The Story of the William J. Pharr Family YMCA: A Legacy of Community Impact
The William J. Pharr Family YMCA has long stood as a cornerstone of community, connection, and opportunity in Gaston County. Its story is one of generosity, vision, and a shared commitment to building a better future for all. While we say goodbye to this chapter, we honor the legacy of the Pharr Y and celebrate the new opportunities on the horizon.
A Legacy of Giving:
The Pharr and Carstarphen Families The roots of the Pharr Family YMCA go back to a time when two prominent families saw a need and answered the call. The Pharr Family and the Carstarphen Family, recognizing the importance of creating a space for community, generously donated the land and resources to establish a YMCA that would serve families, children, and individuals for decades to come. Their vision was clear: to provide a place where everyone could grow, connect, and thrive. From offering programs for youth development to promoting health and well-being for adults and seniors, the Pharr Family YMCA became a home away from home for generations.
Serving the Community: A Place for All
Since its opening, the Pharr Family YMCA has been a beacon of hope and opportunity. Thousands of lives have been impacted through programs that foster community, confidence, and care:
Youth Development: The Pharr Family YMCA has supported countless children through afterschool programs, summer camps, swim lessons, and youth sports. For many kids, the Y was not just a place to play but a place to learn teamwork, build friendships, and discover their potential.
Healthy Living: From fitness classes to wellness programs, the Pharr Family YMCA empowered adults and seniors to lead healthier, more active lives. Whether it was a mom taking her first yoga class or a senior finding camaraderie in a water aerobics group, the Y was always a space for personal growth.
Community Impact: Families found resources, friendships, and support at the Pharr Family YMCA Stories of families who grew up attending the Y—watching their children learn to swim, play soccer, or excel in academics through Y programs—are a testament to its enduring impact. One member shared, “The Pharr Family YMCA has been part of my family for years. My children learned to swim here, and we always felt welcomed and cared for. It’s more than a building; it’s family.”
Saying Goodbye, But Not Farewell
As we reflect on the years of impact and cherished memories, we are deeply saddened to have closed the doors of the Pharr Family YMCA. The decision to transition was not easy, and it came with heavy hearts. However, this is not where our story ends—it is simply the beginning of a new chapter. The YMCA’s mission to serve the Pharr community will continue. We are excited to announce the expansion of the Stowe Family YMCA, which will include enhanced spaces, improved resources, and programs that serve even more families across Gaston County. The same dedication to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility that defined the Pharr Y will live on through these expanded opportunities.
The Future: Growing Stronger Together While the Pharr Y’s physical space has closed, its spirit will carry on through the lives it touched and the programs that will continue to reach families in the Pharr community. With the Stowe Family YMCA expansion, we will have the ability to:
Grow Youth Programs: Expanding our youth sports, summer camps, and leadership programs to reach even more children. Offer Enhanced Facilities: Creating new spaces that allow families and individuals to come together in a state-of-the-art environment at our Warlick and Stowe branches
Build Community Connections: Strengthening relationships and resources to ensure that no one is left without the opportunity to thrive.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude for the Pharr Family YMCA and all it has meant to this community. We celebrate its legacy and the countless families it has served. Though the doors may be closed, the impact lives on—in every child who played their first sport, in every family who found support, and in every senior who found friendship and health at the Y.
Thank you to the Pharr and Carstarphen Families for their vision, and thank you to our members for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we move forward, expanding our reach and deepening our impact—because our story is far from over.