Breaking in the Floor: Barb's Y Story Barb has been teaching fitness classes for 45 years. So when retirement arrived, she knew one thing right away. “It’s not something I could just stop,” she says. Instead, Barb found a way to keep doing what she loves by volunteering at the YMCA of Niagara. And she’s been part of the story in Grimsby from the very beginning. [...]
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, [...]
How Jack rediscovered strength, confidence, and wellbeing at the YMCA Jack's turning point came during a doctor’s appointment. After that visit, Jack knew he needed to make a big change in his life. Not overnight, and not perfectly, but intentionally. What made the moment stick was the advice he received. Jack’s doctor, who also happens to be a YMCA member, encouraged him to get moving in a way that [...]
At YMCA Summer Day Camp, Pryce found confidence, joy, and belonging — and his mom found peace of mind knowing he was supported every day.
After arriving in Canada alone, Jauhar found hope, guidance, and a new career through YMCA Employment Services in Niagara. Read his inspiring story.
At a YMCA of Niagara Child Care Centre, a caring, nurturing environment helped one little girl flourish — and gave a mom returning to work peace of mind.
This summer, something special was happening on the baseball diamond at Lancaster Park in St. Catharines. Every Saturday afternoon, the crack of the bat, the sound of laughter, and the cheers of encouragement filled the air as young athletes took part in the YMCA of Niagara’s Jays Care Program...
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.
At 80 years old, Glennis Ferguson is a familiar and friendly face at the Niagara West YMCA, a place she’s called her second home since it opened in 2011. From aquafit to group exercise classes, Glennis has spent the past 14 years staying active, social, and connected. “I like doing aquafit and talking with the friends I’ve made here,” she says. “We laugh, we share recipes, we sit [...]
When Stephen joined the YMCA in 2020, it was more than a new fitness routine—it was a new chapter. Stephen was looking for ways to stay active and social during the isolation of the pandemic. His sister had recently moved to the area and they decided to check out the local Y. They’ve been coming together ever since with his loyal guide dog, Austin, by their side. Stephen [...]
