Nonprofit Spotlight: Bob Sierra Family YMCA

Rob Wiggins is group vice president and executive director of the Bob Sierra Family YMCA in Northdale. The facility is one of 19 YMCA's in Hillsborough and east Pasco counties.

Wiggins recently talked to Patch about the YMCA and how the community can get involved:

Patch: How many YMCA's are in Carrollwood and Northdale? 

Wiggins: Two. The Bob Sierra Family YMCA and the Bob Sierra Youth & Family Center.

Patch: Why are YMCAs important to communities?

Wiggins: The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: To strengthen the foundations of community. With a commitment of nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.   

Patch: What are some of the services and activities that YMCAs offer?

Wiggins: Our programs and facilities are based on the unique needs and interests of each of our communities. At Bob Sierra, we offer healthy living programs that educate members about diabetes and other chronic diseases, we offer social and exercise programs for active older adults, we provide support and healthy living guidance for cancer survivors, we provide afterschool and summer camps for children, we teach children how to be safe around water and, of course, offer a variety of youth sports programming, such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, flag football and T-ball.    

Patch: How can volunteers get involved at the YMCA?

Wiggins: We welcome volunteers who want to make a difference in their community. We have a range of activities in which you can get involved – from coaching a youth sports team or organizing an active older adults outing to helping out with special events or fundraising.    

Patch: What makes the Bob Sierra YMCA stand out from others in the area?

Wiggins: The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We make a meaningful, enduring impact right here in the Carrollwood community.    

Check out last week's spotlight here.