Memphis News: Free Volleyball Clinics, Nonviolence Camp, and ShowerUp Bring Hope to Memphis
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
By Dr. Layne McDonald, Founder of Memphis News with a Purpose
Memphis is experiencing a transformative wave of grassroots hope as local leaders launch free volleyball clinics for youth, nonviolence camps for children, and mobile shower services that have already served over 1,000 unhoused residents this year.
These initiatives are tackling the city’s most pressing challenges, from economic inequality in youth sports to the cycle of violence and the loss of human dignity on our streets. By providing practical skills, peaceful conflict resolution, and essential hygiene, these community partners are acting as peacemakers in the midst of Memphis’s modern storms.
Faith & Community: Strengthening the Bluff City
In this "Community Pulse" edition, we are looking at three powerful ways the hands and feet of Jesus are moving in Memphis. This isn't just about athletics, education, or hygiene; it’s a lesson in how stewardship and compassion can change the atmosphere of a city.
Story 1: Bridging the Gap on the Volleyball Court
The Memphis Magic Volleyball Institute is offering eight free clinics this summer, running through July 27, 2026, to ensure that every girl in Memphis has the opportunity to play, regardless of her family's bank account.
Founded by Anthony and Julia Sain, the nonprofit aims to bridge a massive financial divide. Competitive volleyball can cost families between $3,000 and $10,000 annually per child, a price tag that often excludes talented girls in our urban core. Anthony Sain, a prominent voice in the Memphis sports scene, transitioned his passion from the broadcast booth to the court to serve the city’s youth.
The clinics are hosted at Lester, Hickory Hill, and Ed Rice Community Centers in partnership with Memphis Parks. For parents like Paris Leake, the impact is visible. “She had a great time, and I could tell... how her confidence is starting to build up,” Leake shared after her daughter Zoey joined the program.
Christian Takeaway
In 1 Peter 4:10, we are told, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." The Sains are modeling this stewardship. They saw a gap where children were being left behind and used their expertise to build a bridge. In a city where wealth gaps can feel like canyons, sharing our "magic", our talents and resources, is a profound act of neighborly love.
Peacemaker’s Perspective
Peacemaking often looks like leveling the playing field. When we provide opportunities for youth to build confidence and discipline, we are proactively steering them away from the frustrations that often lead to conflict. Sports teach us how to win with grace and lose with dignity, which are essential tools for a peaceful community.
Story 2: "A Walk Into Nonviolence" at the Lawson Children’s Camp
As Memphis faces ongoing challenges with youth violence, the United Methodist Neighborhood Centers of Memphis are taking a proactive stand by teaching children as young as five how to resolve conflict without lifting a hand in anger.
The first annual Lawson Children’s Camp, titled "A Walk Into Nonviolence," is scheduled for July 13–16 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. The camp is named after Rev. James Lawson Jr., the civil rights legend who Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the "foremost strategist of nonviolence in America."
Lead teacher Dolores Rivers emphasizes that the camp isn't about being passive. "Being nonviolent doesn’t mean being weak," Rivers said. "It just means that you are learning how to resolve conflicts." By instilling these values in children ages 5–12, organizers hope to plant seeds of peace that will grow for generations.
How to Pray/Engage
Pray: Ask God to protect the minds and hearts of Memphis youth. Pray that the lessons learned at the Lawson Camp would take deep root and influence their schools and neighborhoods.
Engage: Visit twkumc.org to see how your church or organization can support future peacemaking initiatives.
Christian Takeaway
Jesus’s sermon on the mount wasn't just a list of nice ideas; it was a tactical manual for living. When He said, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9), He was calling us to an active discipline. Teaching a child to walk away from a fight or to speak with kindness in the face of an insult is the Gospel in shoe leather.
Story 3: ShowerUp Memphis Restores Dignity to the Unhoused
In a year where federal funding cuts have strained Memphis shelters to their breaking point, a mobile ministry called ShowerUp is providing more than just soap and water: it’s providing hope.
ShowerUp Memphis has delivered over 1,000 showers so far in 2026. Their portable three-stall unit offers guests unlimited shower time, clean towels, and a full hygiene kit. In the sweltering Memphis heat, these showers are a lifeline. With the Hospitality Hub currently operating at over 200% capacity, the need for these mobile services has never been greater.
The ministry operates on a simple premise: Everyone matters to God. A clean shower can be the catalyst that helps an individual feel human again, providing the confidence needed to seek employment or enter a restoration program.
Peacemaker’s Perspective
Violence often breeds in places of desperation and perceived worthlessness. By restoring a person's dignity, ShowerUp is actually performing an act of peacemaking. When we treat the unhoused with the respect they deserve as image-bearers of God, we lower the "temperature" of the streets and bring a sense of divine calm to the storm of homelessness.
Christian Takeaway
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." A shower is a basic human need, but in the hands of a believer, it becomes a sacrament of service. We aren't just washing away dirt; we are reflecting the cleansing love of Christ.
Moving Forward as One Memphis
Whether it's on a volleyball court, in a church classroom, or at a mobile shower trailer, the people of Memphis are proving that our city’s story is not defined by its struggles, but by its response to them. These three stories remind us that we all have a part to play in the restoration of our community.
If you are looking for more ways to grow in your faith or lead your family through these times, check out our guide on how to lead your family spiritually without feeling like a preacher or discover 25 creative morning prayer ideas to refresh your daily walk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I register my daughter for the free volleyball clinics? Registration is handled through the Memphis Parks RecDesk system or via the Memphis Magic Volleyball Institute website at memphismagicvbi.org. Clinics are free for girls ages 8–18 and run through July 27, 2026.
Where is the Lawson Children’s Camp located? The camp is held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Memphis. It is a free program for children ages 5–12 focusing on nonviolence and conflict resolution.
How can I volunteer with ShowerUp Memphis? ShowerUp welcomes volunteers to help manage the shower units and distribute hygiene kits. You can find more information and sign up for shifts on their official website.
Are there costs involved for these programs? All three programs featured: the Memphis Magic Volleyball clinics, the Lawson Children’s Camp, and the ShowerUp mobile services: are offered free of charge to the community.
Call to Action: Which of these stories inspires you to take action today? Whether it's volunteering a Saturday morning or donating to a local ministry, your contribution matters. Join us in being a peacemaker in Memphis: visit www.laynemcdonald.com/news-memphis to find more ways to get involved and stay informed.
Comments