(L to R) Lori Miller, Finance and Development at the YMCA; Hannah Hensley, YMCA Staff; Olivia Kessler, YMCA Staff; Brittany Stevens, Executive Director for Safehomes; and Christa Sheppard, YMCA Staff.

YMCA & Safehomes Co-Host Special Spring Carnival Event By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Covington, VA (Apr. 25, 2026)— It was a busy day today at the YMCA for folks who visited between the hours of 2:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. while the Spring Carnival was underway. Several vendors were set up in the gymnasium, popcorn and hot dogs were circulating, and there was a lot of information to be learned about many nonprofits in the area. The Journal stopped in briefly to capture a few photos and learn more about the event that was jointly hosted by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and Safehomes, with the main purpose being to bring awareness to our local Safehomes shelter. Just behind their table was Brittany Stevens, Executive Director for Safehomes. Stevens shared a plethora of information about the local shelter whose mission is "to empower and advocate for victims and survivors of domestic, dating and sexual violence and to work towards a violence free community." The local shelter serves both men and women in Bath County, Alleghany County, the city of Covington, and the towns of Iron Gate and Clifton Forge, Virginia. They offer emergency shelter, crisis intervention, court advocacy services, individual and group counseling, information and referral, and community outreach and education. Those needing assistance can visit their social media pages, their website at www.SafehomeSystems.org, or call the crisis intervention 24/7 at 540-965-3237. Hadlie Rice enjoyed the indoor jumpy house provided in the Fitness Room at the YMCA. The face-painting table had a happy little Spiderman ready for his photo-op. Many locals ventured out to enjoy the Spring Carnival held today at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA.

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