Closing our doors and creating distance between the people we serve was previously unimaginable for an organization like ours, one that is committed to bringing people and communities closer together. Yet, six months ago due to COVID-19, this became our reality.
We are grateful our facilities are back open and we have been able to safely reactivate some of our key programs. However, the financial impact of the public health crisis continues with lower facility usage and program enrollment at our Ys across the First Coast.
With the approval of our Metropolitan Board of Directors, we are implementing a plan to ensure we can best serve our community now and into the future. This plan includes the following difficult, but necessary decisions:
- Close the YMCA at Flagler Center
- Reduce Branch Hours
- Reduce Workforce and Implement Pay Cuts
Our leadership team and board conducted an extensive review of the Y’s operations and finances in the hope of finding an alternative. We are truly heartbroken about these decisions and remain committed to connecting everyone affected with the opportunities and services needed.
Flagler Center Closing
The last day for classes and KidZone at the Flagler Center Y will be September 30, 2020. Members can select a new branch and keep their same rate for a year. There are five Ys within a 20-minute drive.
Reduced Branch Hours
The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast is reducing hours at locations across the First Coast due to lower facility usage from COVID-19.
Branch |
Effective |
Mon-Thu |
Fri |
Sat |
Sun |
| Baptist North | 10/1 | 5:00am-7:30pm | 5:00am-6:00pm | 7:00am-noon | Closed |
| Barco-Newton | Now | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-7:00pm | 7:00am-3:00pm | Closed |
| BOA Tower | 9/28 | 6:00am-2:00pm, 4:00pm-6:00pm | 6:00am-2:00pm, 4:00pm-5:00pm | Closed | Closed |
| Brooks | 10/1 | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-8:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm |
| Dye Clay | 10/1 | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-7:00pm | 8:00am-1:00pm | Closed |
| Flagler Health+ Village | 10/1 | 5:30am-7:30pm | 5:30am-7:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | Closed |
| Johnson | 10/1 | 5:30am-1:00pm | 5:30am-1:00pm | Closed | Closed |
| Johnson Teen Center | 10/1 | 2:00pm-6:30pm | 2:00pm-6:30pm | Closed | Closed |
| McArthur | Now | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-7:00pm | 7:00am-3:00pm | Noon-5:00pm |
| Nocatee | Opening | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-7:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | Closed |
| Ponte Vedra | Now | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-7:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | Closed |
| St. Augustine | Now | 5:30am-8:00pm | 5:30am-7:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | Closed |
| Wildlight | Opening | 5:30am-8:00pm | 5:30am-7:00pm | 7:00am-3:00pm | Closed |
| Williams | 10/1 | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-8:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | 8:00am-1:00pm |
| Winston | 9/28 | 5:00am-8:00pm | 5:00am-8:00pm | 7:00am-1:00pm | Noon-5:00pm |
Workforce Reduction and Pay Cuts
This plan also includes a workforce reduction across all First Coast YMCA locations and a pay cut for all full-time employees. We are grateful to the dedicated service of our employees and the passion they have for our cause of strengthening community and positively impacting the health and well-being of all people on the First Coast.
Thank You
While COVID-19 has challenged us in many ways, it has not stopped us from serving our community at a time where we are needed most. We are thankful for all of our sustaining members and generous donors. They are helping the Y continue to support the critical needs of others in our community, including:
- Supporting our health care workers and essential employees who needed emergency child care during the Spring and Summer
- Preventing senior isolation by keeping our older adult members virtually engaged and connected despite this period of social distancing
- Providing new ways to keep children and families safely connected through KidZone, Learning Labs, Sports, Camps and more
We remain committed to strengthening community and serving all. By supporting the Y, you help guarantee that everyone, regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay, can benefit from our values-centered programs. Our work will never stop and is only possible with support from our community.
