Celebrating our Diamond Anniversary
March 27, 2017, marks the 60th anniversary of the YMCA of the Suncoast, a charitable organization that began with a powerful idea and belief — to strengthen the foundations of community. Sixty years ago (March 27, 1957) that was our cause, and it’s our cause today.
Since our founding in Clearwater, the Y has grown from its first facility in 1965 to its newest in Citrus County last May. At the time it opened, the Clearwater YMCA was one of the largest YMCAs in the country. Today, we have eight locations serving kids and families in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
This anniversary marks great accomplishments for our organization, and we can see how far we’ve come thanks to the help and support of nearly 100,000 members, program participants, volunteers, donors and community partners.
In 60 years, our footprint has not just grown, but flourished and made an impact on the communities we serve, especially in youth development. In the '80s, we introduced before- and after-school child care to our service areas. Today, we guide more than 60 school-age programs in your elementary and middle schools.
What began with a few treadmills, a pool and a basketball gymnasium has expanded, with Kids Zone play areas, Youth and Teen Centers, wellness centers, family and competition pools, splash pads, and senior health and social programs.
We have added many great features to accommodate every age and interest. However, our greatest feature is our cause-related work. We are celebrating our 60th year of service and focusing on the next 60 as well. Thanks to our dedicated volunteer-led board of directors, the YMCA of the Suncoast is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We are driven to improve the community’s health and well-being, we advance philanthropy in our communities, and we are enriching the lives of those we serve and supporting our neighbors.
We are humbled to have served our communities for 60 years and we will continue to work diligently to make a lasting difference in the years to come. Our communities may change, but the YMCA mission has not. We put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
G. Scott Goyer
President & CEO
YMCA of the Suncoast