This Is Y

The First Coast YMCA prides itself on being able to serve the unique needs of communities throughout Northeast Florida, but it can’t do that without the support of a variety of organizations and individuals. This episode discusses the philanthropy at the First Coast YMCA, including a variety of ways the community can support the Y’s efforts locally, including during this holiday season.

Diabetes affects millions of Americans every year, and older Americans are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with it. Three out of the five counties in Northeast Florida are above the state average for adults with diabetes, so it’s critically important for the First Coast YMCA to provide resources to manage this chronic disease. This episode, airing during Diabetes Awareness Month, will expl...

In a world increasingly marked by division and misunderstanding, “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in the Community,” presented by the Jewish Community Alliance and the First Coast YMCA, provides a platform for education, dialogue, culture, and connection across Jacksonville’s distinct communities. This episode explores the series – now in its third year.

Guests Candace Burrows, the Vice President of Programs at the FCYMCA, and Stacey McDaniel, the Director of Strategy & Quality Practices--Anti-Hunger Network Experience at Y-USA, discuss the anti-hunger programming at the First Coast YMCA.

Serving active-duty service members, veterans and their families is a priority for the First Coast YMCA as Florida has the third-highest veteran population in the country, along with several active military bases. The Y has a variety of programs available for the military community and their families, as well as strategic partners in VyStar Credit Union and the Stephen A. Cohen Military Family Cli...

In this episode we dive into the power of personalized wellness through the First Coast YMCA’s Personal Training program. From nationally certified experts to customized fitness plans, Y personal training is about meeting members where they are—and helping them get where they want to go. Guests will share their experience as trainers and clients, highlight the diversity of available training forma...

This episode focuses on what makes Camp Immokalee more than a camp. Camp Immokalee has been a staple of the community for over 100 years, creating an inclusive and adventurous environment for everyone. Camp Immokalee offers campers the chance to unplug, build friendships, and explore activities that inspire confidence, independence, and personal growth.

Tennis is growing in popularity, as it gives people of all ages the chance to maintain physical fitness, meet new people, and establish a recreational community. The First Coast YMCA offers tennis at its Williams Family YMCA, and this episode will cover the sport’s impact on participants, including how the community can get involved through the annual Josh Watkins Memorial Tennis Tournament.

In this episode, we discuss teen leadership programs at the First Coast YMCA, focusing on the Youth in Government program and FCYMCS Leaders Club.

All of the branches of the First Coast YMCA will be holding a Healthy Aging Day. In this episode, we highlight that event and discuss the various programs the Y has for members over 50 years of age.

In a world increasingly marked by division and misunderstanding, “Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in the Community,” presented by the Jewish Community Alliance and the First Coast YMCA, returns to provide a platform for education, dialogue, culture, and connection across Jacksonville’s diverse communities. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from both organizations about the importance of contin...

This week’s show focuses on community engagement and volunteerism at the First Coast YMCA. Guests are Josh Harrison, Metro Board Member, FCYMCA, Cheya Thousand, Advisory Board Chair, at the YMCA at Baptist North and Cara Roach, Interim Executive Director, Brown Family YMCA.

Guests Candace Burrows, the Vice President of Programs at the FCYMCA, and Stacey McDaniel, the Director of Strategy & Quality Practices--Anti-Hunger Network Experience at Y-USA, discuss the anti-hunger programming at the First Coast YMCA.

The formative years of preschool through fifth grade can have a major impact on how a child develops as he or she begins their scholastic journey. This week on “This is Y”, we take a closer look at how the First Coast YMCA’s Tiger Academy cultivates an enriching environment that develops the scholars of tomorrow. Listen to key administrators as to what makes this charter school different and hear...

On today’s episode, we’re diving into how the First Coast YMCA supports healthy aging through its Active Older Adults classes and activities. We’re joined by three incredible guests—Connie Smith, Senior Director of Healthy Living; Kristin Plum, Healthy Aging Coordinator; and Michelle Downer, a dedicated Y member who has experienced the life-changing benefits of these classes and activities firstha...

This episode features First Coast YMCA Senior Regional Sports Director Phil Tensley and volunteer coach Bill Grant as the pair discuss how the First Coast YMCA is impacting the next generation through youth sports programs and how the community can get involved through volunteering.

On this episode, we’re diving into how healthy living is more than exercise — it’s about helping people thrive at every stage of life, no matter their diagnosis or fitness level. In this episode, we sit down with YMCA staff and members to discuss the life-changing impact of cancer support, recovery, and prevention programs. Plus, we’ll dive into chronic disease prevention programs — from diabetes...

This episode features Candace Burrows and Soni Robles from the First Coast YMCA and Dr. Leslie Kaplan from the University of North Florida as they discuss how the YMCA Reads program is impacting youth literacy in Northeast Florida, including through a strategic partnership with the University of North Florida’s Hicks Honors College.

In this episode, we celebrate the lasting impact of the First Coast Games (FCG) and the corporate partnerships that have made it thrive for over 20 years. Guests Tim Burrows (First Coast YMCA), Antuane Stevens (Mayo Clinic), and Patti Reed (JPMorgan Chase) share how their organizations have deepened their relationships with the FCYMCA through corporate partnerships. The First Coast YMCA believes c...

In this episode, we talk about the Military Back to School Bash happening at numerous branches of the First Coast YMCA on July 26 and the relationship the First Coast YMCA has with the military community in Jacksonville.

On this episode. we're exploring how the First Coast YMCA's youth sports programs positively influence children's mental health.

In this episode of This Is Y, we are talking about summer camp at the First Coast YMCA.

This episode focuses on a unique aspect of the Y... how it works with YMCAs in other countries as part of its global efforts.

In this episode, we dive into the power of personalized wellness through the First Coast YMCA's Personal Training program. From nationally certified experts to customized fitness plans, Y personal training is about meeting members where they are and helping them get where they want to go.

In this episode, we explore how the First Coast YMCA is empowering cancer survivors through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Through expert-guided physical activity, emotional support and community connection, this 12-week program offers cancer survivors-and their families-a path to healing