I would not be who I am without this Y program.

Elijah

MORE THAN A YOUTH PROGRAM, A SECOND FAMILY


“I know what it feels like to be alone. At school, I was bullied and discriminated against. I was ignored because I was shy. My mother was in a difficult financial situation and I had lost my uncle, who was like my father.

They say there are two things you need to survive high school: friends and adults who support you, no matter what. I found both at C-Vert. The program gave me everything I was looking for. A place where I could start over again and make real friends, away from all the drama at school. A place where I learned so much with people who really cared. A place where I could simply be myself.

I always knew that I wanted to make a difference, but I didn’t know how. Today, I want to use the media as a tool to educate young people about socio-environmental issues."

Your support for the YMCA gives young people who are going through a difficult time, a safe place to meet, build friendships, and grow together by simply being themselves — without any judgement. ”A heaven that makes life less rough,” as Elijah would say.

Our impact


3,600

students stayed in school.


2,100

campers were physically active and made friends at day camp.


2,200

young people thrived in our TeenZones.


900

youth, among 6,800 people who learned a new language, broadened their horizons.


950

youth had a transformative experience with nature at Camp YMCA Kanawana.