Looking for a part-time job where you can make a real difference? Join our team and apply here.
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is currently hiring YBASE (YMCA Before & After School Enrichment) Group Leaders and Site Coordinators at our Effingham location in Rincon, Georgia. If you enjoy working with children and want to be part of a mission-driven team, this could be the perfect fit.
What You’ll Do
As a YBASE Group Leader, you’ll help create a safe, supportive, and fun environment for children ages 4–14. Each day, you’ll:
Supervise and actively engage with children during program activities
Lead games, enrichment activities, and outdoor play
Support daily routines, including snack time and transitions
Build positive relationships with participants and families
Why Work at the Y?
At the YMCA, we’re more than a workplace. We’re a community. Every team member plays a role in strengthening our mission and supporting youth development. You’ll gain valuable experience, grow your leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children.
What We’re Looking For
Must be at least 18 years old
Interest or experience working with school-age children
A positive attitude and strong sense of responsibility
Willingness to complete required training and certifications
Join Our Team!
If you’re ready to make a difference after school hours, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply here and be part of something bigger at the YMCA.
Exciting improvements are underway at the Islands Family YMCA, and we’re grateful for your patience as we make upgrades to better serve our members and community.
Branch Closure: March 9–15, 2026
The branch will be closed March 9–15, 2026 to complete key renovation work.
What to Know Ahead of the Temporary Closure:
Before & Afterschool Care (Fun Club) will continue operating as normal. Gymnastics programs will continue operating as normal.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back when the branch fully reopens on March 16, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Entrance & Check-In
Q: Where do I enter starting March 16? A: The main entrance will no longer be used. Members and staff must enter and scan in at the temporary check-in desk on the gymnastics side.
Q: Where do I check in for Childwatch or Fun Club? A: Please check in at the front desk, then follow the curtained path through the back hallway to the adult gym.
Pool & Water Aerobics
Q: How will the pool and my water aerobics classes be affected? A: No changes will occur. All pool operations and scheduled water aerobics classes will continue as normal.
Locker Rooms & Facility Access
Q: How do I access the locker rooms? A: Locker rooms are accessible from the original main hall via:
The double doors in the fitness area (youth gym), or
The back hallway
Q: Can members use the adult gym? A: Yes — except during the following times:
6:30–9:15 AM
2:15–6:30 PM
Childcare & Youth Programs
Q: Where is Childwatch located? A: Childwatch will be located in the adult gym, Racquetball Room 2.
Group Exercise & Classes
Q: Where are aerobics classes held? A: Enter at the temporary check-in desk, walk through the fitness area (youth gym), down the main hall, and enter through the back door of the aerobics room.
Q: Where are spin classes now? A: Spin classes will be held in the classroom adjacent to the fitness area (youth gym).
General Questions
Q: Will staff be available to help? A: Yes. Staff will be stationed in key areas throughout the facility to assist with directions and answer questions.
We’re excited about the improvements taking place and the enhanced experience they’ll bring to our members and families. Thank you for your flexibility and support as we continue growing to serve you better.
THANK YOU for your patience—big things are underway!
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia announces the promotion of Mary Arocha to Chief Operating Officer (COO), following her successful service as Interim COO over the past six months.
“It is with tremendous confidence and excitement that I announce Mary’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Mary has served this organization and our communities for many years in a wide range of leadership roles. Having lived and breathed most every situation imaginable, she brings a thorough understanding of branch operations, strong relationships across our service area, and a steady, positive leadership style,” Smoker said.
Arocha’s YMCA career spans more than 30 years, beginning with the Metro Atlanta association, leading tennis camps as a teaching Tennis Pro. Since joining the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Mary has served at multiple branches and levels of the organization, including Physical Director, Aquatics and Fitness Director, Associate Branch Director, Executive Director, District Vice President, and Senior Vice President of Healthy Living.
“Mary’s cheerfulness and bright smile make an unforgettable first impression,” Smoker added. “Her firm, positive ‘we can do this’ attitude, paired with her calm demeanor when faced with adversity, are among her finest attributes and reflect the heart of the YMCA.”
