A Season of Gratitude: YMCA of Coastal Georgia Reflects on the Impact of Youth Workforce Development

Bank of America Grant Fuels Lifeguard and Childcare Workforce Development

This year, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia continued its commitment to youth workforce development by empowering local young people while meeting critical community needs, thanks to a generous grant from Bank of America. The funding enabled the YMCA to hire and train dozens of youth, placing them in essential roles as lifeguards and summer childcare workers across the Savannah area.

With the support of Bank of America, the YMCA was able to enhance its summer programs, ensuring that families had access to safe, high-quality childcare and aquatics services during the busiest months. This initiative not only provided young people with meaningful employment but also equipped them with valuable job skills, leadership training, and certifications that will serve them for years to come.

“This program was about more than just summer jobs,” said Joel Smoker, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “It was about investing in the future of our community by giving young people the tools they need to succeed. Thanks to Bank of America’s support, we were able to strengthen our programs and provide a safe, enriching environment for families.”

“Partnering with YMCA of Coastal Georgia is part of our commitment to creating sustainable change in Savannah,” said Patrick O’Neil, president, Bank of America Savannah. “Investing in Savannah nonprofits demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”

The impact of the grant was especially evident in the YMCA’s aquatics programs, where newly trained lifeguards played a critical role. “We had one of our best summers yet,” said Camille Stone, Aquatics Cabinet Lead. “The lifeguards were not only highly skilled but also enthusiastic and dedicated, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visited our pools. It was a true community effort.”

“We are committed to empowering and developing the next generation. In 2024 alone, we hired 92 teens—37 of whom were rehired from previous years—bringing the total to 129 youth employed by the YMCA this year. Thanks to the support of the Bank of America Foundation, we’re able to create opportunities for young people to grow and succeed, inspiring change that ultimately builds a stronger community for us all,” said Meketa Brown, Advancement Director for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.

The success of the YMCA’s youth workforce development initiative exemplifies the power of community partnerships and strategic investment. As the YMCA of Coastal Georgia reflects on this year’s achievements, it looks forward to continuing to create opportunities for local youth, ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for the greater community.

ABOVE PHOTO: Joel Smoker, President and CEO of YMCA of Coastal Georgia, and Meketa Brown, Advancement Director, accept a check from Amy Repella, Senior Vice President and Savannah Market Executive for Bank of America, and Patrick O’Neil, Bank of America Market President. The grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports the YMCA’s youth workforce development initiatives, empowering local teens and meeting critical community needs.

BELOW: YMCA of Coastal Georgia lifeguards at this year’s Lifeguard Rodeo, fully staffed and trained thanks to the support of a generous grant from Bank of America. This funding allowed the YMCA to provide comprehensive training and employment opportunities for local youth, ensuring safe and well-supervised aquatics programs throughout the summer.