Supporting Service Members, Veterans and Military Families at the Y

The Tampa YMCA proudly celebrated Veterans Day on November 11 and Military Family Month, a time to honor and recognize the courage, dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes and their loved ones.

Service is at the heart of who we are, and we’re committed to providing programs and resources that help military members and their families strengthen their spirit, mind and body. Through our two signature military-focused programs, Operation Strong Families and Operation Hero, we strive to meet the unique needs of those who serve and their families.

Operation Strong Families is a family-based program that provides parents and children with opportunities to build stronger bonds through both discussion and physical activity. Over the course of 10 weeks, families participate in group sessions that focus on communication, teamwork and healthy living. Parents meet once a week for guided conversations with other parents and a trained facilitator. At the same time, children engage in group activities that promote confidence, problem-solving skills and free play in our Kids Zone. Together, families reunite for workouts designed to strengthen both the body and the family bond.

Operation Hero is another impactful program designed to help military children develop resiliency, self-esteem and leadership skills. Through engaging lessons and supportive group environments, kids learn to overcome obstacles and express themselves in positive ways.

We’re proud to offer these programs at no cost to participants, thanks to generous funding through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

We’re also honored to have numerous veterans among our YMCA association.

Nicole Breed, Executive Director at our North Brandon Family YMCA, served in the U.S. Navy from December 1998 to April 2005, with deployments to Japan, Bahrain and Diego Garcia. Reflecting on her service, Nicole shared, “Serving in the Navy was such an honor. I learned so much that has helped me in both my life and my career.”

As a proud member of the YMCA’s Military Employee Resource Group, Nicole continues to lead with the same commitment and courage she showed in service.

To all our active-duty members, veterans and military families, thank you. You are an essential part of our YMCA family, and we are honored to celebrate and serve those who have given so much to our community and our country.