Community Impact
A Message from our President & CEO, Shilo Boucher
As we begin a new year, we reflect on what we accomplished together in 2025 and how that impact is guiding our work in 2026.
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. In 2025, with the support of our donors and the commitment of 504 volunteers, we delivered programs that removed barriers, stood against racism and exclusion, and supported people of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.
Children built early literacy and confidence; individuals living with chronic conditions improved their health and independence, and people across the region found connection and belonging at the Y.
Families like Sierra’s found a strong foundation for learning, participants like Rita gained the tools to manage their health, young people like Kelly returned to the Y as leaders, and individuals like Brandi rebuilt strength and confidence once thought out of reach.
We also strengthened our ability to serve the community by expanding outdoor education and after-school programming through Crabtree Hall at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, marking 10 years of impact at the Saint John Regional Y Facility, growing our HealthY Living Initiative, and celebrating diversity and inclusion through our Multiculturalism Day Celebration.
While we are proud of what we accomplished, the work continues. Demand for our programs remains strong, and the need for safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces has never been greater. Our focus moving forward is clear: remove barriers, open doors, and ensure the YMCA remains a trusted place of care and belonging for children, youth, families, newcomers, and seniors across Southwestern New Brunswick.
This impact is made possible by our staff, volunteers, partners, and donors. Thank you for believing in the YMCA and for investing in stronger, healthier, more connected communities.
Shilo Boucher, CPA, CA, ICD.D
Community Impact
At the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, our work is grounded in what communities need most.
In 2025, your support helped reduce barriers to health and well-being, strengthen mental health supports, and address food insecurity. It connected newcomers and older adults to community, helped people manage chronic conditions and prevent illness, and created spaces for belonging, purpose, and social connection.
Together, we expanded access to the outdoors, supported training and skill development, and ensured more people had the opportunity to thrive.
The impact reflects the lives touched and the communities strengthened.
Y Story
Movement That’s Changes Lives Through YMCA Program
On her 90th birthday, Carol Sprague walked into the YMCA just like she does most days, independently, confidently, and with a determination to keep moving.
“I’ve always been very active,” Carol shared from the Fitness Studio at the Saint John Regional Y on a crisp and bright January afternoon. “I played golf, I curled, I did everything.”
A few years ago, that changed. After a hip operation followed by a serious infection, Carol found herself facing new challenges with mobility and balance. For many seniors, moments like these can be a turning point, often leading to reduced independence, increased hospital visits, or even long-term care.
Instead, Carol chose a different path....
Through the Y’s Healthy Living Initiative, Carol found a program designed specifically to help adults with mobility issues and chronic conditions rebuild strength, confidence, and mobility in a safe, supportive environment.
“It’s given me more confidence in getting around,” she said. “I want to keep that coming. It’s about Independence."
Today, Carol drives herself to the Y from Rothesay, participates fully in her sessions, and continues to live independently. She recently returned from a Caribbean cruise, a birthday trip with her children, and regularly travels to visit family in Ontario.
These are the kinds of everyday freedoms the YMCA’s Healthy Living Initiative is designed to protect.“I just want to stay independent,” she said.
Programs like the HealthY Living Initiative play a critical role in preventative health, by supporting balance, strength, and mobility so people can avoid falls, hospital stays, and loss of independence. For Carol, the impact goes beyond the physical.
“My favorite part is just feeling like I’m doing something,” she said. “That I’m improving.”
She credits both the program and the people for helping her stay motivated and gives her confidence that carries into everyday life. “If everyone that could do it came and did it, they should,” she said. “It gives you more confidence.” That confidence shows…in how she moves, how she travels, and how she continues to live life on her own terms at 90 years young.
Carol’s story is proof that with the right support, aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down, it can mean staying strong, staying social, and staying independent.
As Carol put it... “You Gotta Keep Moving”
Foundation and Grant Support
Thank you to the following funders, who have made contributions to the YMCA’s programs, services and facilities in 2025:
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Canadian National Railway Company
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
- CI Global Asset Management
- CIBC Bank
- City of Saint John
- Crabtree Foundation
- Definity Insurance
- Department Tourism, Heritage and Culture
- Doane Grant Thornton
- Ecclesiastical Insurance
- Emera New Brunswick
- Faye & David Huestis Family Foundation
- Fidelity Investments
- Fundy Community Foundation
- Greater Saint John Community Foundation
- Harrison McCain Foundation
- Hilary & Galen Weston Foundation
- Irving Oil
- Mayflower Sharp’s of Sussex New Start Foundation
- Medavie Health Foundation
- New Brunswick Children's Foundation
- RBC Foundation
- Regional Development Corporation
- Saint John Exhibition Park
- Shannex Cares Community Spirit Grant
- Steve & Sally Stavro Family Foundation
- Sussex Community Foundation
- TD Bank
- The McCain Foundation
- The Sir James Dunn Foundation
- Town of Grand Bay Westfield
- Town of Quispamsis
- Town of Rothesay
- Weston Family Foundation
Celebrating Our 2025 Milestones
Launch of the Joy Collective
We proudly launched the Joy Collective, a new initiative designed to bring people together through shared experiences, creativity and connection. This joyful new chapter reinforces our commitment to fostering belonging and well-being across all ages and background.
Crabtree Hall
Grand Opening
We celebrated the grand opening of Crabtree Hall at Glenn Carpenter Centre, expanding this remarkable outdoor education site. The new space allows us to grow childcare, after school program and community programming creating more opportunities for learning, connection and adventure in nature.
10 Years of the
Saint John Regional Y Facility
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Saint John Regional Y Facility, a cornerstone that has enabled the YMCA to grow across the region and become a true community hub for health, belonging and connection.
HealthY Living Initiative Launched & Expanding
Our HealthY Living Initiative launched and continued to expand in 2025, supporting individuals living with chronic conditions through movement, education and community. The impact has been transformational and we are excited to keep growing this life changing work.
Multiculturalism Day Celebration
Through strong community collaboration, we came together to celebrate cultures, traditions and stories from around the world. This event was a powerful reminder that diversity is strength and that everyone belongs at the Y.
Volunteer with the YMCA
Urgent Need - Home Delivery
The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick is a charity dedicated to building healthy, connected communities where everyone belongs. Through health and wellness, newcomer support, child and youth development, and community programs, we remove barriers, stand against racism and exclusion, and ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their full potential.