Anna Oblozhenko’s New Beginning with the YMCA by Her Side
When Anna Oblozhenko arrived in Saint John last year with her young daughter, she was determined to build a secure future. Like many parents, she knew child care was essential — for her daughter’s development and her own ability to work and settle in.
But the reality was daunting.
“I visited over 30 daycare centres,” Anna says. “There were no spaces.” Private options were too expensive and unreliable. Without child care, she couldn’t move forward — a challenge shared by many families in our region.
Affordable, high-quality child care remains out of reach for too many, affecting newcomers, single parents, and working families. That’s why the YMCA is committed to breaking down these barriers with the help of donors, partners, and supporters.
Anna was referred to a YMCA training program that matched her skills and goals, but she couldn’t take the next step without child care. YMCA staff quickly found a space for her daughter at our North End Centre, allowing Anna to complete her training and accept a job at the YMCA.
When transportation became a challenge, staff helped her transfer to a closer location, easing the strain and supporting her stability. “Now, I can work and provide for my daughter,” Anna says. “She’s happy and cared for, and I feel supported. We’re finally able to build a life here.”
Stories like Anna’s show why child care matters. When we invest in families, we strengthen our entire community. With the support of our donors, the YMCA is creating real opportunities for people to thrive.