THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF HATTIESBURG MS

MEMBERSHIP: The YMCA MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. At The Family YMCA, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. The Family YMCA provides services for ages six (6) weeks to one hundred (plus) years of age. The Y membership program brings together all segments of the community focusing on the quality of life within the Greater Pine Belt Area. Health and Wellness is a major focus within our program which goes hand in hand with the socialization aspect of our membership base. Bible study groups, active older adult activities, special family events, health and wellness programs for youth and adults, community events, social events, group exercise classes, pot luck lunches, special need programs, exercise for group homes, and much more are all parts of our membership program. The Family YMCA is open to all but come in they are exposed to an organization and staff that emphasize Christian values in all that we do but we do not force our beliefs on anyone. Our character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith are evident through our actions, our signage, our mission and the members that we serve. The YMCA has a Board of Directors that help us determine the needs within the community and we are constantly meeting with organizations and community leaders to assess how they see the Y helping to grow the community. The YMCA also works with the United Way to determine needs. We survey our members on a regular basis to make sure we are on target with our mission and program development. Volunteer development within our membership is a vital part of our operations. A large number of our members participate in other YMCA programs at a reduced rate. Once you qualify for financial assistance, that assistance applies to all YMCA programs. The YMCA family is all inclusive and is represented by all faucets of the community. All the programs above offered to members and the community are directed/administered by trained, certified YMCA staff.

AFTERSCHOOL/SUMMER CAMP: The YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. At The Family YMCA, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. This program serves school age children five through twelve years old. The program is licensed by the state of Mississippi, and we adhere to all guidelines set forth by the Department of Human Services. This program provides a safe, nurturing, fun environment for the participants as they receive tutoring, exercise, and mentoring. Our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith are incorporated in all activities. Devotionals take place daily, as well as education seminars and guest speakers are regularly scheduled. We work with United Way, police and fire departments, and medical communities seeking additional ways to educate our children. The YMCA transports children from area schools and the Petal School District provides transportation to the program. Several community volunteers help with the program. The YMCA has the opportunity to develop these kids for eight years. Many of the children continue with the YMCA in our teen programs including our CIT (Counselor in Training) program. Countless past participants attribute a great part of their success in life to the experiences they had at The Family YMCA. In many cases, The Family YMCA is the safe haven so many of these kids need, and for some, the only one that they have. The Family YMCA has the opportunity to make a positive difference for children in our camp programs.