For more than 50 years, the YMCA of the Triangle has supported youth in Southeast Raleigh. In 2012, inspired by the community’s strength and potential, local leaders and volunteers dared to dream bigger: a shared space where education, health, housing and opportunity could thrive together.
That dream took root in 2016 when the Y purchased 32 acres of land along Rock Quarry Road and became reality in 2019 when the Southeast Raleigh YMCA opened its doors. More than five years later, the SECU Beacon Site is a vibrant hub of equity, connection and belonging—built with and for the people of Southeast Raleigh.
A Look at the YMCA's Impact Since 2020:
- Water Safety: 1,600+ people gained life-saving swim skills
- Youth Development: 800+ students in grades 1 – 5 participated in swim lessons
- Education: 500+ students supported through YMCA Club ROAR After School
- Nutrition & Wellness: 714,144 healthy meals served to 23,627 individuals
- Community Health: 1,020 volunteers engaged in health service initiatives
- Civic Engagement: 18,360 voters participated in early voting at the site in 2022 and 2024
- Economic Opportunity: 50+ minority-owned businesses partnered with; $1.1 million+ in direct support
- Community Connection: 100+ events welcomed 10,000+ attendees
- Affordable Housing: 120 new units at Beacon Ridge—now fully occupied
And that’s just the beginning.
This milestone wouldn’t be possible without our visionary partners: Southeast Raleigh Promise, Southeast Raleigh Elementary School, Wake County Public School System, DHIC Affordable Housing and Self-Help Credit Union. Together, they believed in the power of partnership and in what’s possible when community leads.
At the YMCA of the Triangle, we know that real, lasting change grows from relationships, shared vision and relentless hope. The SECU Beacon Site isn’t just a success story—it’s a blueprint for what happens when we build with community, not just for it.
Here’s to five years of progress and to the many more ahead.
