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Kathy Dumouchel: 2024 Peace Medal Recipient
Kathy Dumouchel: 2024 Peace Medal Recipient
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
– Winston Churchill
Kathy Dumouchel’s life is a journey of service and dedication to her community, shaped by an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. From her first experience volunteering at age twelve, Kathy found purpose in helping wherever help was needed, a calling that has grown into a lifetime of community building and support. “If there’s help that needs to be done, you participate,” she says—a simple statement that guides every aspect of her work.
Raised by parents devoted to public service, Kathy learned the value of giving back at an early age. This sense of responsibility blossomed into a lifetime of helping others, from chairing committees at her children’s schools
A Journey of Perseverance: A Single Mother’s Path to Education
A Journey of Perseverance: A Single Mother’s Path to Education
In the heart of our community, we recently witnessed a story that speaks to the strength of human spirit and the power of resilience. It is the story of a remarkable single mother of four, all under the age of ten, who arrived from Sudan nearly a year ago, carrying dreams of a brighter future for her children in Saint John. While her heart was full of hope, her journey was far from easy. The challenges she faced seemed endless, but her determination never wavered.
From the moment she arrived, this courageous woman had one clear goal: to learn English, so she could integrate into her new community and eventually provide better opportunities for her family. However, for 11 long months, she found herself unable to attend
YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick Expanding Programming for Newcomers
YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick Expanding Programming for Newcomers
Federal government investment will support infrastructure upgrades at the new Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre
November 1, 2024 · Saint John, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Communities flourish when local businesses and organizations have the infrastructure and resources to create memorable experiences for visitors and residents. The Government of Canada is investing to support improvements to a cherished outdoor oasis just minutes from Saint John’s city centre.
Today, Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay, announced an investment of $484,643 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) for the YMCA of Greater Saint John Inc., now known
Meet Dawn Campbell
Dawn Campbell: Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Others at the YMCA
Dawn Campbell walks at least 5 km a day. She has faced many obstacles in her life, but that doesn’t slow her down.
“When I became sick, I was sick for a long time and I had so many wonderful people in my life, and they helped me through a lot,” she said. “Although people have limitations, you learn to like yourself and then carry on, because you’ll never be the old you, you’ll be a new person. The Y has helped me realize that.”
Campbell became a member of the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick through community sponsorship. On a cold January morning, she slowly walked through the doors of the former Prince Edward Square Fitness Centre with a big smile on her face.
Campbell said the Y has helped her to gain more
Mariia Sydorenko – paying forward the employment support
Mariia Sydorenko – paying forward the employment support
“I know many people who have been looking for a job for a long time,” says Mariia Sydorenko. “I got the job so soon because I knew what I needed to do, as I got the step-by-step at YMCA, and now I am helping others with the same.”
Mariia Sydorenko and her family moved to Saint John in January 2023. The language barrier casted shadows of uncertainty over her career aspirations. Undeterred, Mariia embarked on a quest to conquer this barrier, enrolling in LINC classes at the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick and immersing herself in the intricacies of English. However, her thirst for her purpose and finding a job to support society kept her looking for opportunities.
Having worked as a curriculum development manager in a child care centre in Ukraine, Mariia liked to stay engaged. This longing led Mariia to the
Back to School Shopping: Get Ready for a New School Year!
Back to School Shopping: Get Ready for a New School Year!
By SWIS and Youth Team
The excitement of a new school year is just around the corner! As parents and students prepare for another academic adventure, back-to-school shopping becomes a crucial part of the process. To make your shopping experience smoother and more budget-friendly, we’ve put together some essential information and tips.
Key Points for Parents
- SWIS (Settlement Workers in School) Support: Our dedicated SWIS staff is here to assist you throughout the back-to-school journey. From school assignments to shopping assistance, we’re committed to supporting your family’s transition. Once ASD-S informs you which school your child will attend, you will be assigned a SWIS worker to support your transition to the school.Schools are assigned based on geographical area where you live whenever possible. Our SWIS team has divided schools by geographical location to help
A Heartwarming Collaboration: Fundy Men’s Shed and the YMCA South Hub Child Care Centre
A Heartwarming Collaboration: Fundy Men’s Shed and the YMCA South Hub Child Care Centre
The Fundy Men’s Shed, in collaboration with the Saint John Tool Library, recently undertook a meaningful project that brought joy to the children at the YMCA South Hub Child Care Centre. The team focused on revitalizing the playground, which included repairing two playhouses, a bridge, and a wall feature. This project was completed in just a couple of days, demonstrating their commitment and efficiency.
The impact on the children was immediate and profound. The revitalized playground has provided a safe and inviting environment for the children to play and explore. Their excitement was palpable as they eagerly explored the repaired equipment, and the joy on their faces was a testament to the significant difference these caring volunteers have made in their daily lives. The playground now serves as a much-needed recreational outlet, enhancing the children’s overall well-being
City of Saint John Proclaims May as YMCA Month – Celebrating 170 Years of Community Impact
City of Saint John Proclaims May as YMCA Month – Celebrating 170 Years of Community Impact
Saint John, NB – The City of Saint John proudly announces May as YMCA Month, a time to honor the remarkable legacy and ongoing contributions of the YMCA to the community. With a proclamation from the city, May will be dedicated to recognizing the profound influence the YMCA has had on fostering community spirit, promoting health and wellness, and empowering individuals of all backgrounds.
“I’m thrilled to declare May as YMCA Month in The City of Saint John,” shared Mayor Donna Noade Reardon. “With 170 years of enriching our community, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of support, wellness, and opportunity. We’re excited to celebrate their legacy and the countless lives they’ve touched. Here’s to another 170 years of making a difference together!”
For over 170 years, the YMCA has served as a beacon of hope
Register for Camp Glenburn
Howdy 2024 Campers,
With summer approaching we couldn’t be more excited to welcome new and returning campers!
We invite you to join us for an unforgettable season of adventure, friendship, and fun. Our camps are designed to create lasting memories and provide enriching experiences that will stay with you long after the summer ends.
Spaces are filling up quickly, as always, so we encourage you to secure your spot soon to ensure you don’t miss out on your preferred camp sessions. If your desired camp is already full, don’t worry! Simply join the waitlist, and we’ll notify you as soon as a spot becomes available.
To register and explore our diverse range of camp programs and learn more about what Camp Glenburn has to offer this summer, click [HERE].
YMCA Member Experience Survey
YMCA Member Experience Survey
At the YMCA, we want everyone who comes to our centres of community to find the support and spaces they need to meet their health and well-being goals. To better understand if our YMCA is meeting the needs and expectations of our members, we are conducting a YMCA Member Experience Survey.
This short survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Your feedback will ensure our YMCA continues to have the greatest impact possible on the health and wellness of our members and our community.
You can complete the survey here: https://bit.ly/YMCAGSJ_Member
Thank you for being a valued part of our YMCA and for your time in completing our survey!