For Niagara Centre YMCA member Ahmed Yousif, the Y is more than a place to work out — it’s where connection, wellness, and community naturally come together.

Ahmed, a sales representative with a career that takes him across Ontario, often works remotely when he’s home in Welland. Despite a busy schedule balancing travel and family life with young children, he’s made time to become part of something special at the YMCA.

In earlier years, one of Ahmed’s favourite experiences was joining a Friday morning coffee group in the Niagara Centre lobby. The gathering, made up mostly of senior members, welcomed him in and quickly became a tradition. The group often brought in baked treats, and Ahmed joined in with enthusiasm — once recreating Starbucks’ famous lemon cake after recommending it, and another time introducing them to a traditional Iraqi date cake from his childhood. Though his work now requires more travel and fewer Friday mornings, he remembers those times as a highlight of how the Y fosters connection across generations.

Today, his connection continues in conversations with younger members and staff, whether it’s swapping recipes at the membership desk or learning about their lives and goals. These intergenerational moments remain a highlight of his visits to the YMCA, which occur two to three times a week when he is home, reminding him of the simple joy of people learning from one another.

The YMCA is also a cornerstone of Ahmed’s well-being. At one point, he pushed himself to work out five times a week. But with a demanding job and a young family, he soon realized that lack of sleep was taking a toll. “I was so tired I almost fell asleep during a workout,” he admitted. Scaling back to two or three visits each week gave him the balance he needed — time to connect, stay active, and still be present for work and family.

Another motivation is fatherhood. His children have grown up in YMCA swim lessons and youth programs, and he wants to model the value of healthy living. For him, exercise is not just about strength or endurance — it’s about creating the capacity to enjoy family life fully.

“I want to be able to go on a hike, lift my child, and really enjoy that time together.”

One particularly memorable moment came through his children’s programs. His son was initially hesitant to join the other kids during drop-off sessions. Instead of letting him sit out, the staff took the time to gently investigate why he didn’t want to participate and worked with him until he felt comfortable joining in. For Ahmed, it was a powerful example of the YMCA’s commitment to ensuring every child feels included.

Ahmed’s YMCA story also stretches beyond Niagara. With business travel taking him across Ontario and occasionally across Canada, he has had the chance to utilize his membership in various communities. Each Y feels unique, reflecting its local members and culture, but all are connected as part of one organization. On a family trip to Montreal, when his children grew restless in the backseat, Ahmed decided to pull into a YMCA en route. The family went for a swim, had a shower, and got back on the road refreshed — a reminder that wherever you go, a YMCA can feel like home.

And while he enjoys visiting other branches, he’s quick to share that the Niagara Centre YMCA is his favourite. As he often jokes, “The Welland YMCA is like the mom, and the other YMCAs are like the girlfriend — and you don’t compare your mom to your girlfriend.”

Ahmed’s commitment to connection also extends into the wider community. Grateful for the sense of belonging he’s found in Niagara, he gives back by volunteering his time with newcomer organizations. He has supported the YMCA of Niagara’s Employment and Newcomer Services team, helping deliver a three-day workshop. He has contributed to groups such as Access Employment and the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. For Ahmed, it’s about paying forward the welcome he has received, and being part of making Niagara a place where everyone can belong.

Ahmed often reflects on his personal “why” — a concept he picked up from Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. For him, it’s simple:

“What is my why for being at the Y? I want to be healthy.”

That commitment fuels his weekly visits, his involvement in the community, and his dedication to raising his family in an environment where health and connection matter.

Through his membership, Ahmed has found more than fitness. He has discovered community, friendship, and opportunities to share his culture and stories with others. For him, the Niagara Centre YMCA is a place where belonging truly comes to life.