YMCA Expert Available for Interview on Building Stronger, Healthier Families

Published October 15, 2025

Roanoke, VA (Oct. 15, 2025) — October is Family Health Month, and the YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is encouraging families to strengthen connections and stay active together. Through programs such as youth sports, swim lessons, and Kids’ Night Out, the Y continues to serve as a community hub where families can build healthy habits and have fun while supporting wellness of the spirit, mind and body.

“The YMCA is all about building stronger, more connected families,” said Andrae Hash, Youth & Family Director at the Kirk Family YMCA.

At the Kirk Family YMCA, Andrae and the team create opportunities for families to come together in meaningful ways, whether that’s cheering on a child’s first soccer game or spending time together at family events. “It’s about belonging just as much as it is about fitness,” Hash said.

“Making time together is the biggest step, and the Y makes that easy,” he said. “Families can swim, shoot hoops, or let the kids play while parents work out. It’s a fun way to stay active and build healthy habits that last.”

The Y encourages families to turn visits into a weekly routine, which helps make wellness part of everyday life. “We love when families make the Y part of their weekly schedule,” Hash added. “Maybe it’s a ‘Y Night’ or a Saturday morning visit — it becomes a fun, healthy tradition everyone looks forward to.”

This month, families can also take advantage of a special offer we are running where new members can join for just $1 and enjoy the first 30 days free, making it the perfect time to start new healthy routines together.

About Hash

Andrae Hash is the Youth & Family Director at the Kirk Family YMCA, where he leads everything from youth sports to family engagement events at the Kirk Family Y.