YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

MONDAY MORNING JOE: Being a Good Neighbor

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR: JULY 25 Love, kindness, mercy, and justice. Break down the barriers of being a good neighbor with Joe Kendrick, Executive Director of Christian Mission, this Monday Morning as he walks us through the importance of being a good neighbor.  https://vimeo.com/733309173 4 WAYS TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR Like a good neighbor… […]

Staying Safe & Cool in Soaring Temps

With temperatures soaring to new heights, it’s more important than ever to keep our littlest participants safe and cool while their home runs soar to new heights. At the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, safety is our first priority, so games are cancelled when it gets too cold or too warm, over 105-degrees or below […]

MONDAY MORNING JOE: There is Hope in Monday

THERE IS HOPE IN MONDAYS: July 18 Joe doesn’t actually drink coffee plus what does Lord of the Ring’s Gandalf and Little Orphan Annie agree on? Listen to Joe as he guides you through making the most of your Monday and your meaning as an employee at the Y. https://vimeo.com/731044079 WAYS TO MAKE EVERY MONDAY […]

MONDAY MORNING JOE: A Quick Introduction

THE VERY FIRST EDITION: July 11 https://vimeo.com/728871377 Hi, I’m Joe Kendrick and I am the new Executive Director of Christian Mission. I’m not a mind reader but I do know what you’re thinking. What does that mean, exactly? It means quite a few things but most of all, it means I am here to support you. […]

Hungry for Summer Vacation or Just Hungry?

When you think of summer vacation, you may think of swimming pools, popsicles, and fun evening barbecues. After all, our kids are excited to be out of school and partaking in the worry-free summer fun, right? Unfortunately for many kids in our state, that just isn’t the case. Instead of being filled with energy and […]

LGBTQ+ Identity, Child Development and How We Move Forward

LGBTQ+ IDENTITY THROUGH THE LENS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT Anytime legislation is being discussed in the news and the impacted group doesn’t have a voice, it gives me some pause. The groups that seem to be removed from tough conversations around LGBTQ+ youth are probably the ones that matter most, such as Child Development professionals, education […]

Father’s Day: More Than an Excuse to Buy a Tie

Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon over 100 years ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd wondered why there was no similar holiday for fathers. One of six children, Dodd’s father was a single father and she felt he and others deserved to be honored. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to […]

How to Be Welcoming and Affirming In Your Community

It’s increasingly important that more and more spaces are places where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel accepted, seen, and loved. Many people want to provide that safe space, but they aren’t quite sure how to go about it. Today, I want to share some tips on how to be a welcoming and affirming individual. TIPS FOR […]

Ways to Get Outdoors at the Y and Beyond

Summertime means families are spending more time together, both indoors and outdoors. With warmer temperatures and longer days, there’s more opportunity to enjoy the world around us, and we’ve compiled a list of ways to get outdoors at the Y and beyond. Join the Y’s Walking and Running ClubThe YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has […]

The Importance of Welcoming and Affirming Spaces

Written by Shade Jalo Last year, I wrote about what it means to be a gay young man working for the YMCA. I discussed how it had grown to become a home and family for me. It was easy to discuss something of that nature, but I think this year’s post might be a little […]