This Is Y

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 peers.

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 overall fitness routine.

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

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 explore the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, including through the eyes of a recent participant, and how you can get connected to this potentially life-saving program.

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.

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 – and the next event in it: a discussion about Jew-hatred and the book “Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Jew?” by Rabbi Raphael Shore.

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.