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For anyone who hasn't already read it, the following is a response we received from the Greater Charlotte YMCA to our inquiry regarding the possible sale of the Lincoln County Family YMCA in Lincolnton and Sally's Y in Denver.  If you haven't already read our earlier article, we suggest you begin by reading it.  Click the link below.

Yesterday, we met to discuss the two YMCA facilities in Lincoln County, with a specific focus on Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Dr. Aaron Allen’s concerns, which were outlined in an email that has been widely circulated this week.

Together, we agreed to assemble a community task force, including relevant stakeholders, with the intent to have an agreed-upon direction by the end of this year. In parallel, the two branches in Lincoln County will work to put initiatives in place to gauge and increase the level of long-term community support for the YMCAs in Denver and Lincolnton.

As a group, we look forward to working with one another, along with other community partners, to come up with the best solution for the citizens, families and children of Lincoln County.

The YMCA is committed to thinking innovatively about the best ways to serve the communities we’re in, including evolving service based on community needs and/or working in collaboration with community partners. While the task force work is underway, the operations and services of the YMCA will continue as normal. The YMCA is committed to delivering relevant programs and services that are consistent with its mission in both Lincoln County branches in whatever solution is decided upon by the task force.

This reporter talked with Dr. Allen Thursday morning and he said he is encouraged but still very much concerned about the future of the two local Ys.  He has promised to keep us and other news media informed about developments.  It appears likely that if we want to keep the two YMCAs operating here, we (the community) will have some work to do.  

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