Effingham Co. YMCA Introduces 24-Hour Access for Members Starting in February

The Effingham County branch of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia announces the launch of 24-hour access for its members, effective February 1, 2024. This innovative initiative is aimed at providing greater flexibility and accessibility to meet the diverse needs of the community.

The decision to extend operating hours was driven by the YMCA’s commitment to supporting its members in achieving their health and fitness goals, accommodating varying schedules, and fostering a welcoming environment for individuals with different lifestyles.

“We are excited to introduce 24-hour access to our members at the Effingham County Y,” said Ronald Smith, Branch Director. “This underscores our dedication to creating a fitness community that is inclusive and supportive of everyone’s unique path toward a healthier lifestyle. We understand that life doesn’t always fit in a 9-to-5 schedule, and we want to ensure our members can pursue their wellness goals on their terms.”

The extended hours will provide members with access to the branch’s state-of-the-art fitness equipment around the clock. The YMCA is proud of its commitment to promoting overall well-being in the communities it serves, and the Effingham County Y’s new 24-hour access is a testament to that dedication.

In addition to catering to different schedules, the YMCA believes that this expansion of services will contribute to building a stronger sense of community by fostering connections among members with changing lifestyles and routines.

Members will need to add the 24-hour access to their existing membership by speaking to a staff member at the branch’s Welcome Center and signing a waiver agreeing to certain rules and regulations. They will then be able to use the 24-hour entrance to access the facility day or night. Those wishing to join the Y as new members may have access added at the time of signup as well.

YMCA staff expect a seamless transition to the new hours, with the same level of commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.

The Effingham County YMCA is excited to usher in this new era of accessibility. For more information, please contact the Y at (912) 826-2199.

A Few 24-Hour Access Guidelines:

Honor Code: With the introduction of 24-hour access, the YMCA emphasizes an honor code grounded in values of honesty, respect, caring, and responsibility. Deviations may result in the revocation of 24-hour access.

Usage: Members can use the fitness floor at any time, with the remainder of the YMCA staffed during advertised hours. Only adult members with an active membership and a signed 24/7 access waiver can access the facility after hours.

Age Requirements: 24-hour access is available for members aged 18 and older. Key fobs are non-transferable, and their misuse will result in the loss of 24-hour access.

Equipment: Members are encouraged to use equipment they understand, inspect it for proper functioning, and follow safety guidelines during non-staffed hours.

Door Access and Key Fobs: Members must use their own key fob for entry, ensuring consistent access. Lost or damaged key fobs can be replaced for a fee.

Guests and Guest Passes: Guests are not allowed 24-hour access. Key fobs are for individual use, and members cannot grant access to others.

Closures/Inclement Weather: Members with 24-hour access will be notified of closures via social media or the website in case of power outages or inclement weather.

YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA SEVERE WEATHER FACILITY AND PROGRAM INFO FOR JAN. 10

Wednesday before-school YBASE canceled in Chatham County due to school opening delay

BRANCHES: All branch fitness centers and programs will be open and operating on a normal schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 10. 

NOTE: PROGRAMS: All Chatham County YBASE and branch-based YBASE BEFORE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS will be canceled due to the delayed opening of school on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

The following list details information for specific YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches:

Bryan County:

  •  Richmond Hill YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.

Chatham County:

  • Habersham YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.
    • Habersham YMCA YBASE Before-school only will be closed on Wednesday due to delayed opening of school.
  • Chatham County YBASE Before-school only will be closed on Wednesday due to delayed opening of school.
  • Islands Family YMCA will be open as regularly scheduled on Wednesday.
    • Islands Family YMCA YBASE Before-school only will be closed on Wednesday due to delayed opening of school.
  • Tybee Island YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.
  • West Chatham YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.
    • West Chatham YMCA YBASE Before-school only will be closed on Wednesday due to delayed opening of school.

Effingham County:

  • Effingham YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.

Glynn County:

  • Golden Isles YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.

Liberty/Long County:

  • Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.

McIntosh County:

  • McIntosh County YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday.

 Bulloch County:

  • Statesboro Family YMCA will be open and operate on a regular schedule on Wednesday. 

YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA SEVERE WEATHER FACILITY AND PROGRAM CLOSURES FOR JAN. 9

PROGRAMS: Due to the severe weather and school closures in our area, before and after-school programming will be cancelled on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. This includes YBASE and Fun Club after-school enrichment programs at both the school sites and the branch locations. It also includes Child Learning Center and PreK locations at all YMCA of Coastal Georgia Branches. In addition, all youth sports, including gymnastics, will be cancelled.

BRANCHES: All YMCA branches will close early on Tuesday 1/9. Reopening on Wednesday 1/10 will be announced later *Pending Weather*

All 24-hours Access will be suspended until branches reopen on Wednesday.

 

The detailed following closures and cancellations effecting YMCA of Coastal Georgia operations:

 

Bryan County:

·         Richmond Hill YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

Chatham County:

·         Habersham YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

·         Islands Family YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

·         Tybee Island YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

·         West Chatham YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

Effingham County:

·         Effingham YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.

Glynn County:

·         Golden Isles YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

Liberty/Long County:

·         Liberty County/ Armed Services YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.

McIntosh County:

·         McIntosh County YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

Bulloch County:

·         Statesboro YMCA the branch and all programs/centers will close Tuesday at 12:00 noon.

 

We will continue to monitor the conditions and release more information as it becomes available.

Islands YMCA Gymnasts Soar to Victories at Georgia State Championship

The Islands YMCA Gymnastics Team at the USA Gymnastics Georgia State Championship in Roswell, Ga. (L-R): Coach Carol Tanrath. Gymnasts Kennedy Lipski, Makenzie Jones, Willow Christenberry, Donna Jones, Leah Hoffman, Catherine Roble, and Hayden Attia. Coaches Lauren Olsen, Charlotte Boatright.


The Islands YMCA Gymnastics Team recently showcased their skills and brought home accolades (along with a championship banner) at the USA Gymnastics Georgia State Championship in Roswell. The competition, held from Dec. 9-10, drew 266 gymnasts from across the state, competing in Levels 1, 4, and Xcel Bronze.

Guided by coaches Lauren Olsen, Charlotte Boatright, Carol Tanrath, and Rylie Tanrath, the gymnasts competed at the state level in a competition that demanded nothing short of excellence.

Coach Olsen expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “Our athletes displayed a level of dedication and passion that truly set them apart. Not only is this group hard working, but they also demonstrate many of the characteristics we encourage in the gym. This victory is a testament to their hard work and the unwavering support of their families and the YMCA community in Savannah and Coastal Georgia.”

The athletes, having qualified in prior USA Gymnastics competitions, included seven gymnasts from Islands YMCA representing Level 1: Hayden Attia, Willow Christenberry, Makenzie Jones, Donna Jones, Catherine Roble, Leah Hoffman, and Kennedy Lipski. Hazel Hanno competed in level 4 competition.

In total, the team secured a remarkable 26 medals across different levels, culminating in the ultimate accolade – the first-place Georgia State Championship banner. This triumph not only solidifies the Islands YMCA Team’s standing as a powerhouse in gymnastics but also underscores the resilience, skill, and camaraderie that define this exceptional group of athletes.

Among the standout performances, three gymnasts clinched State Champion titles in various events:

Hayden Attia won in vault, floor, and all-around categories. Makenzie Jones secured a title in vault. Willow Christenberry won on uneven parallel bars. And Donna Jones won on balance beam.

About the Islands YMCA Gymnastics Program:

The Islands YMCA Gymnastics Team is based at the Islands Family YMCA on Wilmington Island in Savannah. The award-winning team produces gymnasts who are competitive in USAG Xcel, USAG state, USAG regional and YMCA national levels.  Many athletes have reached the college level and received college scholarships through the program.

Class information for potential gymnasts is available at ymcaofcoastalga.org. Class participants who demonstrate specific skill sets will be asked to try out for the team program. If there is availability in levels, tryouts are held in late spring of each year. Gymnasts progress from USAG level 1 through level 10.  All team levels are asked to compete, though some competitions may be specific to certain levels only. Mobility is at the coaches’ discretion.

Another YMCA of Coastal Georgia program based at Liberty ASYMCA in Hinesville offers a USAG compulsory competitive team program. The program is year-round and focuses on quality competitive training, friendship, dedication and fun. The Liberty team competes in USAG and the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship.

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Calls on Community to Spread Holiday Joy Through “Giving Tree” Angel Adoption Program

As Christmas approaches, all branches of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia are reaching out to compassionate hearts in our community, inviting them to join the “Giving Tree” Angel Adoption Program to bring smiles to the faces of local children in need this holiday season. The program provides Christmas gifts for local families who may lack the resources to acquire them.

In collaboration with current YMCA members and supporters, along with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and Summit Training Specialists, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia branches successfully brighten the holidays for hundreds of families year after year.

“The relief experienced by families in need, knowing their children will receive gifts during the holiday season, is immeasurable. This impact is particularly significant for those who are navigating financial challenges, including single parents courageously raising multiple children, or for individuals who have recently faced homelessness,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

Jazmine Spicer, Habersham Branch Director highlighted the importance of the Giving Tree initiative, stating, “At the YMCA, we’re deeply proud of our outreach programs, especially for families in need. This year, we’ve noticed an earlier influx of requests for the Giving Tree program compared to previous years, indicating a growing need. Putting myself in a parent’s shoes, the thought of not being able to get a gift for my child during Christmas is heart-wrenching. This initiative is our chance to bring significant positive change to a child’s life and alleviate some of the holiday stress for families facing challenges.”

Tyree Shelton, Golden Isles and McIntosh County Branch Director added, “Knowing those gifts are putting smiles on kids’ faces at Christmastime—it’s like hitting the holiday jackpot. We’re not just handing out presents; we’re dishing out joy, memories, and a little extra love. It’s what makes this season extra special, knowing we’re making a difference in our community.”

Those looking to make a direct impact by adopting an angel, should visit any branch of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and choose an Angel Tag from the tree:

Habersham YMCA

6400 Habersham St., Savannah

Islands Family YMCA

66 Johnny Mercer Blvd., on Wilmington Island

West Chatham YMCA

165 Isaac G. LaRoche Dr., Pooler

Richmond Hill YMCA

154 Thunderbird Drive Suite 101, Richmond Hill

Tybee Island YMCA

204 5th St., Tybee Island

Effingham YMCA

1224 Patriot Drive, Rincon

Golden Isles YMCA

144 Scranton Connector, Brunswick

Liberty County Armed Services YMCA

201 Mary Lou Drive, Hinesville

McIntosh County YMCA

1111 Magnolia Bluff Way – Suite 295, Darien

Statesboro Family YMCA

409 Clairborne Ave., Statesboro

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia and its partners are dedicated to creating a holiday season filled with hope, warmth, and generosity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Be a Part of the Giving Tree

Visit any branch of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and choose any tag from the tree to participate. Make sure to return your gift by mid-December. Every tag, which can be anything from gift cards to toys and clothing, represents a wish from a local family in need. 

Additionally, you may choose to give a monetary donation toward transformative Y programming. For example, you could provide a child in the community with a year-long membership or a free week of day camp. For those who most need it, your support has the power to make more possible.

About the YMCA of Coastal Georgia:

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With a focus on inclusivity and community support, the YMCA strives to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Coastal Georgia. For more information, visit ymcaofcoastalga.org

L-R: Alayna Bujok, Welcome Center Lead, and Ally Baldwin, Welcome Center Attendant with the Habersham YMCA’s Giving Tree.

L-R: Caty Skarhus, Welcome Desk Attendant, Amber Robenolt, Welcome Center Lead, and Hannah Beggs, Branch Director, with the Statesboro Family YMCA’s Giving Tree.

Celebrate Our 179th Founder’s Day With Us!

 

On June 6, the YMCA celebrates 179 years of doing good. This global organization, founded in 1844 by George Williams in London, began with a simple but powerful idea to help people build healthier, happier lives.

Today, the YMCA is one of the world’s largest volunteer organizations known for helping people of every background reach their potential. The Y serves more than 22 million people annually and offers resources at more than 2,700 locations across all 50 states.

THE YMCA – A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
From its humble beginnings, the Y met the practical and spiritual needs of young men flocking to London during the Industrial Revolution. Since then, the Y has grown and changed, meeting the needs of children, families and adults in 10,000 communities in the U.S. and 119 countries around the globe. Along the way, the Y is responsible for a number of innovations that have influenced history and are part of our daily lives.

THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA
In 1855, a small group of men started the first YMCA in Savannah. Today, our YMCA serves more than 70,000 children, families and adults in eight coastal Georgia counties.

Over the years, we’ve made changes to meet the needs of our growing community. Our mission has stayed the same: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Through overnight camps, swim lessons, youth programs, sports leagues, group fitness classes, tutorial programs and more, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia changes lives.

FUN FACTS
– Basketball and volleyball were invented at the Y
– The world’s first indoor pool was at a Y
– Group swim lessons started at the Y
– The United Service Organization (USO) was created with help from the Y

A BETTER US
Today, our community is a better place thanks to our YMCA. Volunteers and visionary leaders continue to ensure that the YMCA makes the community better tomorrow through programs and services that meet the region’s changing needs.

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Honors Community Leaders with Service Awards

At its 168th annual meeting on May 16, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia presented honors to community leaders and volunteers who went above and beyond to support the Y mission in 2022. These honorees included a special presentation of the Robert H. Demere, Sr. Volunteer of the Year Award to Al Pace, who has served on the metro office’s board of directors since 1975 and retires this year. The Y also presented Community Builder Awards to volunteers across the association including Ervenia Bowers of the metro office’s outreach programs, Mark Reed of the Tybee Island YMCA and Rec Department, Dillon Wall of the Richmond Hill YMCA, and Tyler Pope of the Golden Isles YMCA.

The Robert H. Demere, Sr. Volunteer of the Year Award: Al Pace

Robert “Bobby” Demere, Sr. was a steadfast supporter of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia whose dedication, volunteer service and philanthropic support of the Y mission are deeply woven into the fabric of our local history. In 2005, the Robert H. Demere, Sr. Volunteer of the Year Award was dedicated to honor his legacy and is the YMCA of Coastal Georgia’s highest award for volunteer service. Al Pace has given nearly 50 years of his time and dedication to the Y by leading its board of directors through leadership changes, economic downturns and the process of opening almost all of the Coastal Georgia YMCAs across its seven-county footprint. Pace is a steadfast champion for youth and families and his notable legacy of service has made an incredible mark on the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

Community Builder Volunteer Award: Ervenia Bowers

A true champion for the community, Ervenia Bowers is a devoted volunteer who actively involves herself in connecting information and resources to underserved neighborhoods. A regular volunteer not only at one of the YMCA’s Fresh Express no-cost food distribution sites, but she also takes it upon herself to collect and hand-deliver fresh groceries to home-bound seniors on the west side of Savannah. She has contributed extra items to the Fresh Express program at her own expense including hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, PPE and 2023 calendars, and goes above and beyond by acting as a megaphone and advocate for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, the REACH grant, and for partner Healthy Savannah.

Community Builder Volunteer Award: Dillon Wall

Dillon Wall volunteers at each and every event at the Richmond Hill YMCA, and is a pivotal person in building community at his branch. A soldier stationed at Fort Stewart, he is truly dedicated to serving his neighbors, and is constantly engaging with the branch director on how he can be of more help to his YMCA family.

Community Builder Volunteer Award: Mark Reed

A strong advocate for the Tybee Island YMCA and Rec Department, Mark Reed is constantly finding ways for his branch to grow and telling the story of what the Y does. His deep connection to Tybee Island has fostered an ability to develop strong partnerships with groups and individuals including the Tybee Beachcomber, Fight Dirty Tybee, Visit Tybee and others.

Community Builder Volunteer Award: Tyler Pope

Tyler Pope has dedicated hours and hours to the improvement of the exterior facilities at the Golden Isles YMCA, volunteering his personal time to trimming hedges, mowing grass, weed eating, blowing leaves, and engaging in general upkeep of the property. Through his employer, Weyerhauser, he has organized work days at the Y for his staff and coworkers and jumpstarted the transformation process of the underutilized land behind the branch facility.

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia thanks these and all volunteers for their myriad contributions to the community!

Find Your Fun, Find Your Y at Healthy Kids Day!

Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is hosting the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day® on Saturday, May 6! This free, annual event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families and a healthy start to the summer season.

In celebration of this annual kick-off to summer, we are sharing a list of five activities that we encourage you to share with your kids. The goal is to have them try something new at the Y by promoting a variety of opportunities to get involved in active play – hopefully, this will inspire a lifetime love of physical and mental activity! Share these opportunities with your children and inspire them to “find their fun” by discovering an activity that they love!

Find Your Swimming Skills with Y Swim Lessons
Each year the Y teaches hundreds of Coastal Georgia children to swim. This helps them find their CONFIDENCE, teaches a lifelong skill and introduces them to lifelong fun. Click here to learn more about swim lessons.

Find Your Adventure with Y Summer Camp
Summer is a time for kids to explore new things and expand the limits of their imagination. At the YMCA of Coastal Georgia’s summer day camp, every day is a new adventure! Whether experiencing the wonder of art and STEM or having a blast with new friends, many children and teens find their ADVENTURE with the Y. Click here to learn more about summer day camp.

Find your Passion with Y Sports
Youth sports are just the start of something bigger– besides teaching healthy living principles, they also teach the value of teamwork, help fuel determination and build character. At the YMCA of Coastal Georgia we have plenty of sports programs to help keep children active while igniting their PASSION for something greater. Click here to find sports specialty summer camps, and click here to learn more about youth sports leagues.

Find Your Voice with Y Teen Programs
We believe young people have the power to change the world. Our teen and young adult programs are designed to help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to lead positive change in Coastal Georgia and beyond. Check out our Leaders in Training summer camp program for ages 12-15 here.

Click here for more information on Healthy Kids Day activities at your home branch!

Earth Day 2023: Four Easy Ways You Can Help Protect Our Planet

In celebration of #EarthDay this Saturday, April 22, the Y is sharing four easy ways you can help protect our planet!

  • Tip#1: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. Cut down on what you throw away and recycle what you can!
  • Tip #2: Volunteer. Get involved in volunteer opportunities, from community cleanups to local advocacy
    work!
  • Tip #3: Eat Local. Support
    local farmers and save money, energy and fuel!
  • Tip #4: Shop Wisely. Buy
    sustainable products that help reduce your carbon footprint!
Earth Day at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia

Hop Into Easter at Your Coastal Georgia Y!

Easter at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia

Spring into the season with upcoming festivals and egg hunts at your local Coastal Georgia YMCA

  • April 1: Islands Family YMCA Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • April 1: Tybee Island YMCA & Rec Center Easter Egg-stravaganza, 12-2 p.m
  • April 1: Habersham YMCA/Chatham County YBASE Easter Egg Hunt, 1:30-3 p.m.
  • April 7: Liberty YMCA photos with the Easter Bunny, Easter crafts, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • April 8: Statesboro Family YMCA Easter Egg-stravaganza, 10 a.m-2 p.m.