Northeast YMCA Reopens as Community Hub

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham has officially reopened the Northeast Community YMCA in Roebuck, unveiling a bold, comprehensive community hub designed to address long‐standing gaps in housing, health, education, and mental wellness for residents of Northeast Birmingham.

History of the Northeast YMCA

The Northeast YMCA became part of the Roebuck community in the early 1960s – a time when the Roebuck area was a thriving suburban community. More than a place, the YMCA Northeast Youth Center served the youth in Birmingham as well as our Active Older Adult population. As the needs of the community changed, it became apparent that the Northeast YMCA was in need of significant upgrades and partnerships to continue strengthening the community we proudly serve. In recent years, the community saw a downturn in economic success, stemming from a gap in affordable housing, health care inequities and limited access to quality early childhood education and afterschool care.

Partnerships Key to Community Vision

The Northeast Community YMCA  was shaped by collaboration. Former YMCA of Greater Birmingham President and CEO Dan Pile first introduced the concept of a re-imagined community space, noting, “We can’t do it alone.”  That vision has driven every step of the transformation, recognizing that solving generational challenges in housing, health, and wellness requires a united effort. Partnerships include:

 

• Habitat for Humanity is developing nearly two dozen affordable homes surrounding the YMCA, creating a walkable neighborhood where families can live, play, and thrive side-by-side with essential resources.
• Christ Health Center has established a pediatric clinic on site, ensuring local children and families gain access to vital medical, dental, pharmacy, and wellness services close to home.
• Impact Family Counseling is delivering critical mental health support, mentoring, and family counseling, ensuring emotional wellness is woven into the fabric of community life.

 

“When we work together, we don’t just add up our efforts — we multiply what’s possible,” said Chad Zaucha, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. “The Northeast Community YMCA shows what happens when partners unite around a shared vision — stronger families, healthier neighbors, and a community where everyone belongs.”

A YMCA to Serve the Community Now, and for Decades to Come

Signature programs like YMCA 1st Class Pre-K, Afterschool care, and Summer Day Camp remain at the heart of the Northeast YMCA, now enhanced with an upgraded Pre-K classroom, new gym, and modernized spaces designed for adaptability.

 

• YMCA 1st Class Pre-K: Providing accessible, high-quality early childhood education to prepare children for academic success.
  
• YMCA Afterschool Care and Summer Day Camp: Offering a safe and enriching environment for children during critical out-of-school hours
• Teen Programs and Mentoring: Initiatives focused on the personal growth and development of teen
• Youth Sports Leagues: Opportunities for children and teens to develop athletic skills and teamwork.

 

New Amenities for Every Generation

In addition, members will enjoy a host of new amenities to support healthy living. The Northeast Community YMCA re-started its popular SilverSneakers® workout classes. The building also features an indoor walking track and state-of-the-art EGYM smart cardio and strength equipment that adapts to each user’s goals and abilities.

The Northeast Community YMCA was built with expanded capacity to offer educational programs and host community groups and other cohorts in its Learning Center and other communal spaces.

“We are leaving a legacy, because what was, is just that. Our past gives us the foundation,” said Terri Harvill, Chief Social Impact Officer, YMCA of Greater Birmingham . “And we will continue to say, ‘We will serve our children. We will serve our seniors. We will serve families. There will be a safe space to go. You will have a space and a beacon of hope.’ (The YMCA of Greater Birmingham) doesn’t do everything, but we do a whole lot very well, and what we don’t do, we find somebody else who can.” 

 

Looking Ahead

With construction and renovation completed, the focus now shifts to fully operationalizing programs and engaging community members. The Northeast Community YMCA represents a holistic model: integrating housing, health, early education, and mental wellness under one roof, anchored by strong partnerships and community investment.

Members of the public are invited to tour the facility during hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; EGYM orientations and fitness class information are also available.

Hear from Other YMCA and Community Leaders

“The vision for the Northeast Community YMCA is simple and bold: to build a model neighborhood hub that brings the most-needed services together in one place – early learning and out-of-school programs, a pediatric health clinic, fitness and wellness, and accessible mental-health counseling – surrounded by a safe, walkable Habitat community. We’re doing this through partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Christ Health Center, and Impact Family Counseling because collaboration multiplies impact. It advances the YMCA of Greater Birmingham’s mission to strengthen community for all – connecting people of every age and background to health, education, and opportunity – and it will deliver lasting benefits for Northeast Birmingham families.” – Chip Watts, Board Chairman, YMCA of Greater Birmingham 

“There’s not a lot of new homes that have been built in the Roebuck area in recent years. Bringing 22 homes into a concentrated area has potential to bring one, both a great community to this already existing community, but also to bring a reinvestment.” –  Drew Bonner, Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity Chief Operating Officer.

“This building is a part of a building, but when you’re talking about investing in human capital, this is life changing. This is transformative.” – Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales

“Hope is a powerful motivator, especially for what we do for our next generation. This (The Northeast Community YMCA) is an amazing place, and has been for decades. For every single person in this room who made this possible, genuinely from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you’ve done and for what you’ll continue to do for the Y.” – Randall Woodfin, Mayor, City of Birmingham

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