Confidence

EarlyON Centres Recognized for Innovation and Impact Across Niagara

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.

Youth Action: Where Belonging Begins

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 [...]

Town of Pelham Partners with YMCA of Niagara to Support Pelham Penguins Swim Team

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.

Finding Strength in a Safe Space: Eden’s Y Story

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 receives funding to advance equity in learning

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.

From YMCA Day Camper to creator: LaurDIY featured by CBC News

YMCA of Niagara celebrates former day camper LaurDIY’s CBC feature, highlighting how camp crafts build confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Spaces Where Students Feel Seen

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 [...]

2026-04-01T12:37:48-04:00February 19th, 2026|Child and Youth, Confidence, Inclusive, Newcomers, Well-being|

EarlyON Centres Celebrate Family Literacy Day

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.

Township of West Lincoln and the YMCA of Niagara partner to bring March Break Camp to local families in 2026

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.

A “What If?” Turns Into a World Record

The longest chain of loom band bracelets is 337.12 m (1,106 ft 0.3 in), and was achieved by St. John-Y Lincoln Loom Legends (Canada) in Beamsville, Ontario, Canada, on June 24, 2025.

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