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a degree in Marketing Management, Mary was a four-year athletic scholarship recipient in tennis and earned the Scholar Athlete Award upon graduation. She has held leadership roles within the Metro Atlanta YMCA and has contributed to fitness and weight management initiatives alongside national YMCA leaders.
As COO, she now oversees operations across 11 branches serving more than eight counties in Southeast Georgia.
“I have a deep love for people and a strong desire to help them achieve their goals,” said Arocha. “I believe God has a purpose for each one of us, and we can better accomplish that purpose through a healthy lifestyle and a physically fit body. When we take care of ourselves, we feel better about ourselves, and we can do so much more for our communities.”
Mary is a National YMCA Listen First trainer and serves on the Board of the YMCA Professional Network (YPN) as the Lead for Wellness in Georgia peer communities. She is also a member of the Board of Healthy Savannah and a graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia, Class of 2025. Her recognitions include Program Director of the Year (2003), Presidential Staff Award (2012), Branch Director of the Year (2012), and the YMCA “C” Award for AYP Recognition of Excellence.
“I give all honor and glory for my achievements to God,” Arocha shared. “I have a love for people, and I want to see them grow in spirit, mind, and body. When we invest in people and their well-being, we strengthen families, communities, and the mission of the YMCA.”
The countdown is on! The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest is back, bringing runners, families, and supporters together on Tybee Island for two exciting days of racing, music, and coastal community spirit. Taking place Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7, this annual event supports YMCA of Coastal Georgia youth programs, making every step taken a step toward stronger kids and a stronger community.
With five races over two days and more than 1,200 participants expected, the Critz Tybee Run Fest offers something for every age and fitness level.
Sign up nowand be part of one of Coastal Georgia’s most meaningful race weekends.
Five Races. One Unforgettable Weekend.
Participants can choose a single race or challenge themselves to complete all five events, totaling 26.2 miles — a full marathon distance spread across the weekend.
Friday, February 6
#HonorMark Kiddie Run (5:30 p.m.) A free race for kids 14 and under, with beginner and intermediate start lines. Adults are encouraged to run alongside younger participants.
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 5K (6:00 p.m.) Kick off the weekend with a high-energy evening race, followed by post-race snacks and beverages under the tent.
Friday night also features a preview of the Savannah Magazine VIP Experience, offering access to a private lounge with snacks, beverages, and souvenir cups.
Saturday, February 7
Southern Cross Hospitality 10K – 7:00 a.m.
Chu’s Mart Half Marathon – 8:30 a.m.
Keystone Association Managers 2.8-Mile Beach Run – 12:00 p.m.
West Construction Company One-Mile Run – 1:00 p.m.
Participants can also enjoy the full Savannah Magazine VIP Experience featuring bottomless mimosas, local treats, and access to a private lounge throughout race day.
Proceeds from the event directly support YMCA of Coastal Georgia programs, including scholarships, youth sports, swim lessons, camps, and LIVESTRONG programming.
“The Critz Tybee Run Fest plays a vital role in supporting YMCA of Coastal Georgia programs,” said Leah Boyd, Race Director. “By participating, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, participants are helping us make a meaningful impact in our community.”
“The YMCA Critz Tybee Run Fest is a powerful example of how our community comes together to support meaningful causes,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Every race registration directly contributes to programs that help children across Coastal Georgia build confidence, learn new skills, and reach their full potential. We’re proud to continue this tradition with the support of all our sponsors and the Critz family and are grateful for the community’s continued involvement.”
Packet pickup begins Friday, February 6m, at 2:00 p.m., on-site just south of the Tybee Island Pier. Registration remains open online and will also be available on-site.
Spots are filling fast — don’t wait. Sign up today!
The Islands Family YMCA has always been more than a fitness center. It is a place where children discover confidence, teens find belonging, families grow healthier, and seniors stay strong in spirit, mind and body.
Through the Building Better Futures Campaign, we are investing $4.2 million to add more than 3,000 square feet of new space, create welcoming areas to gather, expand Child Watch, build a teen technology lab, add new yoga/Pilates and cycling studios, and offer 24-hour access. This transformation will ensure that the Y can continue meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our community for generations to come.
