Project Aspire Will Improve Quality of Life for Locals

By Shantelle Simpson –

I am truly excited about the inspirational partnership between the YMCA of Western North Carolina and First Baptist Church of Asheville (FBCA) to create Project Aspire, a mixed-use, mixed-income development that includes affordable housing, small business incubation, outdoor amenities, community meeting space, and a new YMCA in downtown Asheville. As nonprofits dedicated to serving the greater good, they are putting local needs first.

When I learned about this project, I was immediately intrigued by its potential to transform lives. I also recognized and understood the complex task at hand as well as the positive impact it could have on the community.

As a recent past resident of Louisville, Kentucky, I witnessed firsthand the positive results of the YMCA of Greater Louisville’s partnering with community agencies to develop a new YMCA in the heart of what was considered a destitute and dying area. It was the first major investment in west Louisville in generations, and has had a positive impact on community health and well-being by making programs and services accessible to all.

Watching the newfound hope spring up with the new YMCA was impressive. It was also a lesson learned on the importance of tangible actions taken to both heal and reinvigorate a community.

The Louisville project is unique because it follows the Community Integrated Health model. It intentionally brings together traditional healthcare models with a community-based organization to promote health, prevent illness, and manage chronic disease in a more accessible, efficient way. It focuses on helping individuals and communities achieve a thriving lifestyle, high quality of life, and a longer lifespan.

Project Aspire is an opportunity to do something similarly impactful in Asheville. When the YMCA of Western North Carolina approached Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers (AMCHC) with the idea of partnering to house our full-service healthcare center within the new downtown YMCA, we knew right away that it was right for us.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, AMCHC is prepared to open a new health center within the YMCA, offering primary care for adults and children, dental services, behavioral health, women’s health, pharmacy services, transportation to and from appointments, one-on-one health education, and other services.

Like the YMCA, our approach of including all means that no patient or local resident will be turned away, regardless of their ability to pay. AMCHC desires to partner with Project Aspire because we recognize the importance of bridging the community and building for the future.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an important part of these efforts. Those terms have become buzzwords over the past few years, with many organizations quickly shifting to meet the latest trend by creating committees and programs around DEI. While these steps are important to meet the need of embracing togetherness, they are not new to the YMCA and FBCA. Both are steadfastly committed to being multicultural, anti-racist organizations. Project Aspire puts their words into action.

Project Aspire will create a neighborhood that focuses on inclusion of all types: economic, racial, gender identity, housing, physical ability, and other identifying characteristics that can be used to divide. Imagine a block within downtown Asheville solely dedicated to providing space for physical and mental well-being through exercise classes, health education, financial literacy, mixed income housing, spiritual wellness, and low-cost, high-quality healthcare services for all, regardless of their ability to pay. These enabling services will inspire hope and community.

Asheville prides itself on being a city of diversity and inclusion. At any time one can walk into their local YMCA branch and see people of various ages, races, gender identities, physical capabilities, and financial backgrounds engaging together and creating space that welcomes all and promotes joy and well-being. Project Aspire should be supported by all Buncombe County residents who are serious about bridging the gap in opportunities for advancement, health literacy, healthcare, and overall wellness for all.

Shantelle Simpson, EdD, MSN, RN, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers. She serves on the board of directors of the YMCA of Western North Carolina.