There are YMCA "lifers" who have dedicated their careers to helping others thrive. Monica has been with us for over 10 years and during her time here, she has fostered meaningful connections with countless members, and helped many vulnerable and struggling community members access Y memberships, camps, swim lessons, and more.

This is Monica's story.

I didn’t know I would be devoting the majority of my work life to the YMCA of Okanagan when I started here, but my colleagues quickly became my second family and the Kelowna Family Y my second home. Today, as the Membership Services Manager at Kelowna Family Y, I am fortunate to meet and help people from all walks of life every day. 

Part of my role is to oversee the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program and to help those who have had a lot to overcome in their lives. I get to hear what barriers they are facing, explain how we can help, and guide them through the application process. Some of the stories are just heartbreaking. It means so much to be able to actually support these people and give them a healthy outlet during difficult times. 

Photo Credit: YMCA Okanagan

We once had a child come in who had been battling a terminal illness and had also lost a parent all in the same year. The newly single parent was upset they couldn’t afford swimming lessons for their child, but we were able to help subsidize their lessons due to the generosity of our incredible donors. I can’t tell you how rewarding it feels to be able to provide a child with some normalcy, plus a supportive and caring environment, after such great losses. 

Being here so long, I’ve been able to see kids as they grow up into adulthood. The Y is such a safe space and the community knows this. Unfortunately, we have had kids come to us who have experienced terrible abuse. Their guardians want to help so badly and seek out the Y for a secure environment where they can play like any other child. It’s awful, but it does feel good to see them slowly come out of their shell in our centres and in our programs. We get to see the Y help foster their confidence and connect them with other children. They get to be kids again here. 

Throughout the pandemic, my dedicated team had to remain resilient, understanding and extremely nimble while navigating all the health order changes and gym closures. We love our members and have built strong relationships with many so it was difficult to not see each other, especially those who needed us the most for their mental and physical health. There are so many seniors who depend on us for socialization and a sense of community to belong to. Knowing that I can help someone with their health makes me so proud. 

Photo Credit: YMCA Okanagan

It's not uncommon for our teams to cry tears of joy in the backroom when a member is brave enough to share their story about how the Y has positively impacted their life. We have heard of single working moms who can only afford to keep their kids in a fun and safe environment, instead of home alone glued to a screen, because of our financial assistance program. We know of seniors who have been isolated for years that light up when they finally get to see the friends they have made here at the Y once again. 

All of our members hold a special place in my heart but my favourite stories are when members who have been receiving financial assistance proudly tell me they got a job, are back on their feet and no longer require help to afford their memberships. The words they always use are, “now you can help another family!" It comes full circle. That’s what I feel makes a community stronger – one based on caring and helping each other during hard times. 

It’s not only staff and volunteers who are lifers, our members are too. They stay because of the community they find at the Y. I get so much joy out of watching a child grow into a healthy young adult or a senior overcome adversity with old age. It is so rewarding. I can’t see myself doing any other work. 

If you are interested in making an impact while earning an income, the Y has a variety of positions available. Join our team and help us make a difference in our community.  Learn more at ymcaokanagan.ca/Join/Our-Team/.