We are a family of 5.  Our story of the YMCA started at YMCA Child Care at Ferndale Woods Elementary School when my son was 2 years old.  I was specifically looking for a YMCA childcare because of the trust I intuitively had in this organization. It was a great facility and environment where my son Daniel learned, played and grew.

After being a stay-at-home mom for 3 years, I started looking for work.  I came to the Career Centre and sought job search assistance.  The specialist led me to the YMCA to seek advice on job opportunities in the ESL (English as a Second Language) field.  The Director at the time, after looking at my credentials, told me they had a position of an itinerant settlement counsellor and that I would be perfect for the job.  With 3 little kids, and a flexible schedule, a professional role like this was a dream come true.  I applied, was interviewed, and qualified for the job.  I did not have a plan at the time, but it turned into a long-time relationship that I consider myself lucky to have!

During the orientation as a new employee I learned about all that the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is and does.  There was no Innisfil YMCA yet.  We saw the grand building and sign, and had very high expectations of it.  We were not disappointed.  Since we entered the building we fell in love with it.  We enjoy family swims, family time in the gym, programs and opportunities.  At some points, we were here three times a week, with friends and their children.  If you look around, everyone feels at home.  Even though registrations are now seamless and effortless, it was fun to be here early in the morning lining up to register the kids for programs.  People would be there in their jammies, enjoying free coffee, chatting and sharing,  It was fun!

Once my kids hear we are going to the YMCA, everyone knows what it means – good times as a family – being together, playing, and of course snacking afterward.  We always look forward to it.

I am very proud to say that now our eldest daughter completed all the requirements and qualified to become a volunteer with the Innisfil YMCA.  She will now give back to the place that gave so much to us.  Thank you from all of us!