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

Posted on by Christopher Sweat

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!

Posted on by Summer Bozeman

 

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

Posted on by Summer Bozeman

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!

Posted on by Summer Bozeman
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

Posted on Updated on by Summer Bozeman

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!

Posted on Updated on by Summer Bozeman
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.

Nine Healthy Eating Tips for the Entire Family!

Posted on by Summer Bozeman

March is National Nutrition Month! What is your family doing in effort to target healthy eating habits? Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN has some tips and a recipe below.

Post a snack list on the fridge

Have a list posted on the fridge of available and healthy snacks so it’s more likely everyone will choose those nourishing options when hunger hits. Snacks that have protein and produce are great options such as an Eggland’s Best hard-cooked egg and cucumbers, nut butter and celery, cheese stick and apple, edamame and orange slices, or yogurt and berries.

Play “Try It Tuesday”

Trying new foods is such a great way to get a wide variety of nutrition and create more adventurous eaters. Make Tuesday the day each week to open everyone’s mind and palate to try a new snack, a new side dish, a new recipe, or even just take a bite of a new fruit or veggie.

Team up in the kitchen

Cooking together makes it feel more fun and when kids play a role in prepping, they are more likely to enjoy the meal. Teaching kids how to cook is a valuable life skill that you can start teaching at any age, it’s never too early or late. And bonus, the better kids get in the kitchen, the less work it ends up being for parents!

Count the color on your plate

One of the best ways to eat better is by adding more colorful fruits and veggies to meals and snacks. So have kids count the colors on their plate and the more colors the better. Take it to the next level and create a family chart to track the colors eaten through the week or month!

Learn the superpowers of each food group

Each food group does powerful things in your body. And when kids (and adults) focus on the superpower benefits of food, it becomes more meaningful and fun to choose nourishing options. For example:

  • Protein foods like Eggland’s Best eggs, chicken, and beans help grow and repair muscles.
  • Fruits and veggies give us vitamins and minerals to protect our cells.
  • Whole grains like whole wheat, oats, and brown rice give us energy.
  • Fats like nuts, avocado, and olive oil support our organs.

Create a water station

Staying hydrated helps keep us healthy and energized. Keep a pitcher of water that’s easy to see on the counter or in the fridge. And nearby have cups/water bottles and some slices of cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges, mint, and/or berries so kids can create their own special flavor combos. Keeping water available and fun encourages the whole family to drink more of it.

 

Oatmeal Snack Bars

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield/Total Servings: 16 snack bars

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best eggs

1 mashed ripe banana (about 1/2 cup)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)

1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best eggs, mashed banana, maple syrup & vanilla.
  3. In another bowl, mix together oats, flour, chocolate chips, baking powder, salt & cinnamon.
  4. Add the egg mixture (wet ingredients) to the oat mixture (dry ingredients) and stir.
  5. Spread batter into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until set in middle and golden around edges.
  7. Let cool and cut into 16 squares.

Allergy Info: vegetarian, dairy-free, whole grain

Nutrition Info:
Serving size: 1 snack bar

Calories: 100

Total Fat: 4.5g

Saturated Fat: 1.5g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 20mg

Sodium: 110mg

Carbohydrate: 14g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Added Sugar: 3g

Protein: 3g

Commemorating the Accomplishments of Women Leaders Within the Y Movement

Posted on Updated on by Summer Bozeman

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, the Y is honored to commemorate and celebrate female figures within the history of the YMCA movement who were vital to the success and empowerment of all current and future women leaders in the Y.

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Ellen Brown

Ellen Brown

Ellen Brown was the first female YMCA employee in 1886 when she was hired to serve as the “boys work secretary.” Brown taught a night class at the Y that grew so rapidly, it eventually became a whole department! #WomensHistoryMonth 📷: @yarchives

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Addie Hunton

Addie Hunton

As part of the YMCA's massive World War I support effort, Addie Hunton was one of only three African American women assigned to serve over 200,000 segregated Black troops stationed in France. Hunton was also YWCA secretary for Black student work and vice president of the NAACP. #WomensHistoryMonth 📷:@yarchives

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Marguerite Crockett

Marguerite Cockett

Marguerite Cockett graduated from Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1905. In 1916 she bought a car and brought it to France where she worked as an ambulance driver under the American Fund for French Wounded. She spent three months in Serbia establishing a French-Serbian hospital and served on a hospital ship in the Mediterranean. In 1917 she established the first canteen under the YMCA American Expeditionary Forces. #WomensHistoryMonth 📷: @yarchives

