Kim McClure had decided to be a stay-at-home mom.

It didn’t last long.

The new executive director of the Davie Family YMCA said when her first daughter went to day care, she lasted three months at home.

She wanted a job.

So she started working part-time at the daycare center where her daughter attended. It wasn’t long before that was a full-time job.

For 21 years, the Jacksonville, NC native has worked with children – twice with the YMCA – most recently in charge of the child care services branch of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.

Her husband, David, is a Winston-Salem police officer. They have two daughters: Ashleigh, 25, and Katelin, 15.

“I’m very passionate about what we do at the YMCA,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of a community branch and learn more about all we do.”

She has been in Mocksville for about a month, and likes what she has experienced.

“This community, everyone is so nice, outgoing. This is like their home away from home and that’s very encouraging.”

Like most things, the YMCA is constantly changing, trying to meet the needs of its members and the community. The next step, she said, is turning one of the two racquetball courts into a functional training facility for personal workouts, boot camps and sports agility training.

“That will bring a new realm of fitness options that we currently don’t have,” she said.

And there’s “Hop the Gap,” evidenced by the huge hop-scotch game painted onto the floor at the entrance. It focuses on children, and what they need in summer months to be successful: food, books, exercise, fun activities and swimming.

“Children need to learn how to swim and feel comfortable around water,” she said. The program is open to all, with financial assistance available to those who qualify.

The local YMCA received a grant for a summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camp, a week of fun and intense activities by certified teachers.

McClure said she is ready to help keep the YMCA a vital part of Davie County.

“I want to get to know the community and find ways to collaborate or partner. I’m interested in meeting with other non-profits and finding out how we can collaborate.”

McClure earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gardner Webb University.

A major upcoming project is getting kids ready for school. The Bright Beginnings program not only provides backpacks for school children in need, but raises money to take them shopping for clothes and school supplies. That program is Aug. 1-15, and those who donate a new backpack can join the Y at no cost.