YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick

💪🏾✨ "Strength doesn't come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't." ✨ This is the Y story of a courageous single mother who brought her four young children from Sudan to Saint John, hoping to build a new life filled with opportunities. Imagine arriving in a new country, filled with dreams but facing overwhelming challenges. Her journey has been one of constant perseverance, filled with moments of doubt, strength, and hope. From the start, she had one goal: to learn English and create a better future for her children. But the obstacles were endless. She spent nearly a year waiting to attend her first English class, held back by the lack of childcare options for her youngest child. Each day that passed felt like another wall between her and her dreams. Yet, despite the setbacks, she never gave up. With the steadfast support of our YMCA Newcomer Connections team, they worked through countless struggles together. They celebrated every small victory, from finally securing daycare for her son to overcoming language barriers that once seemed insurmountable. The breakthrough moment arrived when her youngest son got a spot at a YMCA daycare, finally allowing her to attend classes. Her tears that day were of relief and joy—a moment that symbolized her triumph over all the challenges she'd faced. The pride in her heart and the joy on her face were clear for all to see. Today, she's thriving in her English classes, her determination stronger than ever. And she’s not alone; we at the YMCA are walking this journey with her, cheering her on every step of the way. 💬 Her story is a reminder that hope, resilience, and the support of a caring community can make even the toughest paths possible. Read more about this inspiring mother's journey and join us in celebrating her courage: Read her story here https://lnkd.in/eAFRBAtp Do you have a Y story? Share it with us at : https://lnkd.in/eUEBdWSx

Did you know that gymnastics was once offered as a recreation program at the Y? We're celebrating 170 years of community impact across Southwestern New Brunswick in 2024! Community programs and events have always been a part of how we connect and support our community. What has been one of your favourite programs?

Full house, full hearts! Yesterday, we gathered with our amazing community to celebrate an exciting new chapter for the Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre! With heartfelt speeches from MP Wayne Long, Campaign Co-Chair Dale Knox, and an inspiring Y story from Settlement worker Catrina Townes, it was a day filled with gratitude and hope for the future. Our President & CEO, Shilo Boucher, shared how close we are to making this dream a reality – only $500,000 to go! A huge thank you to ACOA - APECA and the federal government for their support! If you’d like to help us cross the finish line, please consider donating or sharing this with friends. Every bit helps us get closer to completing this wonderful project! ❤️ https://lnkd.in/eT4cQJ87 Together, we’re a community supporting community, building a brighter future for all.

🌲 Exciting News!!🌲 The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is thrilled to announce that thanks to a generous $484,643 investment from the federal government, the Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre is about to become even more special. This support, provided through ACOA - APECA’s Innovative Communities Fund, will transform this cherished green space into a year-round haven for newcomers, families, and youth in Southwestern New Brunswick. With these upgrades, we will be able to expand our programming for newcomers, providing resources and a welcoming environment to support community and workforce integration. The new multi-purpose building will feature energy-efficient upgrades, including insulated concrete forms, an HVAC system, and LED lighting, ensuring sustainable and inclusive activities in every season. Opening early 2025, this new space represents a lasting commitment to the community—one where people can gather, learn, and grow together in a setting that’s as environmentally conscious as it is inviting. Read the full story to see how this project is setting the stage for a sustainable, thriving future! https://lnkd.in/e7JXGEi6

You are invited to join us for a special Federal Funding Announcement for the Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre. 📅 Friday, November 1 🕚 11:00 am 📍 Saint John Regional Y Lobby, 191 Churchill Blvd, Saint John, NB Speakers 🔹Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay 🔹Shilo Boucher, President & CEO, YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick 🔹Dale Knox, Campaign Chair, YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick Light refreshments will be served. RSVP Here : https://lnkd.in/eQ3x4sVb

