The Atmore Area YMCA, ended its community services, closing its doors for the final time, without fanfare, at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018.
For the past twenty-three years the YMCA provided a myriad of activities for young and old and in an earlier time was the hub for many community activities.
The YMCA incorporated in June of 1995 commencing public service in the historically significant “old” Atmore high school building.
The following excerpt is from the Articles of Incorporation; “the YMCA’s purpose shall be to help persons develop Christian personalities and to aid in building a Christian society through the improvement of physical, mental, social, moral and educational conditions of persons who participate in YMCA programs and the community served by this Association.”
From 1995 until 2004, the YMCA resided in the “old” Atmore High School which served as a community center operated by the Atmore Lions Club. A significant change to business operations and costs occurred in 2004 when the Lions club sold the facility to the YMCA for the sum of $10.00.
With ownership, came the fiscal burden of the building’s occupancy and ground’s maintenance expenses. This cost was in addition to operating expenses required to support the myriad of youth, adult programs, and assorted community services.
Since the YMCA assumed ownership of the building, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, many local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals have contributed large sums of money to upgrade the facility and to support daily operational costs.
The monies were dispensed on new flooring throughout the facility, lots of fresh paint, new windows, and a new roof for all sloped surfaces; however, many facility requirements were unmet and remained unfunded.
In June of 2014, the intent to close was made public because of large recurring expenses and a small recurring revenue stream. Our wonderful community stepped up and took proactive measures to keep the YMCA open, allowing the YMCA to continue providing services for our community.
Without sustained community financial support, we would not have operated another four plus years.
Beginning in September of 2017, membership began to decline and has continued this negative trend for eleven of the past fourteen months.
From January to September of 2018, membership revenue declined by more than $17,000 dollars compared to the same period in 2017.
Further, our program revenue declined by approximately $29,000 during the same period compared to 2017. The overwhelming fiscal challenges have taken the final toll and led to the end of an era that started in June of 1995.
The YMCA thanks the public, our community for its support and sincerely appreciates everything everyone has done to help continue our mission. It is with great sadness to say the YMCA in Atmore has become a part of community history.
