YMCA Honors Rep. Chuck Edwards as Congressional Champion for Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

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