Finding Community, Confidence, and Connection at the Y

Through a Strong Kids family membership, Trisha’s family has been able to access transformative programs and services that play an instrumental role in not only their own lives but the community as a whole.

Their connection to the Y began years ago, when the kids were young, taking swimming lessons, learning skills through gymnastics and karate, and spending time together at the play structure. When life circumstances changed, they had to step away. Being able to return through a Strong Kids family membership has meant everything.

Today, each family member connects with the Y in their own way, gaining lifelong skills and using them to make a meaningful impact in their community.

Olivia, 15, and her older brother Sam, 17, have been regular members of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Youth Leadership program. Empowering young people by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to be leaders in their community, the youth leadership program has been instrumental in their personal development that has allowed them to engage with the community through volunteer opportunities, leadership training and job acquisition skills.

Through this program, both Olivia and Sam have developed communication skills, built confidence, and discovered a passion for giving back. Volunteering regularly, you can often find Olivia and Sam organizing holiday events, helping with community initiatives, working with younger children, and shoveling snowed-in driveways and paths.

“I don’t think I could’ve done an interview like this before, but the Y really helped me come out of my shell and gain confidence.” Sam shares. “I’ve learned skills I can actually use and everyone here is so kind and willing to help.”

For Trisha, the Y has become a powerful part of her self-care routine. She remembers having a membership more than a decade ago, when her children were younger. Returning now has brought a renewed sense of balance and well-being into her life.

“When I first started coming back, I was using it almost every day,” she says. “It helped me feel good and happy. It got me out of the house, helped me sleep better, and gave me a positive distraction.”

When reflecting on what the Y has meant to her family, Trisha becomes emotional.

“This is the first year we’ve been able to do something like this again, and it’s the best thing we’ve ever done,” she says. “We’re constantly talking about the Y and the sense of belonging it has provided.”

For Trisha, the impact reaches far beyond physical health. The Y has helped her children build confidence, navigate independence, and develop skills that allow them to give back to their community.

When asked to describe the Y in a few words, the answers come easily.

“Self-care,” says Trisha.

“Family,” says Sam.

“Community,” says Olivia.

And for their family, that’s exactly what the Y has become.