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Winifred Colton

Winifred Colton

Fighting to improve the status of women in the YMCA, Winifred Colton began her extensive YMCA career as women’s and girls’ work secretary at the YMCA of Metro Chicago. In 1957, the YMCA's National Council’s statement of purpose no longer applied to “males only,” and Colton became the first woman professional on the national staff. #WomensHistoryMonth 📷: @yarchives

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Xinia Brenes Jenkins

Xinia Brenes Jenkins

One of the founding members of the San Jose YMCA, Xinia Brenes Jenkins was deeply involved in the Costa Rican Catholic youth movement. The Latin American Confederation of YMCAs reached out to Jenkins for her assistance in instituting a national Costa Rican YMCA. Jenkins's work for the Costa Rican YMCA focused on providing programs for refugees, relief for those affected by housing shortages, and offering vocational skills training for women and agricultural skills training for Costa Rican natives. #WomensHistoryMonth 📷:@yarchives

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Violet Henry

Violet P. Henry

After holding various executive leadership roles in the Newark and Chicago YMCAs, in 1976, Violet P. Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position at the Y's national office. She provided leadership for numerous national and international commissions and committees that worked for the rights of women and people of color. #WomensHistoryMonth 📷:@yarchives

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Wilhelmina Aveling

Wilhelmina “Willie” Aveling

Wilhelmina “Willie” Aveling began her YMCA career as a physical director in Atlantic City. In 1933, she joined the staff of the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA to find ways to improve programs for women and girls. For the next 28 years, she helped develop policies and recruit women leaders within the YMCA movement. She was the first woman to be inducted into the YMCA National Hall of Fame. #WomensHistoryMonth 📷: National YMCA Hall of Fame

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month Suzanne McCormick

Suzanne McCormick

In 2021, Suzanne McCormick became the first woman to serve as CEO of the YMCA of the USA. #WomensHistoryMonth

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Women's History Month

Savannah Tree Foundation and Gulfstream Aerospace Partner with YMCA of Coastal Georgia to Plant Trees at Ys

Posted on Updated on by Summer Bozeman

In celebration of Georgia Arbor Day 2023, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia partnered with the Savannah Tree Foundation and Gulfstream Aerospace to plant 175 trees at five YMCA branches and other locations throughout Chatham and neighboring counties. 

The project planted trees at the Islands Family YMCA February 17—Georgia Arbor Day—and invited the public to participate in the tree-planting events and take home a free sapling. Additional tree-planting events took place at the Tybee Island YMCA & Recreation Department on Saturday, February 18, and then the Effingham YMCA Saturday, February 25. More tree-planting events will take place at the West Chatham YMCA and Habersham YMCA this fall. 

According to the Savannah Tree Foundation, recent studies show that trees can be linked to overall public health and Chatham County has been losing its tree canopy at a rate of at least three football fields a day! Trees are proven to have several positive effects on our environment and communities, including lowering temperatures by nearly 20 degrees during summertime, helping with storm water mitigation, cleaning the air we breathe, and providing habitats for native wildlife. 

“The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is committed to improving our community’s health and well-being and partnering with Savannah Tree Foundation and Gulfstream to help combat canopy loss is an effective way to meet that mission,” says YMCA of Coastal Georgia CEO Joel Smoker. “This project will help better our communities while promoting healthy green spaces and beautifying the sites for our community members to enjoy.”

YMCA of Coastal Georgia Cuts the Ribbon on EGYM at Effingham and Islands Branches!

Posted on Updated on by Summer Bozeman

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is kicking off 2023 by cutting the ribbon on two new EGYM smart strength systems at the Effingham County and Islands branches.

What’s so special about EGYM? After a one-time introduction session with a coach, the smart equipment recognizes you (based on an electronic band unique to you and free with your Y membership) and sets itself up, so you don’t have to struggle with bands or weights. It provides a customized, full-body strength training workout in just 30 minutes, taking the guesswork out of strength training, and gives the member a goal-specific training plan using a game-like interface. EGYM also measure your progress against the program you set up and, for example, removes resistance if you’re struggling, or adds resistance if it seems like the program is too easy for you. It even self-adjusts the seat on each piece of equipment according to your height!

Learn more about EGYM below:

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt EIN: 58-0603160