Director of Human Resources Carla Struckhoff beams with pride when she speaks of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg as a distinguished employer. Both full- and part-time staff at the YMCA receive great benefits, which play a substantial role in the acquisition of new staff as well as retention. Some of these include a 12% retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, discounted preschool fees, free before-and-afterschool childcare, free YMCA membership and more. TEACH scholarship opportunities are available to Youth Development staff as well. Part-time staff even receive dental and life insurance benefits—perks virtually unheard of in the world of part-time employment. Read More »

Each summer, right before the start of day camp, camp counselors and staff take part in an interactive and engaging staff training session to equip them with tools and strategies to lead the campers in their care and create a safe summer and lifelong memories. These dynamic, team-building activities address the topics of bullying, transitions and camp group management, designing creative and engaging curriculum, supporting children who are experiencing trauma, and self-care strategies.

Our three preschool academies came together for a collaborative professional development day, “Inspire with Intention: Growing Minds through Purposeful Practice.” Educators and community leaders gathered to reflect, learn, and connect in support of early childhood education.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, who shared her inspiring story of growing up in St. Petersburg, her career journey, and the wide array of educational and professional opportunities SPC offers to early childhood educators. This day underscored the value of ongoing education, equipping educators with new strategies to better serve children and families while fostering excellence in early learning. Through events like this, the preschool academies aim to promoe excellence in early learning and create a lasting impact on future generations.

With 32 years in the classroom, Irish Robinson has mastered the art of using creativity and energy to keep her preschoolers engaged. Known for her tireless work ethic, this veteran educator is pursuing her master's degree in early childhood education. Learn why this Speer YMCA Preschool Academy teacher was recognized as a Bay News 9 A+ Teacher, and how her passion for education helps students prepare for the next big step. Read More or Watch Video »

The STAR Award Recognition Program is a unique tactic by which the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg supports employee satisfaction and retention. Providing recognition for surpassing job expectations or achieving special accomplishments, STAR Awards can be submitted by any YMCA staff member and can nominate any YMCA staff member, regardless of rank, position or department. These special awards are designed to honor exceptional contribution to the Y’s efforts, as well as encourage and motivate staff to reach their truest full potential. Read More »

We believe hard work should be recognized and we thank all of our loyal staff. That's why, we recognize and celebrate staff who reach milestones within their work experience with us. When staff reach employment milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years with us or more, we celebrate! We know that when our staff is happy, they are productive, positive and provide top service to our members, campers and program participants.

Alice Perez, Grant Compliance Director, and Kieran Gabel received statewide recognition through the YMCA Professional Network at its annual gathering. Alice received the Rising Star Award, given to outstanding individuals who show exceptional promise during their first three years of employment. She was recognized for her dedication, commitment, and skill in her role and promise as a future leader. Kieran, Community Health Director, received the Cause-Driven Leader of the Year award. She has inspired and mobilized Members, volunteers, staff, and the community to push toward a healthier future. Her passion and dedication to community health have truly made a lasting impact.

The American Heart Association generously donated two hands-free CPR kits for CPR training at YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. Each kit includes 10 inflatable mannequins designed for effective CPR training. These resources enable us to provide free essential training to any of our staff whose positions require it, or who would like the training for their own benefit. Saff will then be able to offer the training to our members and the community, all of which helps improve outcomes of cardiac emergencies.

During the nationwide Five Days of Action, we launched a web page dedicated to abuse prevention that outlines how we, together, can keep children safe. As the nation's largest school-age childcare provider, our most important work includes ensuring their safety and well-being — it is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive. View Web Page »

YMCAs across the nation celebrated "We Wear Rainbow Day" and our staff joined in showing their support! At the Y, Pride Month is an opportunity to live up to our mission of providing a safe, welcoming community for all. See it on Facebook»

The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all backgrounds, working side-by-side to strengthen our community. Together we work to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential with dignity. The Y is a place where all people are respected and welcome and receive what they need to thrive.Watch »

When Speer YMCA opened in December 2023, residents of north St. Petersburg, as well as current members, gained access to all the same great programs and services provided at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA and the Bardmoor YMCA - and more! The community was ready for this facility - in its first four months of operation, it reached its annual goal for membership, serving more than 3,000 new Members. Now, between the three YMCA Wellness Centers, members in southern Pinellas County will never be more than 15 minutes away from a YMCA and the resources offered. Read More »

Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy celebrated a significant milestone in May 2024, having been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. The commission accredits over 1,300 programs across 35 states and beyond, and is a respected body in early childhood education.  Read More or Watch Video »

After over 10 years nurturing preschoolers in their social, emotional and educational growth to prepare them for success in school, Speer YMCA Preschool Academy will add four new classrooms—two for infants, two for toddlers—to give even our earliest learners the best start possible.

Additionally, a new playground, specifically for toddlers, will be installed, along with an airnaseum for more shade, and an upgraded teaching garden. Expanding the resources and amenities for this school in the south St. Petersburg area, creates classroom communities where every child feels valued, uplifted and supported, in a facility that supports parents in their children’s ultimate academic success. Read More

During Summer Camp at the YMCA, children have the opportunity to make friends, have fun, get active and build confidence through a variety of options. In 2025, the number of campers participating in our summer specialty camps grew for the fifth year in a row! We served roughly 350 children in our camps. See our campers in action! Watch Video»

In response to the ever-growing reliance on technology, this innovative initiative aims to provide the community with a space for responsible gaming, skill development and multi-generational engagement. Read More »

Every day, over 16 million youth in America leave school and go home to an empty house. Those who are most vulnerable are often at risk of delinquent behavior and lack the encouragement, social shaping and life skills essential to becoming healthy, productive adults. The Prodigy Cultural Arts Program is a research proven, diversion, intervention and prevention program that provides a safe arena where youth learn effective communication, problem solving and conflict resolution skills through visual and performing cultural arts. Read More »

When the St. Petersburg area was hammered by back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, we had the opportunity to provide relief and support to our community in a variety of ways.

• Because our facilities received little damage, we were able to open our doors to community members who needed to shower, charge devices, or just spend time out of the heat and humidity.
• To help area parents get back to work before schools reopened, we offered a hurricane relief camp, where kids could spend time with friends, swim and have some fun.
• We joined forces with Pinellas County Schools to offer hurricane relief care for Madiera Beach elementary and middle school before- and afterschool care participants who lost use of their school for several months due to hurricane damage.
• We made space available for Chick-fil-A and Convoy of Hope to set up a meal distribution site for area community members to drive through to get a hot meal, water and other supplies.Watch »

Our campers and camp counselors have put together a special thank-you video to express their gratitude. Watch »

During our Send A Kid to Camp luncheon, summer campers and donors shared favorite camp memories over lunch. A huge thank you to the supporters who helped send kids to camp this summer, as well as the campers who kept everyone entertained! See it on Facebook»

We've received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, which means we're accountable, transparent, and financially healthy! See the Announcement »

The Y offers many Community Health Programs that are focused on providing evidence-based support to individuals with specific health needs, including cancer recovery, diabetes prevention, Parkinson's, arthritis and joint issues, blood pressure monitoring and weight loss. Sometimes, the impact of these programs goes beyond participation and turns into meaningful ways to pay it forward. Read More »