We invite you to join us in this vital effort. Every gift makes an immediate impact, from providing meals for families to creating safe spaces for teens, supporting childcare and building state-of-the-art facilities.
Together, we will create a YMCA that not only meets today’s needs but also strengthens the foundation for a healthier, more connected Coastal Georgia.
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is proud to announce Jennifer McMichael as a Certified Praesidium Guardian. McMichael serves as the Childcare Operations Specialist for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and recently participated in the Praesidium Guardian Certification workshop in September 2025.
McMichael’s Work and Learn Assignment, part of the certification process, involved reviewing and enhancing child protection and risk management procedures within the YMCA’s Child Learning Centers.
Her efforts focused on implementing strategies that support staff training, policy refinement, and a culture of safety across all centers.
“Becoming the Praesidium Guardian for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia has been such an honor and a positively transformative experience,” McMichael shared. “The certification process allowed me to gain and implement risk management skills, while also being equipped with strategies to enhance program policies and the organizations culture of safety,” she said.
Pictured: Jennifer McMichael, Childcare Operations Specialist, YMCA of Coastal Georgia
Becky Lehto, Vice President of Early Learning for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, shared her pride in McMichael’s accomplishment: “She has gone through extensive training and passed rigorous testing in order to achieve this status,” said Lehto. “Her guardianship and our upcoming Praesidium certification shows the world the high value we place on child safety and protection here at the YMCA.”
McMichael echoed the YMCA’s commitment to prioritizing safety. “As we go through the process of becoming accredited, earning Praesidium Accreditation means that we as an organization are dedicated to providing a safe environment for the children we serve,” she shared.
“It’s a commitment to utilize safe practices and demonstrates our continued and committed efforts to prevent child abuse,” added McMichael.
To learn more about the Praesidium Guardian Certification, click here.
To learn more about the YMCA’s Child Learning Centers or to enroll, click here.
BRUNSWICK, GA – The Golden Isles YMCA is proud to announce the appointment of Keandra Cash as the new Chair of its Branch Advisory Board, marking a powerful step forward in honoring the organization’s rich legacy as a Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).
“We’ve long been searching for the right leader to help guide the Golden Isles YMCA into its next chapter and in Keandra, we’ve found someone truly exceptional,” said William Gunther, Executive Director of the Golden Isles Region YMCAs. “Having a woman be the leader of a place that has historically existed to grow women leaders of all ages just makes sense.”
Cash currently serves as the Program Manager for the Jobs Plus Initiative at the Brunswick Housing Authority, where she leads a $3 million federal grant focused on employment, education, and financial empowerment for residents.
“I bring a unique blend of expertise in program management, community engagement, and personal development,” said Cash. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a concentration in Community and Organizational Leadership.
Photo Courtesy: Keandra Cash
Her commitment to community is evident through her extensive volunteer service with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Glynn Community Crisis Center. This deep-rooted dedication to service naturally led her to the YMCA.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the Golden Isles YMCA Advisory Board because I believe in the organization’s mission to serve families and strengthen our community,” she shared. “I’m eager to expand my knowledge and contribute to an organization that has been a vital resource for so many.”
When she’s not at work or volunteering, Keandra is a proud mother of three active boys. She cherishes time spent cheering them on at sporting events, cooking at home, dancing, and making memories with friends and family.
“We are SO EXCITED to welcome Keandra Cash as our new Golden Isles YMCA Board Chair,” said Gunther. “She is going to lead our branch board to new heights not just in 2025, but well into the future. I could not think of a better fit if I tried.”
The Golden Isles YMCA celebrates this appointment as both a nod to its nearly 110-year legacy of women’s leadership and a forward-looking investment in inclusive community growth.
About the Golden Isles YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities by providing opportunities for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Golden Isles YMCA offers a variety of programs and services for individuals of all ages and abilities and strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
For many working families, the hours before and after school can be some of the most challenging. That’s where the YMCA’s Before & After School Enrichment (YBASE) program steps in—not just to fill the time, but to enrich it.
