About Us

We Build Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities

We are one of the founding YMCAs in Canada, celebrating 150 years of service to the Niagara community in 2009. Thousands of volunteers, leaders and youth have found the YMCA the place to build character and gain values-based experiences.

Over the years, the YMCA has changed and evolved to reflect the needs of the community. In 2002 the YMCAs in Welland, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines united to form the YMCA of Niagara. In 2009 the YMCA of Fort Erie was officially united with the YMCA of Niagara. This unification enables us to serve more people and develop a stronger base of coordinated, community services across Niagara. In 2011 the YMCA of Niagara will be expanding once again with the opening of a new membership branch in West Niagara.

The YMCA is open to everyone. By developing the strengths of men, women and children and providing a solid foundation for people to develop their spirit, mind and body, the YMCA builds individuals. Financial assistance is available to individuals and families who require support to participate in YMCA programs.

As the CEO, I am privileged to have the leadership and commitment of a strong volunteer board, over 1000 talented volunteers, over 1,300 staff, plus over 1,300 YMCA Strong Kids Annual Support Campaign donors. Together we touch the lives of over 75,000 men, women and children across twelve communities. The YMCA truly does build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

 Stephen Butz, CEO

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We Build Kids

The YMCA builds character and values with thousands of children and youth daily through a variety of YMCA programs.

Child Care

Over 2,500 children of working parents are cared for daily at the YMCA Child Care in 54 centres across Niagara.

Youth Action

Young people find a safe, social outlet though the Youth Action programs offered in 27 locations. Monthly dances provide a meeting place for up to 1,000 young people. Together 6,500 youth are involved in Youth Action.

Children's Membership

Over 7,600 children and youth, of whom approximately 30% are financially assisted, learn and grow as YMCA members.

Day Camp

Each summer, 25 Day Camps provide enjoyment and care for nearly 2,500 kids, offering special interest camp themes such as dance and drama, computer, preschool camp and the traditional outdoor camp.

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We Build Health

The YMCA views health in a holistic sense - spiritual, mental and physical well being

Membership

Nearly 25,000 men, women and children are active as YMCA members in the Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Fort Erie centres. Specialty health programs, such as arthritic aquatics and bone-building sessions, cater to the needs of older adults with medical conditions. Physical accessibility features in all four facilities enable individuals with physical limitations to participate in the YMCA.

PRO-Kids

The PRO-Kids program builds wellness for children of low-income families by linking them to recreational and cultural programs. In partnership with the Region of Niagara and other recreation service providers, the YMCA acts as a bridge and an advocate for children of low-income families. Research has shown that positive, stimulating environments impact on the healthy development of children.

Ontario Early Years Centre

The YMCA provides services and education to parents and their preschool children to support the healthy development of infants and young kids, in partnership with the Ontario government. The Ontario government created Ontario Early Years Centres to be a place where parents and caregivers can get answers to questions, information about programs and services that are available for young children, and an opportunity to talk to early years professionals, as well as other parents and caregivers in the community. The YMCA of Niagara is the lead agency in St. Catharines with an Ontario Early Years Centre located at the Walker Family YMCA branch as well as 4 other locations and a mobile service.

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We Build Openness and Acceptance

Open to All

Thousands of men, women and children are financially assisted to participate in membership, day camp, and child care. No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Over 1,300 Strong Kids donors support the YMCA in assisting children of low income families to participate in the YMCA.

Special Needs

Kaleidoscope and Kids First programs offer weekend programs for children with special needs. The YMCA partners with many community agencies to provide additional support for children attending child care, membership and day camp in an integrated setting. Various agencies, such as the Brain Injury Association, are provided with special arrangements so their clients can be involved in the YMCA.

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We Build Leaders

Leaders-In-Training

Leaders-In-Training for youth has been a core program of the YMCA for generations. This values based program, offered through day camp and membership, provides the support and structure for over 300 youth to expand their horizons, build self-esteem and sharpen their skills. These youth often provide the base for the future YMCA and community leaders.

Volunteers

The YMCA is grateful for the nearly 800 people who volunteer their time at the YMCA sharing their talents to serve the community. Leading classes, performing mock job interviews, providing Board leadership and sharing the YMCA story to potential donors are all examples of how YMCA volunteers make a difference.

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We Build Skills

Employment Services

Over 1,200 adults will gain life skills, job search assistance and work experience through three YMCA Employment Service Centres. An unstable home life, limited education are some of the employment barriers that the YMCA helps participants overcome.

Employer of Young People

The YMCA employs over 1,000 people. It is the largest employer of young people in the Niagara Region. For many young people, the YMCA is their first job experience and provides them with a solid foundation to develop a positive work ethic.

Training

The YMCA provides a multitude of training opportunities for volunteers, staff and the community, including certification for aquatics, first aid and fitness leadership.

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We Build Communities

We believe that building strong individuals results in stronger families and in turn, strong communities.

Niagara Wide

The YMCA of Niagara touches the lives of over 50,000 people at over 100 program sites in 12 communities in Niagara, with an operating budget over $20 million.

Partnerships

Partnerships enrich the YMCA's ability to serve the community. Each partnership is unique and may be expressed through the provision of a bus to transport teens to a Youth Action program, by providing a scholarship to a student's summer work placement or providing significant commitments to new facilities. Partnerships include all levels of government, private business, foundations, service clubs and other community agencies.

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