History

For over 160 years, YMCA's are the largest not-for-profit community service organization in America. Y's are at the heart of community life in neighborhoods and towns across the nation. They work to meet the health and social service needs of 20.7 million men, women and children.


Y's help people develop values and behavior that are consistent with Christian principles. Y's are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. YMCAs, strength is in the people they bring together. In the average YMCA, a volunteer board sets policy for its executive, who manages the operation with staff and volunteer leaders. Y,s meet local community needs through organized activities called programs.


In its own way, every Y nurtures the healthy development of children and teens; strengthens families; and makes its community a healthier, safer, better place to live. YMCA programs are tools for building the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.


YMCA MS Gulf Coast,
Blossman Branch History

Woody Blossman chartered the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA in December, 1975,with a love for children and the backing of some local businessmen. Blossman, then Chairman of Blossman Gas Company, had once witnessed the death of a child by drowning, and he wanted to do all he could to prevent it from happening to another child.


The YMCA opened in the former Marlin pool building with a staff of three. Since that day, the YMCA has steadily grown, with not only swimming lessons, but a diverse selection of classes and activities from which the whole community can benefit. Every day, the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA helps children and youth to deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation to learn.


Outreach Programs offer parenting skills classes, anger management classes, Families First, substance abuse counseling, and an Adolescent Offender Program that works with the local courts and the families. All of these programs are free to everyone on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.


The concept that the YMCA is not bricks and mortar¯but people¯continues to guide the operation of the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, and will ensure that Blossman's legacy is passed on to future generations.


Membership

Privileges include:

  • Full use of the fitness and aquatics centers
  • Family-friendly environment
  • State-of the art fitness equipment
  • Well-trained and certified staff
  • Savings on program fees
  • Member discounts for swim lessons and child care
  • YMCA Personal Training at an affordable rate
  • No contracts
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • FREE personal fitness consultation and orientation for new members
  • FREE Child Watch (drop-in child care) for ages 3 months - 10 years (Family Membership required)
  • FREE group fitness classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Cycling and more
  • FREE water fitness classes
  • FREE youth fitness classes

Facility amenities:

  • Indoor heated pool
  • Outdoor pool (weather permitting)
  • Chair lift into pool and Jacuzzi
  • Jacuzzi
  • Dry Sauna
  • Steam Room
  • Showers and dressing rooms
  • Day lockers
  • Aerobics Studio
  • Fitness Center
  • Life Fitness Circuit Training fitness equipment
  • Recumbent and group cycling bikes
  • Precor and StarTrac treadmills
  • Full selection of free weights
  • Speed bag and Heavy bag
  • Outdoor play area
  • Coffee Bar
  • Complimentary parking

General Information

Equal Access

The YMCA welcomes participation of all people regardless of race, creed, color, gender, age, national affiliation or physical ability.


Guest Policy

A guest application form must be filled out at the Member Services Desk. For the guest pass to be activated, the participant must be 18 years or older, show photo ID. Individuals age 11 to 17 may receive a guest pass if a parent completes and signs the guest application.


Valuables / Lockers

The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Day lockers are available at no charge to members. Please bring your own lock.


Schedules

Schedules are subject to change with minimal notice. The YMCA will make every attempt to foresee any necessary changes in schedules and post these changes at least one week in advance.


Youth Supervision

Parents/Guardians are responsible for their children at all times when they are in the YMCA facilities until such times as a YMCA staff member or representative assumes responsibility for the children, as during a program or in Child watch. Parental/Guardian supervision of the children must resume immediately after a scheduled program concludes.


Photo Notices

The YMCA MS Gulf Coast, Blossman Branch occasionally photographs and/or videotapes our members and program participants in various activities. Some of these pictures are used in YMCA marketing and/or fund-raising materials. If you DO NOT want your photo used by the YMCA, please step out of the shot or notify the photographer before the picture/video is taken.