YBASE is more than supervised care. It’s a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children start and end their school day with encouragement and connection. From helping with homework to leading games and building friendships, YBASE staff play a critical role in the lives of the students they serve.
We are now hiring team members to support YBASE programs across Chatham Countyfor the 2025–2026 school year.
Join us for ONSITE INTERVIEWS!
When: Thursday, July 17 and July 21-July 25
Time: Anytime between 10am and 3pm
Where: 6400 Habersham St., Ste. A Savannah, GA 31405
All facility repairs at our Habersham Branch YMCA have been completed, and our branch will resume normal business hours starting Saturday, June 14, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Please note: The Welcome Center desk will close at 1 PM tomorrow.
The fitness center, pool, and all other services will be back open and ready to welcome you!
Thank you for your patience and support — we can’t wait to see you back at the Y!
On Sunday, June 8, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia hosted its annual Lifeguard Rodeo, an all-day training and team-building event that brought together lifeguards from across the association’s branches. From first-time lifeguards to seasoned veterans, the rodeo was a chance for everyone to sharpen their skills and have a whole lot of fun doing it.
“This is more than just training,” said Camille Stone, director of membership, aquatics, and fitness at the West Chatham YMCA. “It’s team building, it’s morale, it’s making sure across the board that all of our standards are matching up.”
At the heart of Lifeguard Rodeo is the YMCA’s commitment to safety and excellence. Every lifeguard at the Y is required to attend monthly in-branch training, but the Rodeo is an opportunity to connect. “It’s a chance for the lifeguards to be exposed to other environments, each other, learn to work with lifeguards they haven’t met before,” Stone added. “It’s like networking. It’s exciting for them.”
This year’s Rodeo broke from tradition with a more dynamic, scenario-based format that blended real-world urgency with games and creativity. The result? An engaged and energized lifeguard force that’s better prepared for whatever this summer may bring.
“We trained some really out-of-the-box scenarios,” Stone explained. “They were really forced to be independent and creative.” From ethical discussions to physical rescue drills, the day pushed every guard out of their comfort zone and closer to real-life readiness.
For many, the biggest eye-opener was the ten-minute CPR simulation—far longer than the standard three rounds taught in basic training.
“You can focus and see what they need to work on,” said Kame Varnedoe, a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and lifeguard from Liberty County. “It was great to have them in scenarios… Before, we were more teaching. This time, they got to learn and actually be part of an experiment to see how well they did.”
For rookies like Max McNeil from Liberty County and Tabetha Silwimba from the Habersham Y, it was their first experience with the rodeo and their first time being lifeguards at the Y.
“I think it was really good to refresh on all the information that we went over before taking the job,” Max said. “I think doing the rescues in the bathroom was good to go through the steps and really remind us of the action to take.”
Tabetha agreed: “I thought it was a great chance to practice our CPR skills,” she said. “I liked also the game they had us play to practice rescuing people in the pool.”
Games were central to this year’s Rodeo, but each came with a deeper purpose. “Musical rescue,” a twist on musical chairs, had guards racing to execute entries, approaches, and rescues under pressure. The “poolside telephone” game used chemicals to teach accuracy and communication in pool chemistry, a surprisingly beloved topic among some guards.
“We take [chemicals] super serious at our pools,” said Bradley Anderson from the West Chatham Y, now in his third year at the rodeo. “It was nice to do that and see us be able to get the same numbers…even with us doing it one drop at a time all the way down the line.”
He also appreciated the innovation behind the rescue drills. “We’re planning on taking that back with us,” Anderson said.
The rodeo wasn’t just about developing technical skills; it was about growing people. “Because we’re a development association, we have so many young people that are also coming to us and developing really serious life skills that follow them throughout their lives,” Stone emphasized.
As summer kicks off in full swing, these lifeguards will be more than ready.
“I’m just excited to hang out with the camp kids this year,” Anderson added, smiling. “And see how happy they are when they come. They go to the pool, get out, and get to actually explore and do stuff outside for the summer, like I did when I was growing up.”
The pools are now open across our association and lifeguards are ready to make this the best summer yet.
“The goal is for them to come back invigorated, more educated, more excited, more capable. Just…better,” said Stone.
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