Page 122 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2019

GivingBACK for the community
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of YMCA
Since its beginning, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) has been a charitable organization based on Christian principles with an inclusive environment driven to enrich the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical wellbeing for all. The Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA upholds that mission with its two branches in Ocean Springs and Biloxi and its five before-and-after- school sites, three summer camp sites and one preschool. Years ago the Y evolved to include men and women.
Mobile YMCA brings activities, learning, and fun to kids all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Parent/child water class at the YMCA.
“Through the years, lifestyles and family structures have changed and will continue
to do so. Our programs will always reflect the needs of the communities which we serve,” says Executive Director Rob Kirkland. “We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when
we all work together. That’s why at the Y strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
The YMCA started a new program this year called Y
on the Fly that’s free to the community through donations, volunteers and corporate support. “This is an innovative mobile Y program delivering games and activities to promote health and learning to children in underserved areas along the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Kirkland said. “Each visit incorporates engaging activities focused on physical
play, STEM, water safety, and character development. In the six months since this program began, it has served more than 1,500 children.”
The Parkinson’s program, supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation, is also new. The weekly classes provide community and specialized activity for those with Parkinson’s.
The most popular programs range from learn to swim, lifeguard, CPR & first aid training, youth sports, before and after school, summer camps, preschool, fitness, senior and chronic disease programming.
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA | 1810 Government St., Ocean Springs | 228.875.5050 | www.mgcymca.org
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