Join Now or Waitlist for 2025! 🚀 Get ready, Millidgeville! Our YMCA After School Program is set to open in a state-of-the-art, 6,000 sq/ft facility in January 2025 — but you can start this fall at our temporary location! 🌞 🏢 Brand New Facility: A spacious, purpose-built environment where your child can grow, learn, and play! 🌳 200 Acres of Outdoor Adventures: Our Outdoor Education Program lets kids explore trails, forests, and a lake! From tree and plant identification to archery and night sky exploration, each day is packed with exciting outdoor experiences! 🍌 Snacks Provided Daily to keep their energy up. 🕕 Convenient Hours: Open until 6 pm for parents’ peace of mind. 📞 Don’t miss out! Register today to secure your spot now or get on the 2025 waitlist! Contact Jeff Gibbons at [email protected] to reserve your spot! #YMCAAfterSchool #NewYMCAFacility #OutdoorEducation #JoinTheAdventure

🌿 Reflecting on a Powerful Experience 🌿 Over the past 3 weeks, we’ve had the honor of hosting several groups of UNB Saint John Nursing students at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, located on the unceded and unsurrendered homelands of the Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati and Mi’kmaq peoples for a transformative experience led by an Indigenous Elder. Through a Blanket Exercise, students were guided through an interactive and emotional journey, depicting the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Following the exercise, the groups gathered in a talking circle to reflect on their feelings and insights. Each evening concluded with everyone joining hands, singing, and dancing to a traditional song. It was a truly powerful moment of learning, reflection, and connection. We are grateful for this incredible opportunity to deepen our understanding and foster a spirit of truth and reconciliation. ✨ #truthandreconciliation #IndigenousLearning #BlanketExercise #UNBNursing #CommunityReflection #YMCASNB

Let’s celebrate the champions of early childhood education! The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for their development. Canada’s highly trained early childhood educators are the backbone of this growth, providing enriched environments where young minds can thrive. They don’t just supervise; they deliver high-quality, evidence-based programs that prepare children for school and future success. At the YMCA we deeply value our early childhood educators who are committed providing high-quality care for children and supporting families. Let's recognize and support these dedicated professionals, today and every day. Learn more:https://lnkd.in/g4ABEKHC #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ECE #ELCC

🌟 Help Our Community Shine! 🌟 We’re in the final stretch of our Staff Strong Communities Fundraiser, and with a goal of $10,000, we're so close at $7, 957 raised! We only need 80 people to donate $25 to help us reach the finish line? Will you be one of them?! Every dollar makes a difference! 👉 Donate here: https://ow.ly/AMFM50TTxLW When you support the Strong Communities Fundraiser, you're doing so much more than donating – you’re directly helping people in your own community. 💙 Your contribution helps in: 🌲 Sending children to camp 🏋️ Providing seniors with access to health and fitness 🛍️ Ensuring essential food deliveries reach those in need 🤝 Supporting newcomers to feel welcome and connected 🌈 Offering peer-to-peer grief support through our Rainbows Program and so much more...! By giving today, you’re breaking down financial barriers and opening doors for everyone to participate in life-changing programs at the YMCA. Together, we can build a strong, vibrant community and ensure no one is turned away. 💪 #StrongCommunities #YMCAFamily #SupportLocal #HelpUsShine #CommunityFirst

✨ Employee Giving Spotlight -Meet Uchenna Ebiliekwe! Assistant, People & Culture – Admin, Finance & HR "A person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected." At the Y, we celebrate individuals like Uchenna, whose passion and dedication inspire those around her. Uchenna embodies the values of hard work and appreciation, believing deeply in the power of determination to uplift her community. Uche is driven by a commitment to empower others. She aims to inspire those around her by showing that with the right mix of hard work, smart work, and dedication, anything is possible. Her vision is to help people realize that life offers endless opportunities for those who persevere and commit to their goals. Her dedication to sparking ambition and encouraging progress demonstrates her belief in the strength of community and shared success. Every day, Uchenna's work makes a lasting impact, motivating others to contribute toward a greater collective purpose. Thank you, Uche, for your unwavering support and for being a source of inspiration in our Y family! 💙 Your dedication to helping others reach their potential strengthens our community and makes it a better place for all. Let’s continue to celebrate our incredible employees who go above and beyond to create positive change! 🙌 Donate today: https://lnkd.in/eytJZxxN #YMCA #EmployeeGiving #Empowerment #CommunityImpact