Our Response to Coronavirus

Phase IV of Welcome Back Guidelines effective Saturday, April 10, 2021

Phase III of Welcome Back Guidelines effective Monday, August 3, 2020

Phase II of Welcome Back Guidelines UPDATED July 15, 2020

Welcome Back Guidelines starting May 18, 2020

Members will be required to sign a waiver when returning to the YMCA. Please download, print and sign waiver to bring with you.
 

March 27, 2020

To our Y family:

Since 1945, the YMCA of Calhoun County has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. And today, we are going through unprecedented challenges. Though our doors may be temporarily closed, we are still working to meet the needs of our friends and neighbors in these uncertain times. That's why we're asking our members and the community at large to stay with us.

The Y has a long history of supporting our contry during times of hardship. In fact, during World War II the YMCA, along with five national voluntary organizations, founded the United Service Organizations for National Defense, today known as the USO. We were there then, we are here now, and with your commitment, we can be here in the future.

Each year, the YMCA of Calhoun County reaches over 5700 people across our community through programs that help everyone reach their full potential, including after school care, CPR and lifeguard training, nutrition courses, summer day camp, swim lessons, and much more. Since the COVID-19 situation arose, the Y shifted its focus and responded quickly as the needs of our community changed.

Based on the most recent order from Gov. Ivey's office, YMCA of Calhoun County is extending its closure to the public until at least Friday, April 17th. We have converted our Downtown Anniston YMCA facilities to an Emergency Childcare Program for ages 5-13, providing childcare for first responders, healthcare workers and essential personnel. These heroes are on the front lines and have enough to worry about- a safe place for  their children to continue to learn, play and grow shouldn't be one of them.

This work is essential to our community, and the Y is in a unique position to provide these services. But we cannot continue this critical mission without support. If you are a Y member and are able, please consider continuing your membership with us. With our doors closed, your membership dollars will now help us continue this important work as your monthly fees go toward our daily operations as an emergency childcare provider.

If you would prefer, you may convert your monthly membership fees to a donation toward our annual campaign. This would provide much needed funds for our scholarship program, allowing us to offer financial assistance to essential personnel for childcare at this critical time. And finally, if you are simply not financially able to support us at this time, you have the option to put your membership on a temporary hold until you can enjoy the Y again. For anyone who is not a Y member, please consider donating today to help support our efforts. You can do so by visiting ymcacalhoun.org/giving.

If you are an essential worker in need of childcare, or a member who would like to discuss your options, we are available to assist you by phone Monday through Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm at 256-238-9622. We are just as eager as everyone to reopen our doors, and when that time comes, we know it will be an exciting day, filled with celebration. Until then, we will continue to do the work that is needed to keep our children safe, our seniors connected and our community healthy. But we can't do it alone. Please. Stay with us.
 

March 18, 2020 Notice

At the YMCA of Calhoun County, we are focused on strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As we diligently monitor all national and local updates surrounding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, we realize that now more than ever, we must focus on social responsibility.

In order to best assure the safety of everyone in our community, we have decided to close our Downtown Anniston YMCA facilities to the public effective Friday, March 20 at 7:00pm. The Oxford YMCA Program Center will close Thursday, March 19 at Noon. We will be temporarily closed through at least Friday, April 3. At that time, we will reassess the situation, and commit to reopening as soon as the health and safety of our community can be assured.

To best support our community, we are shifting our resources to respond to the needs of those working on the front lines of the virus by offering childcare to medical staff from our local hospitals. These professionals are treating and caring for family members, relatives, and neighbors, including those who are elderly and sick. Without childcare, these vital healthcare workers will not be able to provide the care patients need in this critical time.
 
This decision means that we are no longer able to provide School’s Out Fun Days to our program members as scheduled the week of March 23-27. If you are currently enrolled in SOFD, or in any program scheduled during our temporary closure, please know your account will be credited toward future programs.
 
While we can’t open our doors to members and guests at this time, we’re still with you! We invite our YMCA members to take advantage of the MOSSA MOVE digital workouts FREE for 60 days. If you are interested in this offer, please email our Fitness Director at annangell@ymcacalhoun.org. Also, several YMCAs across the nation have teamed up to create YMCA 360 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as we practice social distancing. Visit their YouTube Channel at www.ymca360.org for health & fitness videos. Content will continue to be added, including programs for kids and families.
 
Thank you to our dedicated members for your support and understanding during this difficult time. You know that being part of the Y community goes beyond fitness, and in times like these, your membership allows us to meet the needs of our extended community. It’s because of you that we are able to provide this much needed assistance to our healthcare providers. As a non-profit organization, the Y continues to be actively involved in our community, and your financial support is essential. Thank you for doing your part during these overwhelming circumstances!