national levels.

In times of crisis, community resilience is tested, and the role of leaders like Rep. Edwards becomes crucial. The constant collaboration between government bodies and grassroots organizations, exemplified by the YMCA, showcases how unified efforts can lead to positive changes and aid recovery from adversity.

You can learn more about the YMCA and their efforts at ncymcas.org.