From staff reports The Armed Services YMCA “is no longer a brick-and-mortar nonprofit serving southwest Oklahoma,” Program Manager Louisa Hazel announced. “We no longer have physical offices at Lawton or Altus and are transitioning our programs and services” to the Lawton Family YMCA.
“It has been our honor to support thousands of service members and their families stationed at Fort Sill Army Post and at Altus Air Force Base,” Hazel announced.
“As a longtime United Way of Southwest Oklahoma partner agency, their voice around our partner council table will be missed. However, the United Way remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting military families and is excited to collaborate with the Lawton Family YMCA to ensure that these essential services continue and expand.”
Armed Services YMCA Oklahoma closed its physical offices in Lawton and Altus on Dec. 1. The transition to the Lawton Family YMCA “ensures that vital support remains available to military members and their families, focusing on child development, family bonding, and overall well-being,” Hazel said.
The Lawton Family YMCA is now taking the lead in serving the unique needs of military families by offering a variety of programs and services, including early education opportunities, family bonding activities, and health and wellness initiatives.
One notable program is Operation Little Learners, an interactive education initiative allowing new parents and their pre-K children to learn and grow together. This program, along with others, will continue under the management of the Lawton Family YMCA, ensuring military families have access to critical resources.
The Lawton Family YMCA also offers membership discounts for active and retired military personnel, further reinforcing its commitment to making these services accessible to those who serve our country.
This collaboration between the United Way of Southwest Oklahoma and the Lawton Family YMCA represents a unified effort to support military families in new and meaningful ways. By consolidating resources and programs, these organizations aim to create a robust support system that addresses the evolving needs of the military community.
For more information about the programs and services available to military families, visit the Lawton Family YMCA’s website at www.lawtonfamilyymca. org or contact them directly at (580) 3559622.
The Lawton Family YMCA offers a wide range of programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.