How EarlyON Helped Lizzie and Sawyer Grow Together When Lizzie first became a parent during the COVID-19 pandemic, much of her world became smaller. Most days were spent at home, navigating motherhood while trying to meet the needs of her son Sawyer, who is non-verbal and autistic. Like many parents, she wanted the best for her child, but finding support, resources, and connections wasn't always easy. Then she found [...]
Niagara’s EarlyON Child and Family Centres have been recognized with a provincial innovation award for their community hub model supporting children, parents and caregivers across the region. Learn how EarlyON Centres — including five operated by YMCA of Niagara — are helping families connect, learn and thrive.
It Starts with a Simple Moment There’s a moment that happens in Youth Action that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. A young person walks into a room. Maybe it’s their first time. Maybe they don’t know anyone. There’s that pause… that quiet question: Do I belong here? And then something shifts. Someone waves them over. A group makes space. A simple [...]
The Town of Pelham is partnering with the YMCA of Niagara’s Niagara Centre YMCA in Welland to allow the Pelham Penguins competitive swim team to continue for the 2026 season while the Town’s outdoor pool is temporarily closed for renovations. Through this partnership, Pelham families will continue to have access to training and competitive swimming opportunities during the renovation period.
A Gift that Sparked Something More For Eden, working out started with something simple — a love for movement that didn’t go unnoticed. “I think my parents saw how much I enjoyed working out… and they were like, okay, maybe we can get you a personal trainer. And that was one of my Christmas gifts.” That gift became the beginning of something more than just a routine. It became [...]
The YMCA of Niagara announces the launch of the YMCA Youth Education Supports Program (YESP), part of a $9.4M national investment to help youth stay engaged in school, build skills, and pursue post-secondary education.
YMCA of Niagara celebrates former day camper LaurDIY’s CBC feature, highlighting how camp crafts build confidence, resilience, and leadership.
For some students, going to school is not just about homework or tests. It is about navigating a new language, unfamiliar routines, and the quiet fear of not being understood. For newcomer youth especially, those barriers can feel heavy enough that school stops feeling like a place they belong at all. Across Niagara, YMCA-run school clubs like Spanish Club and Bright Club are changing that experience. These clubs are [...]
YMCA of Niagara EarlyON Centres celebrated Family Literacy Day with story time, guest readers, activities, and book giveaways in partnership with Niagara Region Children’s Services.
Through a pilot partnership, the Township of West Lincoln and the YMCA of Niagara are offering March Break Camp at the West Lincoln Community Centre for children ages 5 to 12, providing a safe and engaging experience for local families.
