‘Just the beginning’: YMCA of Coastal Carolina expands to serve growing Grand Strand communities

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — In response to the rapid growth across the Grand Strand, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina is expanding its services to Conway and The Market Common in hopes of reaching more families and making a larger impact in the community.

“We’re in the process of catching up a little bit. We’re in the process of adding more services because the needs are already there. We’re not waiting on the people, as sometimes that happens. They’re already here.” YMCA of Coastal Carolina CEO David Byrd said. “So, the timing of this to put the mission in action to inspire there’s hope and possibility that everybody we can serve.”

With $500,000 in state funding and a partnership with Horry-Georgetown Technical College, the YMCA will be able to offer a wider range of programs and services. The college will provide temporary office space while the YMCA works on establishing a permanent presence in these areas.

“Many YMCAs are birthed on college campuses, so the relationship with Horry-Georgetown Tech and Coastal Carolina University is a really good match for our vision priorities, which include college and career readiness, and workforce development,” Byrd said. “Because those two areas are growing dramatically, it’s ready-made for YMCA programs and services.”

This collaboration will also introduce new workforce development and health initiatives to Horry County. The expanded services will focus on critical areas such as career readiness, community health and safety programs.

“We hope to have six to eight focused priorities in each of those areas. We have five of those, they revolve around community health, they revolve around the whole area of college and career readiness, zero to five first grade readiness, community health, like the Parkinson’s program, the diabetes programs and then safety around water, accidental drowning,” Byrd said.

The YMCA plans to hold community events over the next 90 days to raise awareness and gather feedback from residents in Conway and The Market Common.

The events will help the YMCA tailor its services to the specific needs of these rapidly expanding communities.

The impact of the YMCA’s programs is already evident in the lives of its members. Lynette, a YMCA of Coastal Carolina member, shared how the organization has supported her through her Parkinson’s diagnosis.

“It’s made a tremendous difference. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago. I come here every day. It’s like a family. It’s warm and fuzzy, and makes me feel loved,” she said. “I keep coming here because the program’s keep changing and developing, and they get new ones, they change it around, depending on what works for the clients, the members, they change things, and it’s just — they care about us.”

Dan Cooley, another member, emphasized the health benefits and social connections fostered by the YMCA.

“The camaraderie is great. Make a lot of friends and when the instructor allows it, we do some talking,” Cooley said. “It helps me think that I’m accomplishing things by getting my sugar levels down. I feel better being active again.”

With the support of community partners, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina hopes to continue expanding its mission to serve the growing Grand Strand region for years to come.

“It’s going to be significant. And this is really just the beginning,” Byrd said.

Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here .

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