Page 97 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK healthy spirit mind and body
YMCA WORKOUTS
YOUTH GROUPS
The YMCA is for
everyone
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of YMCA
Originally founded in 1844 as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the organization still stands
behind the founder’s hopeful ideals. George Williams, a 22-year-old farmer- turned-department-store worker, saw the bleak landscape of industrialized London and hoped to do his part to provide a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking a shelter from the turmoil of the city.
Today, the group has expanded to include men and women of all ages, targeting families across the Coast regardless of background. “We aim to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” said
Joey Conwill, wellness director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Blossman YMCA.
Some of the location’s outreach programs include parenting skills classes, chronic disease prevention courses, before and after school care, camps and fitness programs. All of these programs are free to everyone on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“The Blossman branch of the YMCA was founded in December of 1975 by Woody Blossman in response to the drowning death of a child,” Conwill said. “He vowed to do what he could to prevent future occurrences.” Because of this, the YMCA is proud to offer Safety Around Water swim lessons, third grade water safety
and boater certification and third grade swim lessons and Ship Island lifeguard program, along with many other wellness courses.
So how can you help support this community-driven organization? “Blossman YMCA has many volunteer opportunities available and as a non-profit organization, we rely on donations to support our scholarship program,” says Conwill. “The YMCA turns no one away due to inability to pay.”
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA
www.mgcymca.org Blossman Family YMCA 1810 Government St. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 228.875.5050
BACOT/MCCARTY FOUNDATION
A Portion Of This Sponsorship Goes To Support Our Local Charities Along The Coast
WWW.BACOTMCCARTY.ORG
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
December 2017 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 97
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