RALEIGH, N.C.,
March 17,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC) was named a "YMCA
Congressional Champion" in Washington,
D.C., on March 4 for his
support in providing disaster relief to YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
and western North Carolina
communities, which are working to rebuild and recover from the
devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Blue Ridge Assembly has
been closed since the hurricane due to significant damage and is
working to reopen this summer.
"The Y is fortunate to have elected leaders such as Rep.
Edwards," said Sheree Vodicka, CEO
of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. "His support helping communities and
the Blue Ridge Assembly rebuild after Helene is an example of his
work to improve lives in his district, the state and the rest of
the country."
"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," Rep. Edwards said.
"As the sole North Carolina member
on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to make sure
Western North Carolina has the
resources it needs to aid in the healing and recovery process."
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Edwards
played a key role in crafting the American Relief Act of 2024.
After Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, Rep. Edwards visited
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly to understand what it would take to
rebuild. His staff have been working as liaisons with YMCA Blue
Ridge Assembly staff and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help navigate
federal relief application and appeals processes.
Melissa Bailey Logan, CEO, YMCA
Blue Ridge Assembly, and Tim Blenco,
COO, YMCA of Western North
Carolina, presented the award to Rep. Edwards at his D.C.
office during the YMCA's National Advocacy Days event. YMCA staff
members and community volunteers discussed the vital role that
YMCAs play in communities nationwide and urged Rep. Edwards to
advance policies that support nurturing youth, promoting healthy
living and fostering social responsibility.
About the YMCA and the NC Alliance of YMCAs
The YMCA
is a leading nonprofit that collectively serves one million people
statewide, including children, adults and seniors, through youth
development, healthy living and social responsibility. By bringing
together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and
generations, the Y's goal is to improve overall health and
well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance
of connections in and across communities.
The NC Alliance of YMCAs is an independent 501(C)3 nonprofit
corporation supporting the 28 independent YMCA associations with
facilities in North Carolina. The Alliance's purpose is to build
the capacity of all the state's YMCAs, foster collaboration on
statewide initiatives through effective partnerships, and advocate
on behalf of the YMCA's mission and cause with elected officials
and stakeholders at the local, state and national levels. For more
information, please visit ncymcas.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michele
McKinley
michele.mckinley@ncymcas.org
919-508-7687
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SOURCE NC Alliance of YMCAs
