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Growing up, my family suffered greatly at the hands of my abusive and alcoholic father. My mother was a smart woman who had to methodically orchestrate our departure while my brother, sister and I were still young. After leaving she was free but was also a single mother with little money and a grade 10 education.
A week after our move we were able to join the YMCA because of their financial assistance program. It became our second home. My little brother, sister and I took part in every single program available and the staff helped take care of us. Our family ended up volunteering together at the Y, sometimes 40 hours a week. Although we lived in a bad neighbourhood, the Y kept us busy and out of trouble.
The community, supports and sense of belonging my mother received at the Y were essential to her healing. She found a job at the Y and finished her high school education. She ended up working in member services, as did us kids, and after a lot of hard work, my mother was able to finish her college diploma and build a career in youth corrections.
The Y inspired me to pursue my education in recreation as I knew from an early age that I wanted to build a career with the Y. Over the years, I’ve worked in almost every single department.
And once I became a mom, I made sure my children were a part of the Y’s positive influence. My two sons started participating in Y swim lessons as young as three months old. They are grown now but have both worked and volunteered at numerous YMCA’s and Y camps.
Now working for the YMCA of Okanagan, I am again relying on the Y for a community to belong to. The Y has always been there for me and I continuously feel the need to return the favour by donating, volunteering and working hard to keep this a sanctuary for so many families like mine.
The Y kept my siblings and myself off the streets, in a positive environment, and gifted us so many lifelong skills that we wouldn’t have otherwise had. I have come full circle, being able to give back now, and it’s an incredible feeling.
Donating to the Y doesn’t just provide financial assistance. It provides access to a safe place and a sense of belonging for struggling families and for many kids at risk of straying down the wrong path.
For more information on the YMCA of Okanagan’s financial assistance program call 250-491-9622 or email hello@ymcaokanagan.ca.
The YMCA of Okanagan is a cause-driven charity with a mission dedicated to building healthy individuals and communities. They provide a wide range of programs and services with a focus on inclusiveness and accessibility, serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.
You can get involved and help us help others by donating or volunteering.
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