Neighborhood Philanthropy: YMCA Oxford
Oxford is host to some wonderful non-profit organizations that provide for our community in so many ways. We want to provide a glimpse of these organizations each month. The YMCA is an organization whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Guided by their core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity.
The Memphis Young Men’s Christian Association was organized in 1855, only 11 years after the movement was born in London, England. It now has 12 full facility branches and 3 program branches that serve all ages and segments of the community. The Oxford branch was opened in August 2013 after Baptist Memorial Hospital handed over the reins of its Healthplex to the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South.
Amber Gray, new Center Director, recently shared, “At the Oxford Y, we intend to live into the association's commitment to healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility by offering educational wellness programs, activities for seniors, partnering with youth organizations to provide leadership opportunities, and maintaining a space where every body has a variety of exercise options to choose from. With our open doors policy, we will never turn down membership opportunities based on finances.”
“We are passionate about feeding our neighbors, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity this month to provide 1500 meals per week in Yalobusha county to any child. It is also important to point out we are a part of a thriving larger community, and while we don't have a pool in Oxford, our support provides swimming lessons to countless mid-South children, saving lives! We are proud to be a part of such a community.”
“Beginning August 1, the Y will offer 40 class options per week beginning at 5:30 am and ending at 6:30 pm, six days a week. We are the only facility in Oxford to offer Les Mills classes, but we also have pilates, zumba, yoga, spin, strength, and more! Anyone who joins in July will have their $75 joining fee waived and receive some Y swag from our membership department. We can't wait to see everyone at the Y!”
We are grateful to the YMCA of Oxford for helping residents to increase energy, decrease stress, prevent illness, maintain a healthy weight, find personal balance, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. The YMCA of Oxford is located at 703 North Lamar and is open Monday – Thursday 5 am – 8 pm, Friday 5 am – 6 pm, Saturday 8 am – 1 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm. Contact Amber Gray at amber.gray@ymcamemphis.org, check out the website and be sure to follow them on social media.