On Saturday, all YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches will operate with adjusted hours. Please note the following:
Opening Time: All branches will open at 8:30 am, unless their regular opening time is later, in which case they will open on schedule. Closing will be at the regular time.
Sports:All sports activities, including games and practices, are cancelled for the day.
Services: There will be no Childwatch, group fitness classes, or other scheduled programs available on Saturday.
24-Hour Access: For branches with 24-hour access, this feature should now be fully operational.
As always, your safety is our top priority. Please use caution while traveling, as some roads and bridges may still have icy patches. Stay informed by following guidance from local and regional authorities.
For ongoing updates and details, please bookmark this page.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding. We look forward to seeing you at the Y!
The new year is a time for fresh starts, bold goals, and the resolve to make positive changes. If you’re looking for a place to kick off 2025 with purpose, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia is here for you.
Through January 31, the Y is offering an unbeatable opportunity: join for free with $0 joiner’s fee and your first month on us. But the Y is so much more than just a gym—it’s a community, a resource, and a partner in your journey to better health and well-being.
Your Fitness Goals, Your Way
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or taking your first steps toward fitness, the Y has something for everyone. Our branches are equipped with top-notch facilities, including pools, gymnasiums, and group exercise studios. Plus, our EGYM Smart Fitness system—a cutting-edge personalized workout solution available at seven locations and coming soon to Tybee Island YMCA—takes the guesswork out of fitness.
With intuitive technology that adapts to your goals and progress, EGYM helps you stay on track while building confidence and strength. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket!
Building Community Along the Way
When you join the YMCA, you’re not just signing up for a fitness membership—you’re becoming part of a movement. At the Y, workout friends become lifelong friends, and good habits become meaningful routines. You’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are cheering for your success, and you’ll also have opportunities to give back to your community.
Programs like A Place to Dream, which provides beds to children in need, and programs like free swim lessons for underserved communities are just a few examples of how the Y strengthens Coastal Georgia every day. When you join the Y, you’re helping fund initiatives that make our neighborhoods healthier and more connected.
Why Wait?
The new year is already here, and the best time to start is now. Joining the YMCA of Coastal Georgia means you’re investing in yourself and your community. Here’s what you’ll get when you join:
State-of-the-art fitness options like EGYM and group exercise classes.
Programs for every member of the family, from youth sports to senior wellness.
A welcoming, inclusive space where you can work on your goals at your own pace.
Access to all YMCA branches across Coastal Georgia.
Join Today
This special offer ends January 31, so don’t let it pass you by! Sign up for free at ymcaofcoastalga.org or stop by any of our branches to get started.
Make 2025 the year you strengthen your resolve, focus on your health, and build stronger connections in your community. At the Y, it’s not just about what you achieve—it’s about who you become and the difference you make.
Bank of America Grant Fuels Lifeguard and Childcare Workforce Development
This year, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia continued its commitment to youth workforce development by empowering local young people while meeting critical community needs, thanks to a generous grant from Bank of America. The funding enabled the YMCA to hire and train dozens of youth, placing them in essential roles as lifeguards and summer childcare workers across the Savannah area.
With the support of Bank of America, the YMCA was able to enhance its summer programs, ensuring that families had access to safe, high-quality childcare and aquatics services during the busiest months. This initiative not only provided young people with meaningful employment but also equipped them with valuable job skills, leadership training, and certifications that will serve them for years to come.
“This program was about more than just summer jobs,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “It was about investing in the future of our community by giving young people the tools they need to succeed. Thanks to Bank of America’s support, we were able to strengthen our programs and provide a safe, enriching environment for families.”
“Partnering with YMCA of Coastal Georgia is part of our commitment to creating sustainable change in Savannah,” said Patrick O’Neil, president, Bank of America Savannah. “Investing in Savannah nonprofits demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”
The impact of the grant was especially evident in the YMCA’s aquatics programs, where newly trained lifeguards played a critical role. “We had one of our best summers yet,” said Camille Stone, Aquatics Cabinet Lead. “The lifeguards were not only highly skilled but also enthusiastic and dedicated, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visited our pools. It was a true community effort.”
“We are committed to empowering and developing the next generation. In 2024 alone, we hired 92 teens—37 of whom were rehired from previous years—bringing the total to 129 youth employed by the YMCA this year. Thanks to the support of the Bank of America Foundation, we’re able to create opportunities for young people to grow and succeed, inspiring change that ultimately builds a stronger community for us all,” said Meketa Brown, Advancement Director for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
The success of the YMCA’s youth workforce development initiative exemplifies the power of community partnerships and strategic investment. As the YMCA of Coastal Georgia reflects on this year’s achievements, it looks forward to continuing to create opportunities for local youth, ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for the greater community.
ABOVE PHOTO: Joel Smoker, President and CEO of YMCA of Coastal Georgia, and Meketa Brown, Advancement Director, accept a check from Amy Repella, Senior Vice President and Savannah Market Executive for Bank of America, and Patrick O’Neil, Bank of America Market President. The grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports the YMCA’s youth workforce development initiatives, empowering local teens and meeting critical community needs.
BELOW: YMCA of Coastal Georgia lifeguards at this year’s Lifeguard Rodeo, fully staffed and trained thanks to the support of a generous grant from Bank of America. This funding allowed the YMCA to provide comprehensive training and employment opportunities for local youth, ensuring safe and well-supervised aquatics programs throughout the summer.
Special Membership Offer Runs from Black Friday to Jan. 31, 2025
This holiday season, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia invites individuals and families to start the new year strong—with a healthy lifestyle and a stronger sense of community. Beginning Black Friday, November 29, 2024, through January 31, 2025, new members can join the Y with no joiner’s fee and enjoy their first month free.
This special offer is available both online at ymcaofcoastalga.org and in person at any of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia’s locations, which serve communities at 11 branches from Brunswick to Savannah, up to Statesboro.
“At the Y, good habits become enjoyable routines, workout friends become lifelong friends, and communities grow healthier and stronger,” said Mary Arocha, Senior Vice President of Healthy Living at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “This campaign is an opportunity for us to welcome more people into the Y family and help them discover how fitness, fun, and friendship can come together for a better us.”
As part of their membership, members gain access to a range of state-of-the-art fitness tools, including the exclusive EGYM smart-fitness system. Available now at seven branches, and launching at the Tybee Island YMCA in mid-December, EGYM provides an intuitive and personalized workout experience. Members can set and track fitness goals, receive tailored workout plans, and enjoy a streamlined, tech-enhanced approach to strength training and overall wellness.
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia offers something for everyone—from group exercise classes and family activities to youth programs and wellness initiatives. Every membership empowers not only the individual but also the broader community. Membership fees help fund vital programs that address food insecurity, provide childcare, and create opportunities for all to thrive.
“Joining the Y is more than starting a fitness journey,” said Arocha. “It’s about joining a movement that strengthens our community and makes life better for everyone.”
Don’t wait to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to build healthy habits, make connections, and support your community. Visit ymcaofcoastalga.org or stop by your nearest branch to learn more and join today.
For over 165 years, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia has been a cornerstone of healthy living, youth development, and community building. With branches stretching across the coastal region, the Y is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can reach their full potential.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of one of our YMCA family members, Rev. Charles Houston, Jr., in the ferry dock collapse on Sapelo Island on October 19, 2024. Rev. Houston, 77, was not only a beloved member of the YMCA, but a hero in our broader community who dedicated his life to service and compassion.
For decades, Charles exemplified what it means to live in service to others. As a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Public Safety and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, he offered spiritual support and unwavering guidance to law enforcement officers across the state. He was there for families during their most difficult moments, lending comfort and solace after the loss of loved ones, during natural disasters, and in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Here in coastal Georgia, Charles was a constant source of strength and love. He showed up after hurricanes to support families in need, led prayer services during times of mourning, and never hesitated to offer a listening ear or helping hand. His work extended far beyond his role as a chaplain. He founded Caring Connection Chaplaincy, a nonprofit focused on providing spiritual care to law enforcement, and he was deeply involved in his church, Brunswick First United Methodist, where his presence will be profoundly missed.
Those who knew him, like Shawnda Jackson, our Welcome Center Lead at the McIntosh Branch, recall him as one of the kindest, most compassionate people they had the privilege to know. Charles never sought recognition for his countless acts of service—he simply showed up, time and again, ready to support those in need, offering a warm smile, a comforting prayer, or a moment of peace amid chaos.
We are deeply saddened by this loss, but we are forever grateful for the incredible impact Charles made in our community and in the lives of so many. His legacy of love, service, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his kindness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his loving wife, Elizabeth, their two children, and the entire Houston family. Charles was a true light in this world, and he will be dearly missed by all of us at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is excited to welcome Will Gunther as the new Executive Director of the Golden Isles and McIntosh YMCAs. A leader with deep personal faith, strong family ties, and a passion for service, Will brings a wealth of experience and a transformational vision to his new role.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Will’s athletic journey took him across the country as he competed in collegiate football at several universities. But it was his early experiences as a YMCA camp counselor that planted the seeds for his career.
“I started my Y journey as a camp counselor, taking care of nine very special second graders for a summer. They made a remarkable impact on my life and taught me the ‘why’ behind the great work that we do,” he recalls.
Will’s dedication to the YMCA was solidified during a deeply personal moment in his life. After the tragic and unexpected passing of his mother, Will returned home, seeking solace and meaning in his work with the YMCA.
“Serving the children of the YMCA helped brighten my spirits and rejuvenated my soul. My life had meaning again,” he says. Since then, he has served in various leadership roles, including Multi-Department Associate, Sports Program Director, Association Sports Co-Chair, and Associate Executive Director. These roles have equipped him to take on the challenges and opportunities of leading two dynamic YMCA branches in Coastal Georgia.
Will’s vision for the Golden Isles and McIntosh YMCAs is grounded in community engagement and inclusivity.
“Our top priority is to create a warm, welcoming environment that encourages spirited engagement from all segments of our communities,” he shares. He also emphasizes the importance of listening to the community to shape programs that meet evolving needs and establishing the YMCA as a trusted partner for local businesses, churches, and civic leaders.
One of Will’s key goals is to grow membership and enhance programming to better serve the diverse population in these areas. Programs such as the Holiday Camp and School Out Day Program will expand accessible, low-cost childcare options, while initiatives like teen leadership clubs and expanded Active Older Adults offerings aim to foster personal growth for all ages. Will is particularly excited about the potential for expanding programs focused on at-risk youth and those experiencing homelessness.
As a leader, Will describes himself as “transformational,” with a deep commitment to the growth and development of his team. He is passionate about instilling the YMCA’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility in both staff and members, believing that these principles are key to achieving lasting impact.
Looking ahead, Will envisions a bright future for both branches, with plans to double membership and expand services to meet the growing needs of the Golden Isles and McIntosh communities.
“I am very confident that the Golden Isles YMCA will not only sustain itself but will reach new heights in the coming years,” he states. Will is equally hopeful about the future of the McIntosh branch, viewing the region as an “untapped gem” that will shine brightly in the years ahead.
Outside of his work at the Y, Will enjoys staying active, whether it’s exercising, playing sports, or spending time with his family.
As Will steps into his new role, he brings with him a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive and lasting impact on the communities he serves. His leadership will undoubtedly inspire growth, foster connection, and create a legacy that will benefit the Golden Isles and McIntosh YMCAs for years to come.
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton and the expected weather conditions, the Tybee YMCA, Golden Isles YMCA, and McIntosh YMCA will be closed on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
The Tybee Branch will reopen on Friday at 5:30 a.m., with morning group fitness classes held as usual on Thursday, with the last class beginning at 11 a.m.
The Golden Isles and McIntosh YMCA branches will also return to normal hours and services on Friday.
Please note that if weather conditions improve, we will make every effort to reopen the Golden Isles and McIntosh branches on Thursday during the day, but updates won’t be available until Thursday morning.
Additional information:
Golden Isles Childcare Learning Center (CLC) will be closed on Thursday and will resume normal hours on Friday.
Glynn County schools will be closed on Thursday for weather and are already scheduled for fall break on Friday and Monday.
McIntosh County schools are on pre-scheduled fall break from Wednesday through Monday, so no YBASE impact there.
📢 Holiday Camp 📢
With Chatham County Schools moving to eLearning due to Hurricane Milton, the following YMCA branches will offer Holiday Camp on Thursday, 10/10:
🏫 Islands YMCA 🏫 Habersham YMCA 🏫 West Chatham YMCA 🏫 Liberty County YMCA
We are awaiting further announcements from Glynn and McIntosh County Schools and will update you as soon as we have more information.
📢Chatham YBASE & Fun Club 📢
Due to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Milton, our Before and Afterschool Programs (YBASE & Fun Club) will be closed on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
We expect to resume our regular schedule on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing everyone next week!
All branches, with the exception of McIntosh, will resume normal business hours and services Wednesday, October 2. We remain committed to serving our community and providing support during this time, with all open branches continuing to offer some essential services, including meal distributions at select locations (details below).
Please contact your local branch for specifics on classes, aquatics, programming and sports, as schedules may vary. Some branches are still experiencing internet and phone issues. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore these services as soon as possible.
Branch Hours & Services for Wednesday: – Statesboro Family YMCA: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Effingham YMCA: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. (No pool) – Guyton Family YMCA: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Richmond Hill YMCA: 4 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Golden Isles YMCA: 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Limited pool hours) – Habersham YMCA: 4:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. – Islands Family YMCA: 4:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Limited pool) – Tybee Island YMCA: 5:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. (Holiday Camp as scheduled) – West Chatham YMCA: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. – Liberty County YMCA: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Pool closed)
McIntosh YMCA remains temporarily closed. Members may use surrounding Ys while we address building issues.
24-Hour Access: – Statesboro YMCA is expected to resume 24-hour access by Thurs. night. – Effingham YMCA will resume once internet is restored. – Guyton YMCA is facing a maintenance issue with door access, which is being addressed. – West Chatham YMCA remains affected by power outages and may delay 24-hour access.
Community Services: Meal services will continue at the following branches on Wed.: Islands YMCA, Habersham YMCA, West Chatham YMCA (TBD)
Childcare Services: – Holiday Camp will continue at Tybee until school resumes. – Habersham YMCA will also offer Holiday Camp.
YBASE/Fun Club: We are aligning our Before & After School Programming with the following school district schedules:
Returning to School Wednesday: Richmond Hill (Bryan Co.), Golden Isles (Glynn Co.) Returning to School Thursday: Liberty County, McIntosh County Returning to School next Monday: Statesboro (Bulloch Co.) We are awaiting updates for Long County, Effingham County, and Chatham County schools.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to support our communities and work through these transitions. Stay tuned for further updates!
As we continue to monitor the potential impact of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene, we are actively preparing our branches and programs. Below are the closure details for branches and services:
Branch Closures:
All branches will close at 7 PM on Thursday and reopen Friday at 7 AM (unless damage is reported).
All 24-hour access will be suspended at 7 PM on Thursday and will resume Friday upon reopening.
Program/Services Closures for Thursday:
All Youth Sports
Gymnastics
Group Fitness Classes (after 3 PM)
Childwatch (PM)
Program/Services Reopening Friday at 7 AM:
All fitness classes
Childwatch
Parents Morning Out
Youth Sports (based on field conditions for soccer)
Gymnastics
Aquatics programming
Effingham YMCA pool will remain closed until Saturday. Islands YMCA pool will remain closed for AM programming.
Fun Club / Y-Base / CLC Childcare Programming: (Parents are encouraged to pick up children early when possible)
Chatham County Y Base: Closed for afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
West Chatham Fun Club: Closed for afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
West Chatham CLC: Closes 6 PM Thursday, Friday delayed opening at 9 AM, Pre-K opens at 9 AM
Habersham Fun Club: Closed for afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
Habersham CLC: Closes 6 PM Thursday, Friday delayed opening at 9 AM, Pre-K opens at 9 AM
Islands Fun Club: Closed for afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
Tybee Fun Club: Closed for afterschool Thursday, Friday’s previously scheduled Holiday Camp canceled
Effingham County Y Base: Closes 6 PM Thursday, and all day Friday
Effingham Fun Club: Closes 6 PM Thursday, and all day Friday
Statesboro Fun Club: Closed for afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
Richmond Hill: Closed for afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
Liberty County: Closed for before/afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
McIntosh County: Closed for before/afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
Golden Isles: Closed for before/afterschool Thursday and all day Friday
Golden Isles CLC: Closes 6 PM Thursday, Friday delayed opening at 9 AM, Pre-K closed Friday
Please stay tuned to our social media and website for further updates. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll continue to provide information as it becomes available.
PROGRAM WILL LAUNCH INITIALLY AT HABERSHAM BRANCH, WITH HOPES TO GROW THROUGHOUT THE ASSOCIATION
Savannah, GA – The YMCA of Coastal Georgia announces a new partnership with Renal Care 360° to expand its chronic disease prevention initiatives. This collaboration highlights the Y’s commitment to connecting the community with vital care resources and offering educational opportunities focused on early detection and preventive strategies for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
As part of this partnership, the Habersham YMCA will be the first location to pilot the program, providing members with access to a connected care advocate who will offer personalized prevention strategies, lifestyle coaching, and, for those at higher risk, referrals to medical professionals. The initiative will also introduce three primary health screenings at this branch, setting the stage for future expansion.
Jazmine Spicer, Regional Executive and Chronic Disease Program Manager for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, emphasized the importance of the partnership.
“We live in a time when many community members lack the insurance needed for early detection through screenings. The YMCA is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between preventive care and reactive treatment,” said Spicer.
In addition to this new partnership, the YMCA continues to strengthen its four core programs—Blood Pressure Monitoring, Diabetes Prevention, the LIVESTRONG® Cancer Survivor Program, and Rehab Fit—providing comprehensive support for pre- and post-therapy care aimed at promoting ongoing physical movement and muscle and joint strengthening.
“We are excited to leverage Renal Care 360°’s capabilities alongside the YMCA’s programs. This partnership will empower members and their families by alleviating the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related conditions. We look forward to transforming care in every community we serve,” said Joseph Cashia, President and CEO of Renal Care 360°.
About Renal Care 360°
Renal Care 360° is a comprehensive nephrology and chronic care management company that partners with health systems, physician groups, and local communities to provide enhanced healthcare services. Through its Connected Care Program, Renal Care 360° works with primary care providers, nephrologists, and other specialists to offer patients personalized care coordination and education programs tailored to their health needs. Renal Care 360° is committed to transforming kidney care through early detection and deep patient engagement in comprehensive care management.
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