The People Behind the Purpose
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.
Finding Their Village: Lizzie and Sawyer’s EarlyON Story
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 [...]
Official Opening of Thundering Heights Child Care Centre
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Niagara Moves For Kids
Move for Kids brought communities across Niagara together, raising nearly $35,000 to support YMCA programs for local children and youth.
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.
Part of our Lives: Bruna’s Y Story
For Bruna, the YMCA has been part of her family’s routine for the past 10 years. It’s not something her family has to think about or plan around. “Coming to the Y isn’t optional,” she laughs. A big part of what keeps Bruna coming back is how the YMCA makes it easy for everyone to stay active and not feel like a chore. With swimming lessons and drop-in family time, [...]
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 [...]