YMCA of Coastal Georgia Celebrates 170th Annual Meeting with “Out of This World” Impact

On Tuesday, March 25, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting, bringing together over 200 attendees, including YMCA board members, employees, and community members.

This year’s event, themed “Out of This World,” was a celebration of the YMCA’s impact throughout 2024 and its continued commitment to strengthening communities across the state.

The meeting showcased the incredible work done by the YMCA, highlighting the reach of its programs and the positive changes the organization made over the past year.

Joel Smoker, president and CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, reflected on the year’s achievements: “Our 170th Annual Meeting is an important time to reflect on the history of impact our organization has had. I’m so proud of the amazing work our staff, volunteers, and partners have had in changing lives across the region.”

The event featured recognition of board members, staff awards, and community impact awards, which highlighted outstanding contributions to the Y’s mission.

Shelly Fickau, branch director of the West Chatham YMCA, who played an important role in organizing the event, added, “It was an honor to see so many dedicated individuals come together to celebrate the Y’s mission. From the mission moment to the recognition of our incredible staff, the energy in the room was truly inspiring. We’re excited to continue this journey and look forward to making an even greater impact in 2025.”

The YMCA of Coastal Georgia remains committed to fostering youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility throughout the region. As we look ahead, the Y is excited to continue building on its legacy of positive change for years to come.