These words are the first thing you see when you enter the Asheville JCC Aquatics Center: “The Talmud says that it is our obligation to teach our children to swim.” As part of our mission — building inclusive community — we extend this commitment beyond our members to reach children and adults for whom swimming has been unsafe, inaccessible, or uncomfortable.
Asheville City Schools Preschools Partnership
“I have been amazed with the growth that I’ve seen in these kids. Some would not even put their head in the water when they first arrived, and now they are relaxed in the water. It’s such an important life skill.
During our first eight sessions we also had the high school interns who work with me joining us. That was also really valuable experience for both groups of kids. Ms. Wendy was able to show the big kids how to help the little kids in the water.” -Maria, Lead Teacher
“These kids are from underserved communities and they are getting the opportunity to learn water safety.” -Eilidh, Assistant teacher
Tranzmission Partnership
Quotes provided by Tranzmission (non-profit working in education, advocacy, and support for non-binary and transgender people in WNC):
“Our family loves to swim! We love to swim at the JCC pool! It’s such a beautiful facility. The staff are friendly and welcoming. It’s always a treat to swim at the J! For my spouse, who is trans nonbinary, the partnership between the JCC and Tranzmission also offers a greater sense of security. It’s difficult for Trans people to feel safe anywhere, and the threat to personal safety is especially heightened when swimwear is involved. Everybody deserves to swim. It’s such a healing thing for a person to be able to move their body in the water. We are so grateful that the JCC provides this safe space for the trans community to experience the joy of swimming without fear.”
-Stacey, Jess, and AJ (She/they, they/them, he/ him)
“Being able to swim in such an open space without the worry of being judged or harmed is so liberating! I love [transwim]!”
-Transwim Participant
