Giving Back

For some, board service begins with gratitude.

Julie Rorison’s connection to the YMCA spans many stages of her life. Through the Y, she built friendships that have lasted for years and found opportunities that helped shape her personally and professionally. Joining the Board became a way to give back while continuing to learn from a diverse group of community leaders.

“The Y’s always been a big part of my life in really positive ways, and I really wanted to get involved in a way that gave me the opportunity to give back”

Today, Board service allows Julie to help create those same opportunities for others while contributing to the future of an organization that has meant so much to her.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

The YMCA’s impact can be seen in countless ways across Niagara, from helping people find employment to creating places where children, families and older adults can connect and belong.

That broad impact is what first resonated with Kithio Mwanzia.

“It’s a layered impact. From the people that work at the Y, it’s a great place to work. Seniors have the opportunity to build community by coming to our spaces. The Y has been able to convene important community conversations, be welcoming to newcomers, support employment opportunities. Being part of a board for an organization that has such a layered impact in Niagara that I call home is really why I decided to join the board.”

Supporting an organization with such a diverse and meaningful community presence offers an opportunity to help shape positive outcomes throughout the region.

Values in Action

Andrew MacLellan’s connection to the YMCA began long before he joined the Board. As a young person, he took part in YMCA programs that gave him a place to belong, helped him build confidence and led to friendships that continue to this day. Looking back, those experiences shaped not only his memories of the YMCA, but also the values that drew him back years later as a volunteer leader.

“What drew me to the Y was their mission of health, wellness and confidence that was really aligned with my principles.”

Today, serving on the Board allows Andrew to help create those same opportunities for the next generation.

Supporting Well-Being

After retiring, Dave Sherlock was looking for meaningful ways to continue giving back to the Niagara community. The YMCA’s commitment to physical and mental well-being, particularly for young people, made Board service a natural fit.

“The objectives certainly matched with the kinds of things I was wanting to do: betterment of health, physical and mental wellness, particularily for young people but for people of all ages”

That commitment to well-being remains central to the YMCA’s work and to the volunteer leaders who help guide it.

Helping Shape What’s Next

Sometimes, joining a Board is about recognizing a pivotal moment.

As Niagara emerged from the pandemic, Madeline Woodhead recognized an opportunity to contribute to an organization evolving alongside the community it serves.

“In the past I had known previous CEOs, and I was learning a lot about what the Y did through them. And coming out of covid you could see that Niagara was in an inflection point of evolution and the Y was too, and I thought it was an exciting opportunity to be part of the evolution of a great entity”

Helping guide an organization through periods of growth and transformation can be both challenging and rewarding, particularly when the outcomes benefit communities across the region.

A Shared Commitment

While their motivations may differ, what unites these Board members is a shared commitment to strengthening communities and helping people reach their full potential.

Through leadership, stewardship and governance, YMCA of Niagara Board members help guide an organization that serves thousands of individuals and families throughout the region each year.

Whether motivated by a desire to give back, support well-being, advance shared values or help shape the future, Board service provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Niagara.

If you’re interested in contributing your skills, experience and leadership, we invite you to learn more about volunteer opportunities with YMCA of Niagara.

Special thanks to Board Members Julie Rorison, Andrew MacLellan, Kithio Mwanzia, Dave Sherlock, Madeline Woodhead, Nick Colamartini and Dr. Amanda Bell for sharing their experiences and perspectives in our Board recruitment video.