Thursday, August 20, 2026
Dear Friends,
There is something special about this time of year. As we wrap up another busy summer and families settle into the rhythm of a new school year, we have so much to celebrate. Across our association, more than 4,600 children spent their summer at the Tampa YMCA, creating memories, building friendships and discovering new opportunities, while our dedicated staff worked hard each day to make those experiences especially meaningful. As I look back on the summer and ahead to fall, I am reminded of the incredible impact we can have when we come together to serve and strengthen our community.
As summer winds down, we are excited to welcome families into the routines and opportunities that come with a new school year. Youth sports are in full swing, bringing children together to learn new skills, stay active, build friendships and experience the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Whether it is a child stepping onto the field for the first time or returning for another season with teammates and coaches, these experiences help build character and confidence that extend far beyond the game.
Our educational programs are also back in full swing as children return to the classroom. From preschool and VPK to Before and After School and homeschool programs, the Tampa Y is proud to support children and families throughout every stage of their educational journey. We know that getting back into a school-year routine can be a big adjustment for families, and our goal is to provide safe, enriching and supportive environments where children can learn, grow and thrive while parents and caregivers manage the demands of everyday life.
As we enjoy the upcoming Labor Day holiday and officially begin the transition into fall, we also have an especially exciting milestone just around the corner. Next month, we will open the doors to the new Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA in Wesley Chapel. This new Y is a tremendous investment in a growing community and represents our commitment to making sure families have access to programs, resources and opportunities that help them reach their full potential.
We are so excited to welcome the Wesley Chapel community into this new space and begin building relationships, creating memories and making an impact for generations to come. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the opening, and I look forward to sharing this important milestone with our members, volunteers, donors, community partners and everyone who helped make this vision a reality. Check out our progress, browse offerings, support our campaign and see what's next here.
Thank you for being a part of the Tampa YMCA and for believing in what we can accomplish together. Whether you are a longtime Y member, a volunteer, a donor or someone discovering the Y for the first time, you are an important part of our YMCA community. I am filled with gratitude for all we have accomplished together this summer and excited for all that is still ahead.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO