For A Better Us

Over the past four months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people across the First Coast who care deeply about their families, their neighbors, and our community’s future. Those conversations have made me feel at home—and reminded me why I’ve spent nearly 40 years in the YMCA movement.

The strongest Ys are built on relationships. A child discovering confidence because someone believed in them. A member finding encouragement on a difficult day. A volunteer giving back. A staff member who knows your name and makes you feel you belong.

Our October theme, Stronger Families Start Here, reflects what those relationships make possible. During National Work and Family Month, we’re celebrating the ways the Y supports families: opportunities for children to learn, support for parents and caregivers, and a place for everyone to belong.

I see that commitment in the stories below. Each offers a different picture of what it means to be there for one another.

They Serve. Their Families Serve, Too.

When Ashley’s husband deployed overseas, she was balancing work, parenting, and the daily demands of keeping her family moving forward. At the Y, she found encouragement and time to care for herself. Her children found friends, activities, and a favorite place to make memories: Camp Immokalee.

“The first thing we did when arriving at our new duty station was join the closest Y,” said Ashley. “The Y quickly became our family. A place where our children grew up, learned to play sports, explored camps and gained independence while teaching them so many life skills. The Y has always created a safe supportive space for fellow families throughout deployments and beyond.”

Ashley’s story reminds us that military service touches the whole family. Nearly 200,000 active-duty military personnel and veterans call Northeast Florida home. As an Armed Services YMCA affiliate, the First Coast YMCA serves 10,000 military-connected individuals each year, supporting those who serve, those who have served, and the families beside them.

With Military Family Month and Veterans Day approaching in November, I hope you’ll help us reach another family like Ashley’s. Sometimes, a simple introduction to the Y can open the door to much-needed support.

School’s Out. Opportunity Stays Open.

For many parents, summer brings a difficult question: How do we keep our children learning, active, and cared for when school is out?

Nearly 40% of households in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties struggle to afford basic necessities. For those families, the cost of summer programs can put meaningful opportunities out of reach.

At the Y, we want every child to experience the friendships, discovery, and fun of camp while building skills that last beyond the summer.

This summer, that commitment came to life through:

• More than 4,880 campers participating in our day and overnight camps.
• Nearly 1.6 million reading minutes that helped keep learning part of campers’ routines.
• More than 400 children receiving swim lessons each week during camp.
• More than 175,000 healthy meals served to children and families.

Behind those numbers are children discovering a favorite book, growing more confident in the water, and making a new friend. There are also parents who can go to work knowing their children are cared for.

To every staff member, volunteer, donor, and partner who made these experiences possible: thank you. You helped families meet everyday needs and gave children more opportunities to learn and grow.

A Lifetime of Leadership. A Lasting Legacy.

Many of you know Bob Dye’s name from the Dye Clay Family YMCA in Orange Park. This September, we had another reason to celebrate the person behind that name: his induction into the YMCA of the Southeast Hall of Fame.

The honor recognizes Bob’s leadership and lasting contributions to the YMCA movement. The tribute shared at the ceremony brought that legacy to life through cherished memories for Bob and his family and the relationships at the heart of his work.

After so many years in the Y, I know how much those relationships matter. The influence of a caring leader carries forward through the people they encourage and the communities they help strengthen.

Bob, thank you for the years, heart, and care you’ve given to the Y. Your legacy lives on in the people you’ve supported and in the generations still walking through our doors.

If Bob has been part of your Y journey, I hope you’ll take a moment to share a favorite memory or a personal note of thanks.

🎥 WATCH: Celebrate Bob Dye’s YMCA legacy.

A Community That Gives. A Mission That Lasts.

You may have first come to the Y for a workout, swim lessons, or activities for your children. Along the way, you became part of a charity rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong.

At the heart of that mission is a promise: no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.

Keeping that promise takes a community. Membership and program fees support our daily operations. Charitable gifts help provide financial assistance and sustain programs for neighbors who need them. Volunteers give their time and care, and partners help us reach more people.

That generosity runs through every story here: a military family finding support, a camper discovering confidence, a leader dedicating his life to service. One person’s care creates opportunities that reach far beyond that first act of kindness. That is the ripple effect of the Y.

I’m optimistic about our future. The Y is needed more than ever, and I’m encouraged by the momentum we’re building to strengthen families and support our neighbors.

Through The HEADline, I’ll continue sharing stories of this work and the people who make it possible. When you see me at your branch, please say hello. I’d love to hear what the Y means to you.

Thank you for welcoming me and for the many ways you support our YMCA. I’m grateful to be part of this community as we move forward together.

Help keep opportunity open to all. Start a Ripple.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and runs through October 15, giving us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate members of our communities and their ancestors who hail from Mexico, parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America and Spain. At the First Coast YMCA, we believe these roots strengthen our entire community while inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.

Rather than starting at the beginning of September, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place over 30 days starting on the 15th, a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Most of the Hispanic and Latino communities recognize September 15 as the date of their independence; however, Mexico’s independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.

Honoring Our Roots

Hispanic Heritage Month traces its history to 1968 when it was just a week-long observance. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill designating the week of September 15 as “National Hispanic Heritage Week.” It wasn’t until nearly 20 years later that Hispanic Heritage Week was lengthened to an entire month under President Ronald Reagan’s term.

From family recipes passed down for generations to music, art, and celebrations that bring people together, culture is what connects us. At the First Coast Y, members and families are sharing their traditions through shared stories, family recipes, and latin-inspired music in our group exercise classes.

Inspiring the Future

The Y is committed to supporting Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx youth and families with programs that build confidence, leadership, and lifelong wellness. Whether through afterschool enrichment, sports, mentoring, or health and wellness programs, the Y is here to ensure every child has the tools to thrive.

Connect with your family, have fun, and make memories at the Y. Find free/low-cost activities for you and your family at one of our Families Unplugged Events.

Find An Event

There’s No Place like ​the First Coast YMCA

Read on St. Johns Mag
July 6, 2026

If all you see when you drive past your local YMCA is a place to run on a treadmill, you’re missing out. If you think it’s only for older adults, you’d be mistaken. At all our St. Johns County locations and throughout the First Coast, the YMCA is a place for people of all ages to build community. We have programming that helps people live a healthy life through body, mind, and spirit, and we know that means something different for everyone. If you want to start doing life with people around you, your first step this summer should be to come to the First Coast YMCA.

That first step is something we see every day, especially as families are moving to St. Johns County by the droves. Many of them want to put down roots and find meaningful resources, and the First Coast YMCA has that. Obviously, summer is filled with activities for kids who are out of school, and the Y always has camps running at our branches. We have such a variety of camps and locations that chances are, there’s one nearby where you live. Camp isn’t just a place to drop your child off for a couple of hours – we really want to help them grow, and youth development is one of our key pillars that we focus on every day.

Beyond the summer camps, we have programming for the entire family, including activities that don’t involve any technology. We call it Families Unplugged, and it allows parents and their children to connect and participate in fun activities. We recently did a family paint night at our Brown Family YMCA, where both the kids and adults painted an otter. If you want to see some of the most adorable photos and paintings ever, just head to the Brown Family YMCA group on Facebook to check them out. So cute! We also offer a Parents’ Night Out, where we will watch your kids for a couple of hours while you get to relax or have a date night with your spouse. Both the Families Unplugged and Parents’ Night Out events are free for families that have a membership with the Y, as we’re constantly looking for ways to add value for our members.

We do know that membership at the YMCA isn’t free, and that many families are searching for ways to save money during uncertain economic times. That’s why we recently set up a new rate scale based on your income. If you go to our website – fcymca.org – and click on Join the Y, you can see what family membership options would look like based on your household income. There are additional financial benefits that families can enjoy, like free swim lessons through insurance. We never want finances to get in the way of people living a healthy life, and we’re always willing to discuss a flexible payment plan that works for you.

So here’s a plan if you’re looking to take the next step: if you have kids, consider signing them up for one of our summer day camps. While they’re there, head to your local YMCA branch and chat with our welcome staff. They’ll be happy to give you a tour and show you all the resources that the Y has to offer. Hopefully, that’ll be the beginning of you finding a new family at the First Coast YMCA, as there really is no place like this place.

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As the YMCA celebrates its 175th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the moments, people, and places that connect our history to our future.

Those people—the ones that shape lives and strengthen communities—are what we call YCONS. On Sunday, March 29, we honored one of them at Camp Immokalee.

Introducing Mo’s Landing

Mo’s Landing is now the official name of one of our most beloved spots at camp. The new waterfront experience is dedicated to Maureen “Mo” Eaton in recognition of 40 years of servant leadership, courage, and her unwavering belief that every kid deserves a place to belong.

Mo’s impact is a living example of a YCON in action. For four decades, she has been a steady presence—building relationships, mentoring staff, and creating spaces where young people feel safe to grow into who they’re meant to be. Mo doesn’t just support the mission of the Y; she embodies it, day after day.

We unveiled Mo’s new sign, celebrated the newly named dock and lake toys, and shared reflections that underscored what makes this place—and this community—so powerful. It wasn’t just a celebration of one person. It was a reminder that the Y’s impact is built through relationships, dedication, and the moments that connect us to one another.

Carrying Mo’s Legacy—and the Y—Forward

As we honor 175 years of the YMCA, we’re not just looking back—we’re investing forward. To celebrate Mo’s incredible 40 years with the Y, we’re inviting her community to participate in this moment of connection by contributing $40—one dollar for every year she’s shown up for campers, staff, and our mission. For those feeling especially inspired, a gift of $400 multiplies the impact, helping ensure Mo’s legacy continues to shape camp experiences for generations to come.

Donate Now

As we celebrate the YMCA’s 175th year in America, we are reminded that there is truly no place like this place—a place where community becomes commitment, and commitment becomes lasting change.

Our YCons campaign lifts up these stories, honoring the people who embody what makes the Y unlike anywhere else.

One of those people is Mrs. Janice Tucker, recently recognized by Take Stock in Children—run locally by the YMCA in Clay County—as the statewide 2026 Mentor of the Year. For 25 years, Mrs. Tucker has shown the power of consistency, compassion, and presence. She has walked alongside students through school, life choices, and the dreams they dared to chase.

Her influence reaches far beyond graduation. Former mentee Tia Paul, now Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Alachua County, stands as living proof of what happens when a caring adult believes in a young person—and never stops.

Mrs. Tucker’s story captures the heart of the Y’s 175‑year legacy:
People helping people rise. Communities shaping futures. Mentors creating pathways that last a lifetime.

Because when someone shows up, believes, and stays?
Transformation happens. Futures change. Hope takes root.

That is why there is no place like this place – yesterday, today, and for generations to come.

Help support our Y programs. Give today.

By: Necoia Shavers, Military Outreach Coordinator – First Coast YMCA and U.S. Army Veteran

For nearly 120 years, the First Coast YMCA’s Camp Immokalee in Keystone Heights has been a retreat for people of all ages in Northeast Florida. Its scenic setting on the banks of Lake Brooklyn is the perfect backdrop to forget about the stresses of daily life and connect with your fellow campers. Recently, a group of veterans came together for a weekend retreat, one that helped facilitate a sense of camaraderie that is so important to anyone who has ever put on a military uniform.

Among the activities the group participated in were ziplining, kayaking, archery, shooting BB guns, and socializing by the campfire. As the weekend progressed, you could see connections being made and friendships being formed. If anyone was on their phone, it was to take a picture or to capture someone’s contact information. It was an authentic fellowship between veterans who were, in some cases, 40 years apart from each other. But that didn’t matter – there’s a special bond between veterans that’s different from civilians.

A unique moment of the weekend was a presentation by a representative from the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone in Jacksonville. The Cohen Clinic is one of the best resources we have here in Northeast Florida, as they’ve helped countless veterans with a variety of high-quality mental healthcare services. The group at camp appreciated what was being shared, as some of them had already participated in the programs at the clinic.

That presentation is a perfect case study of the importance of providing resources to veterans and active-duty service members. When you’re in the military, you’re trained to push through difficult times, but we all know that sometimes you need assistance. That’s why the First Coast YMCA offers dedicated resources to active-duty military and veterans – like the retreat – so they can live a healthy life. The transition out of the military can be difficult, and the more we can provide services to help those men and women integrate back into the civilian world, the stronger our community becomes. We’re fortunate to have such a strong network of organizations that are aligned with our efforts to do so here, and the veterans are truly appreciative, especially the older generation. When they returned home from conflicts like the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, there weren’t nearly as many programs to help them assimilate back into everyday life. But there are now, and we’re going to continue to expand our services to make sure nobody is left behind.

Chances are, you or someone you know served in the military, as we have the third-highest veteran population in the country here in Florida. If that’s you, thank you for your service. If that’s someone that you know, please thank them for sacrificing their time and effort to ensure we have the freedoms that we enjoy today. For all veterans, service members, and their families, please get connected with us at the First Coast YMCA. We have dedicated programs and services for you, many of which are free or at low cost. We have people on staff like myself who know the challenges active-duty and veterans face, and we’re here to help you and your family navigate through those. For more information on all of our programs or services, please visit our military outreach webpage or stop by your local branch today.

Learn More About Military Outreach

The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) and the First Coast YMCA are proud to continue their partnership in the “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in Our Community” initiative—a powerful effort to foster connection, awareness, and inclusion across Northeast Florida.

United in a vision to rid our community of hatred and bias, Together Against Hate provides space for honest conversations, learning opportunities, and collective action. This ongoing series of events encourages neighbors from all walks of life to come together, share perspectives, and work toward a safer and more welcoming community for everyone.

What to Expect

Through thought-provoking discussions and educational gatherings, Together Against Hate will highlight issues that matter deeply to our community, including youth mental health, Jew-hatred, human trafficking, among others.

Each program is designed to deepen understanding while inspiring action, ensuring that our community remains a place where differences are not only respected but celebrated.

Racing Against Hate 5K Run/Walk

In addition to the speaker series, Together Against Hate will once again host the Racing Against Hate 5K Run/Walk. This event serves as a visual and physical reminder of unity, where participants of all backgrounds lace up their sneakers to stand together against intolerance.

Mark Your Calendars

We invite you to explore our Together Against Hate speaker schedule and join us in these important conversations. Every event is an opportunity to listen, learn, and take steps toward lasting unity in Northeast Florida.

Let’s move forward together against hate—because a stronger, kinder, and more inclusive community begins with all of us.

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, the First Coast YMCA is thrilled to announce the launch of our Summer of Service campaign! This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for individuals of all ages to make a meaningful impact in their communities while experiencing personal growth and development.

Why Join the Summer of Service?

🌟 Connect and Collaborate
The Summer of Service is not just about volunteering; it’s about building connections. Whether you’re a teen looking to forge lifelong friendships or an adult eager to network with community-minded peers, this campaign offers a platform to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for change.

🌍 Give Back to Your Community
This summer, channel your energy into making a tangible impact. From participating in local food drives to mentoring younger generations or assisting at community events, there’s a volunteer opportunity that suits your interests and strengths. Your contributions will help foster a healthier, more vibrant community for everyone.

📈 Enhance Your Skills
Volunteering with the YMCA isn’t just fulfilling; it’s also an excellent way to hone your personal and professional skills. Whether you’re a student looking to boost your college applications or an adult hoping to expand your skillset, participating in our Summer of Service will provide you with valuable experiences and insights.

💪 Turn Leisure into Legacy
Transform your free time this summer into a season of purpose and productivity. Each hour spent volunteering is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a cause greater than yourself.

Volunteer Opportunities for All Ages

The Summer of Service campaign is inclusive and designed for participants of all ages. Here are some of the ways you can get involved:

• Teens: Engage in projects that focus on environmental conservation, education, and health. You’ll gain leadership experience and make a difference while having fun.
• Adults: Share your expertise by mentoring youth or organizing community events. Your involvement will help shape future leaders and enhance community well-being.
• Families: Volunteer together and create lasting memories. Participate in family-friendly activities that teach kids the value of service and community engagement.

How to Get Involved

Opportunities fill up quickly, so don’t miss your chance to make a difference this summer. Whether you’re drawn to environmental initiatives, educational programs, or health and wellness projects, there’s a role for you in our Summer of Service. Look through our volunteer opportunities or contact your local YMCA branch for more information on how to sign up.

Join us in making this summer a time of meaning, growth, and impact. Together, we can create positive change and leave a lasting legacy. Let’s do some good—together.

View Volunteer Opportunities

First Coast YMCA Team Learns Valuable Lessons While Visiting South Africa Branches

As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility – a core focus of the YMCA – senior leaders from the First Coast YMCA, along with committed volunteers who serve as Johnson Family YMCA and Brooks Family YMCA advisory board members, recently traveled to South Africa to connect with YMCA branches in several cities. The First Coast YMCA belongs to the South Africa coalition, which was started by First Coast YMCA CEO and President Eric Mann in 2005 and includes more than a dozen YMCAs in the United States. The trip spanned more than 2,000 miles and was the latest example of First Coast YMCA representatives learning first-hand from their global counterparts about how to address societal issues by sharing collective experiences.

“Immersing myself in the vibrant history of South Africa, I was inspired by the forgiveness, empathy, and resilience that characterize its people,” said Ericia Moore, First Coast YMCA Vice President of Social Responsibility and Operations.

After landing in Johannesburg, the First Coast YMCA cohort was met at the airport by members of the Soweto YMCA branch, who brought the group back to their location. Among their facilities was a building where Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and human rights activist, trained as a boxer in his youth. Throughout the trip, the impact of apartheid, the racial segregation practices that existed in the country for much of the second half of the 20th century, were still very apparent, including among children.

“The legacy of apartheid has given the youth at each location a profound awareness of historical injustices,” said Moore. “They are vocal and proactive in their efforts to create better communities for the future.”

Connecting with children was a consistent theme throughout the trip. After a visit to the Pretoria YMCA roughly 90 kilometers away, the cohort travelled across the country to the YMCA Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth. It was there that the group participated in several events, none perhaps more impactful than The New Shoe Project, which provided new shoes to children at the branch.

“Seeing the joy in the children’s eyes while we helped them put new shoes on was a powerful reminder of how much we take for granted,” said Penny Zuber, First Coast YMCA Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “The shoes not only provided support and comfort, but also symbolized dignity and provided confidence to the children who would otherwise wear shoes with holes in them or skip school altogether. It was sobering and humbling.”

The moment impacted Moore as well.

“While the joy of providing shoes to the children filled my heart, I found myself mesmerized by their eyes,” recalled Moore. “Many of them were genuinely happy, yet it was evident that life posed significant challenges for these young ones. I learned that siblings often took turns attending school because they needed to share shoes. I left with a deep desire to ensure that every child at both schools had their own pair of shoes, eliminating the necessity for sharing.”

The cohort rounded out their nearly two-week-long trek at the Cape Town, Cape Flats, and Ravensmead YMCAs. It was clear that staff and volunteers at all locations were passionate about providing much-needed resources to the community, however they were able.

“There is so much we can learn from their resilience and resourcefulness,” said Zuber. “It can open our eyes to possibilities and appreciation for people who may look and live differently, but care just as much as we do in serving those in need.”

The trip also reinforced the First Coast YMCA’s commitment to learning and collaborating with fellow branches around the world to promote the timeless values the YMCA was founded on.

“We live in abundance and have the capacity – and obligation – to share resources like time, talent and treasure with YMCAs whose work is equally life-changing,” said Zuber.

“Maintaining global relationships is a vital part of our social responsibility. It encourages knowledge-sharing, strengthens local initiatives, and fosters a global mindset to address social issues and inequities,” said Moore, who added, “This trip has left a lasting impression on my heart, reminding me of the impact we can create when we listen, learn, and embrace the power of unity and resilience.”