Creating Spaces Where Community Grows
When Subhan Rasa arrived in Canada from Afghanistan, the challenges of starting over felt overwhelming. “I didn’t know how to find a job or where to begin,” he shares. “I struggled with English, I didn’t have work experience, and I felt so alone.” Adjusting to a new culture while trying to support his family left Subhan feeling uncertain about his future.
Everything began to change when Subhan joined the Youth Employment Support (YES) program at the Downtown Y. Through workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and understanding Canadian workplace culture, Subhan gained more than just practical skills—he found a sense of belonging. “Meeting others who had similar experiences made me feel less alone,” Subhan says. “The Y gave me the confidence to believe in myself.”
That newfound confidence paid off when Subhan landed his first job. “Getting that call with a job offer was unforgettable,” he recalls. “It wasn’t just about the money—it was about proving to myself and my family that I could succeed here.”
Subhan’s story doesn’t stop there. Today, he coaches soccer, giving back to the community that supported him and helping other young newcomers feel welcome.
“The Y isn’t just about programs. It’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive,” he says.
As part of the Heart of the City Campaign, the Y is expanding its commitment to creating spaces for growth and connection with three new community classrooms at the Downtown Y. These multi-purpose spaces will support programs like YES and the Newcomer Youth Wellness Program, along with workshops, cultural events, and meetings.
“By creating these community classrooms, we’re providing a space for people to gather, learn, and build the skills they need to succeed,” says Marko Gjuric, General Manager of Community and Corporate Programs. “These classrooms will continue the Y’s legacy of bringing people together.”
For Subhan, the Y was more than a stepping stone—it was a place to start over and build a future. “I’m so grateful for what the Y has done for me,” he says. “It gave me the tools to succeed and a community I can always count on.”
These classrooms will continue the Y’s legacy of community-building, offering a place for people to connect, learn, and grow for generations to come.
Through the Heart of the City Campaign, Y Winnipeg create three new multi-purpose classrooms to support programs, workshops, cultural events and meetings to support the needs of the community. You can help by donating to support the campaign.