VIRGIL’S STORY

For over 60 years, the Frank P. Phillips YMCA offered affordable rooms for rent to men who were in transition or needed a temporary place to stay.  The YMCA was a place for these men to “get their feet on the ground”, find a place to belong and begin working toward their life goals. 

 

Take the story of Virgil Clyde Kimbrell.  Virgil grew up in the Palmer Home and moved into a room at the Y in 1970, after a year of junior college.  For $25.00 a month he received a wash rag, towel, a bar of soap, and even maid service. “I had full use of the Y and even had my own key to the sixth street side door”, said Virgil.  Virgil went on to work at WCBI TV, join the Naval Reserve, and was employed by C&G Railroad and Weyerhaeuser before retirement in 2005.

 

The YMCA helps many others, like Virgil, by offering classes and programs that focus on spirit, mind and body.   Though we no longer rent rooms, you can still find a place of belonging at the Y.