Thursday, September 17, 2026
Dear Friends,
There is a lot to celebrate this fall at the Tampa YMCA.
Coming soon, we will celebrate a milestone years in the making: the ribbon cutting of the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA in Wesley Chapel. This moment represents more than just a new YMCA. It represents the power of a community coming together to create something that will serve generations to come. After years of vision, planning, hard work and incredible generosity, the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA is almost ready to open its doors and become a place where individuals and families can connect, grow and thrive, expanding our capacity to empower members of our community to live their healthiest and most fulfilled lives.
This milestone represents more than the completion of a building. It marks the beginning of a place where children can learn to swim, families can spend time together, seniors can build friendships and neighbors can find a sense of belonging. The Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA represents a tremendous investment in the future of Wesley Chapel, and we are deeply grateful to the donors, volunteers, community leaders, partners and staff who helped bring this vision to life.
As we look ahead to this exciting new chapter, we are reminded of what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision. We look forward to celebrating the opening of the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA and welcoming the Wesley Chapel community to a place built for connection, growth and belonging.
As this newsletter reaches you, some of us are in New Orleans for YMCA General Assembly, where more than 4,000 YMCA professionals, including staff, board members and community partners, have gathered from across the country and beyond. It is an incredible opportunity to learn from one another, share ideas and celebrate the work happening throughout the YMCA movement. Being together with so many people who are committed to strengthening communities is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.
While our communities may be different, the cause that brings us together is the same: strengthening communities and helping people reach their full potential. I am proud that the Tampa YMCA is part of this movement and grateful for the opportunity to connect with Y colleagues, learn from others and bring new ideas and inspiration back to our community.
As we look ahead to the ribbon cutting of the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA and the work still before us, I am excited about what is possible when we continue to come together. The future of the Tampa YMCA is strong, and our impact is growing because of the people who believe in the Y and the difference we can make together.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO