For A Better Us

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.

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Penny’s journey with the Y has been about more than a career. It’s been about purpose.

At the YMCA, we celebrate YCONs (“Y Icons”)—the everyday champions who define who we are.
A YCON lives the mission every day.
Shows up for others without hesitation.
Leaves this place—and every person they meet—better than they found them.
By every measure, Penny Zuber is a YCON.

As a young immigrant from the Philippines, the Y gave her a place to belong, but over the years she has given back so much more than that.
Through decades of steadfast leadership, she has invested in people, strengthened our community, and helped shape the Y we know today.

Our relationships are more meaningful because of the opportunities she’s helped create.
Our communities are better supported because of the resources she has helped provide.
Our Y is stronger because of her tireless dedication to advancing our mission.

Penny, you haven’t just been part of the Y’s story. You’ve helped shape it.

Thank You, Penny.
Thank you for decades of leading with heart.
Thank you for believing in the mission of the Y and the people who bring it to life.
Thank you for the countless ways you’ve invested in this organization, this community, and the people who call the Y home.
Because of you, the impact of the First Coast YMCA is stronger, deeper, and lasting. And because of you, there is no place like this place.

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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Some people spend a career working.
Others spend a lifetime making a difference.
For 45 years, Eric Mann has done exactly that at the Y.
And today—on his birthday, his YMCA anniversary, and his final day as CEO of the First Coast YMCA—we don’t just mark the end of a chapter.
We celebrate a lifetime of impact.

At the YMCA, we celebrate YCONs (“Y Icons”)—the everyday champions who define who we are.
A YCON lives the mission every day.
Shows up for others without hesitation.
Leaves this place—and every person they meet—better than they found them.
By every measure, Eric Mann is a YCON.

When Eric joined the Y in 1981, he didn’t just take a job—he embraced a calling.
From his earliest days working with youth, he understood that the Y isn’t just a place—it’s where potential is discovered, nurtured, and strengthened.
Forty-five years of impact can’t truly be measured—but it can be deeply felt.
In the kids he encouraged and believed in—whose confidence grew because he showed up.
In the steady guidance he provided when it mattered most.
In his unwavering commitment to doing what’s right—even when it wasn’t easy.
Eric didn’t just lead an organization—he shaped its heart.
A culture where people come first, where connection matters, and where the Y is more than a place—it’s a community.

There’s something extraordinary about this day.
A birthday.
An anniversary.
A closing chapter.
All converging into a moment that reflects not just years of service—but lives changed.
And while Eric may be stepping away from his role, his impact will remain—in every warm welcome at the front desk, every child inspired through our programs, and every life transformed by the Y.

Thank You, Eric
Thank you for 45 years of leading with heart.
Thank you for believing so deeply in the mission of the Y.
Thank you for giving so much of yourself to this place and to this community.
Because of you, there truly is no place like this place.

Read Eric’s YMCA Journey View Photos

Kathy Cannon’s story is one of many at the Y—but it’s exactly what makes the Y different.

She started working at the Y in 1996 in youth development. What began as a first job quickly became something more: a place to grow, to lead, and to transform lives.

Today, Kathy serves as Vice President of Membership and Experience—helping shape how every person feels when they walk through our doors.

Because at the Y, it’s not just about working out or playing sports or going for a swim.

It’s about people.
It’s about connection.
It’s about belonging.

For Kathy, the Y isn’t just where she works—it’s where life happens.
It’s where friendships became family.
It’s where her own family grew.

And for 30 years, she’s helped create that same sense of belonging for others.
Her impact is felt in thousands of everyday moments—
a warm welcome,
a meaningful connection,
a member who feels seen.

That’s the power of our cause.

And that’s why, after 30 years, Kathy’s story still reflects what makes the Y so special:
There truly is no place like this place.

And there’s truly no one like Kathy Cannon.

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.

Celebrating 175 Years of Community

No Place Like This Place
By Eric Mann, President & CEO, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast

Imagine a world without the YMCA. No basketball. No summer camps. No safe spaces where kids feel seen and supported. No welcoming place where neighbors become friends. For 175 years, the Y has been that place—a constant in a changing world. There is truly no place like this place.

In 2026, we celebrate an incredible milestone: 175 years of the YMCA in America. Here on the First Coast, we’re proud to join YMCAs across the country in honoring nearly two centuries of service, innovation, and community impact.

From its beginnings in London during the Industrial Revolution, the YMCA grew into a nationwide movement rooted in connection and belonging. Along the way, the Y introduced basketball and Father’s Day, pioneered ESL classes, and taught generations to swim. But the true legacy of the Y isn’t found in milestones alone—it’s found in people.

It was built by neighbors, volunteers, mentors, and families who believed everyone deserves a place to belong. Every workout, every summer camp, every friendship formed at the Y is part of that story. A story that proves there is no place like the Y.

To bring that history to life, we’ve created an interactive 175-year timeline highlighting defining moments from across the country. Explore how the Y has grown and adapted to serve more than 10,000 communities nationwide. From the first gym class to today’s innovative wellness programs, each moment tells the story of a place where communities grow stronger together.

Here on the First Coast, that mission has been alive since 1908. Today, we serve more than 125,000 people each year, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a nonprofit, we never turn anyone away because of an inability to pay—subsidizing nearly 25% of our members and participants so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As we look ahead to 2026, YMCAs across the country will mark this milestone with special events and celebrations honoring the people and moments that shaped our story. We invite you to be part of it. Join us. Volunteer with us. Support us.

Because after 175 years, one thing remains true:
There is no place like this place—and no community like the one we build together.

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.