JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 November 29, 2016<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 The YMCA of Florida\u2019s First Coast is pleased to announce its recognition by Jax4Kids\u2014an online publication dedicated to providing resources for Northeast Florida\u2019s youth\u2014as one of the 2016 \u201cBest Of\u201d winners. Voted by local parents, the Y is among the best providers for after-school programs, swimming instruction and general activity camps on the First Coast.<\/p>\n This annual list recognizes exceptional activities and programs that businesses and nonprofits offer to help parents discover fun and beneficial opportunities for their children. Competing categories include entertainment, dining, health and education. The full list was released in the Jax4Kids\u2019 December newspaper<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are honored to be one of Jax4Kids \u2018Best Of\u2019 winners, along with other outstanding organizations on the First Coast. We believe it is our responsibility to provide the resources needed for all children to reach their full potential,\u201d said Eric Mann, CEO and president of YMCA of Florida\u2019s First Coast. \u201cMost importantly, the Y will continue to offer quality, educational youth development programs that parents can trust.\u201d<\/p>\n From cradle to career, the Y offers child care programs, including an after-school program<\/strong>, with a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement. The Y\u2019s youth swimming program<\/strong> is designed to keep kids safe in the water while guiding them with praise and encouragement. Free swim testing is available at all neighborhood Y locations<\/a> across the First Coast. The Y is also one of the nation\u2019s largest providers of camping programs<\/strong>, providing safe,\u00a0high-quality\u00a0care with a focus on important life skills, developing core values,\u00a0improving reading comprehension\u00a0through daily literacy activities and\u00a0practicing good healthy habits by being active throughout the day.<\/p>\n For more information about the YMCA of Florida\u2019s First Coast, visit FirstCoastYMCA.org. The Y<\/strong>
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\nFor more than 100 years, YMCA of Florida\u2019s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: www.FirstCoastYMCA.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n