History of the YMCA of Florida's First Coast

2006

• Expanded Skinner Family YMCA
• Expanded Barco-Newton Family YMCA

2005

• Exceeded $10.2 million goal of the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign and received Kresge Foundation gift
• Opened storefront YMCA in Yulee
• Expanded Arlington Family YMCA's wellness facility into Merrill Road location
• Provided more than $2.5 million dollars in financial assistance
• Johnson Family YMCA reopened
• Opened the brand new Flagler Center Family YMCA

2004

• Granted $750,000 matching grant from Kresge Foundation
• Passed the 50,000 Member Mark
• Barco-Newton Family YMCA opened in Fleming Island
• Hilliard Family YMCA completed a renovation of their facility, providing space for YMCA child care, youth and adult activities, and community functions
• The wellness section at the South Metro Family YMCA was expanded and group exercise was added to their program schedule

2003

• Began $10.2 million Forward in Faith Capital Campaign with a $1 million gift
• Broke ground on the Barco-Newton Family YMCA at Fleming Island

2002

• Renovations made to six facilities, including Bank of America Tower, Arlington, Yates, Baker County, duPont, St. Augustine and Winston
• Williams Family YMCA holds groundbreaking for new lobby

2001

• In December, the Hilliard Family YMCA opens, utilizing the Oxford Street Recreational Center, which was renovated by Hilliard residents, who received a $40,000 gift from the Town Council and an additional $7,000 through fundraising efforts
• In June, Baker County Family YMCA opens with a storefront in Macclenny. To show support, volunteers not only solicited community members, but also local government and school board, raising $43,000

1998-2000

• Completion of new facilities including Winston Family YMCA in Ponte Vedra, Skinner YMCA in Jacksonville's Southpoint, and addition of the South Metro Family YMCA rock climbing facility

1995

• Charles J. Williams Family YMCA opens when YMCA purchases Big Tree Tennis Center in Mandarin

1987

• St. Augustine Family YMCA joins association. Originally founded by Henry Flagler as a place for Christian fellowship for the men of the Florida East Coast Railroad

1986

• McArthur Family YMCA (originally known as the Nassau County YMCA) opens in Fernandina Beach, FL

1979

• DuPont Family YMCA opens on Jacksonville's Southside, thanks to funds from the Jessie Ball duPont Foundation

1974

• Clay County Family YMCA opens. In 1996, it is renamed the Bob Dye-Clay Family YMCA when Bob Dye retired as CEO of the YMCA of Florida's First Coast after 26 years of service

1972

• Largest growth in membership due to women being allowed to join the Yates Family YMCA on Jacksonville's Riverside Avenue

1958

• Arlington Family YMCA opens on the St. Johns River. Land was purchased in 1961 from the Jewish Community Center

1955

• Central District YMCA (now the Yates Family YMCA) opens at 221 Riverside Avenue

1952

• YMCA asked to take over operations at Opportunity House, an organization that served Jacksonville's downtown area

1948

• Davis Street Branch YMCA, now the James Weldon Johnson YMCA organized to serve Jacksonville's African-American community. Now located on the Northside, it was previously housed on West Eighth Street

1941

• YMCA offices re-open after closing during the Great Depression.

1909

• Camp Immokalee organized in Keystone Heights, FL

1908

• Early records show the YMCA was started in Jacksonville prior to 1908. At that time, the YMCA was located in downtown Jacksonville on the corner of Laura and Duval Streets

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