The Best Part of Showing Up On Friday mornings at the Niagara Centre YMCA in Welland, the coffee is flowing, the conversations are lively, and a group of friends known as The Breakfast Club is catching up after another workout. For some, the friendships began at the Y. Others arrived knowing a familiar face. But over time, their regular workouts have turned into something much bigger: a community that [...]
My bosses were 7 and 10 When Kristin first applied to work with YMCA EarlyON, she had been a stay-at-home mom for ten years. Before having children, she worked in social services, but her own experience of postpartum depression changed the direction she imagined for her career and eventually led her to volunteer with a group supporting other mothers. When she was ready to return to work, Kristin discovered [...]
YMCA of Niagara is marking National Drowning Prevention Week by encouraging families to build water confidence, strengthen safety skills and enjoy safer summers.
YMCA of Niagara Board Members share the experiences, values and motivations that inspired them to serve, and how volunteer leadership helps strengthen communities across Niagara.
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 [...]
YMCA of Niagara celebrated the official opening of the Thundering Heights Child Care Centre in Niagara Falls alongside community partners, families, and local leaders. Located within the newly opened Thundering Heights Public School, the centre offers licensed infant, toddler, preschool, and before and after school child care programs supporting the growing needs of local families.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Move for Kids brought communities across Niagara together, raising nearly $35,000 to support YMCA programs for local children and youth.
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.
