This Is Y

After 15 years as President and CEO of the First Coast YMCA, Eric Mann is entering retirement and in this episode, Eric looks back on his time leading the YMCA & look forward to what's next.

Every year, the First Coast YMCA puts on the First Coast Games, a fun sports competition between Jacksonville area companies. In this week's episode, we put a wrap on the latest season, with some of the long-term participants and sponsors, as well as a company who participated for the first time.

Session Description: A critical component of operations at the First Coast YMCA is the Board of Directors at each branch. Comprised of selfless community leaders, these boards provide crucial guidance in the direction of each branch and ensure each location is empowering their immediate community with the unique resources they need to thrive. On today’s episode are two of those leaders – Dan Fritz...

One of the signs of a healthy and growing community is when organizations come together to serve the common good. The First Coast YMCA and the Jacksonville Jaguars have had an established relationship for years, which was seen recently in the announcement of the Downtown YMCA at One Tower Court across from the Jaguars’ stadium. Joining this week’s episode of This is Y are Courtney Weatherby-Hunter...

One of the biggest issues our community is facing is the struggle with mental health. It impacts nearly every population, especially young people, and the First Coast YMCA is making sure it’s providing programs and services that meet people where they are, including in May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Connie Smith, Senior Director of Healthy Living at the First Coast YMCA, provides val...

In addition to its natural beauty and variety of fun activities and resources, Camp Immokalee in Keystone Heights provides the perfect setting for adults and kids to disconnect from modern technology like phones, tablets, and laptops, and reconnect with their inner child. This week’s episode dives into the benefits of unplugging from technology and includes valuable insights from Allison Krabill,...

Take Stock in Children is a program that disrupts the cycle of poverty and helps children find a path to attending college.

This episode explores the Day Camp program the First Coast YMCA provides during the summer for children, primarily from 5-12 years of age.

Nassau County is home to two branches of the First Coast YMCA and in this episode we talk about the unique features of those two branches as well as the programs and events they are involved in.

The First Coast YMCA has a number of programs for teenagers in order to support the positive cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth of teens to set them up for success in their careers. One of those programs is called, Leaders Club, and that is the focus of this podcast.

Aquatics at the First Coast YMCA isn't just about providing swim lessons. It's also about making sure all children have access to lessons. The First Coast YMCA also makes it a priority to teach children about general water safety as well. In addition, the FCYMCA provides swim instruction to adults so that the entire family can be safe in and around water.

The First Coast YMCA is making a concerted effort to provide a variety of populations the resources they need to live a healthy life, including women aged 45-60. Next month, the First Coast YMCA will be hosting two Women’s Wellness Days at the Williams Family YMCA and the Winston Family YMCA to help provide awareness to all of the programs and services that are available to women in that age group...

Serving hundreds of thousands of members and participants at more than two dozen branches and sites across five counties in Northeast Florida, the First Coast YMCA is a diverse ecosystem of opportunities and resources. It takes a considerable amount of staffing to provide that, and the First Coast YMCA is always looking for the next great addition to its team. On this week’s edition of This Is Y,...

To better serve the western neighborhood of St. Augustine, the First Coast YMCA, in partnership with several organizations, including the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corporation, recently opened the YMCA at West Augustine branch inside the Greg and Lydia White Wellness Center. The branch provides much-needed healthy living resources and impactful community programming as part o...

The First Coast YMCA is committed to helping people of all ages live healthy lives, including children. For parents who homeschool, the Y provides a Homeschool Physical Education program, where children can build connections with their peers and maintain consistent physical activity in a more flexible schedule while they are educated at home. Today’s episode features Connie Smith and Melinda Lewis...

In this episode, we discuss the legacy of female leadership at the First Coast YMCA and what it means to truly serve as a committed volunteer.

The First Coast YMCA and Jewish Community Alliance Racing Against Hate 5K Run/Walk is an annual event that brings the community together to celebrate the unique aspects of what makes Northeast Florida special. The event, which will be held Sunday, February 22nd and presented by Regency Centers, is the culmination of the third annual Together Against Hate, which featured community discussion events...

As part of its ongoing focus on youth development, the First Coast YMCA is educating the leaders of tomorrow through YMCA Tiger Academy, a free charter school in Northwest Jacksonville. This week’s episode will explore how this innovative school is providing a critical resource to the community by guiding children in their educational journey. Guests include YMCA Tiger Academy Principal Easter Bro...

In this week's episode, we explore the weight loss and personal fitness options offered by the First Coast YMCA and talk to a member who is tremendous weight loss success story.

There are about 1,800 employees at the First Coast YMCA with positions ranging from part-time to full-time to seasonal, encompassing all age ranges and levels of experience. In this episode, we talk about what kind of positions are available, what it's like to work at the YMCA and what makes the YMCA stand out from other places of employment.

While traditional youth sports like basketball and soccer remain popular, the First Coast YMCA is consistently exploring alternative sports to offer children in the community. Gymnastics at the Dye-Clay Family YMCA provides a unique outlet for kids of all ages to learn more and participate in a fun sport that teaches a variety of skills and techniques and gives them a chance to connect with their...

As the year of 2026 begins, we discuss New Year's resolutions and how the First Coast YMCA can help members set and achieve their goals in the new year, especially when they relate to the YMCA pillars of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development.

For the first time in the history of the city, the Ironman competition will be held in Jacksonville. It is scheduled for May of 2026. So, the First Coast YMCA is holding an Ironman Readiness Workshop and that is the focus of this podcast.

Healthy Living at the First Coast YMCA includes a variety of resources for the community to live a healthy life. Among the newest technology that the Y has available at several branches are recovery solutions. In this episode, YMCA leaders Tim Burrows and Cara Roach, along with Sarah Pellegrino, from Wellness Space Brands, discuss the importance of incorporating this type of technology into your o...

This week's episode focuses on the numerous Healthy Aging Activities offered by all branches of the First Coast YMCA.