Thursday, January 22, 2026
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026, I hope you had a joyful holiday season filled with time to rest, recharge and spend meaningful moments with family and friends. The start of a new year always brings a sense of possibility, and I hope you were able to reflect on the year behind you while setting new goals for your health and overall wellbeing.
January is a time when we welcome many new families through our doors. As the YMCA celebrates 175 years of serving communities in the USA, our mission remains as strong and relevant as ever. The Y is not just a place to work out, it is a place where friendships are formed, confidence is built and lives are changed. No matter the reason someone joins the Y, we want them to know that they belong here. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting individuals and families and helping every person reach their full potential.
Also, I hope you had the opportunity to visit our Program Showcase last weekend at one of our centers. This event highlighted the wide range of programs available across the Tampa YMCA… from youth sports and aquatics, to wellness, adult sports and community initiatives. It was a great opportunity to learn more about what’s available, ask questions and connect with the dedicated staff who bring our mission to life and support our members every day.
And a special note about an entertaining Pickleball Tournament we hosted presented by our friends at TECO. It was exciting to see so many community members come together for friendly competition, laughter and connection. Events like these remind us that the Y is about more than just exercise, it’s about bringing people together in positive and engaging ways. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the YMCA at this fun event.
To conclude, this week we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He has many memorable quotes and one that always stood out to me is “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great of a burden to bear.” One of our most special and valued traits in our Y community is our capacity to love and care for one another. Through climates of indifference and uncertainty, the Y has been and will be an organization that is committed to transforming the lives of all people. The Y is a place where common ground is plenty, differences are assets and opportunity is for all. In our facilities and on our fields, friendships are formed and bonds are made. We all find strength in the fact that we are better and stronger together.
Thank you for being a part of the Tampa YMCA family. Your support and shared commitment to help build stronger, more connected communities make a lasting impact. I am excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to growing in health and wellbeing together in 2026.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO