Important News & Updates
Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD)
January 19, 2023
New year, new goals! A consistent goal here at the YMCA is to improve the overall inclusivity of our facilities, and programs. Our team is excited to be heading into 2023 working alongside the Abilities Centre and the Canadian Disability Participation Project (CDPP) on a process titled Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD).
Through an evidence-based lens, the LEAD process will support our YMCA as we reflect on the internal practices, processes and culture of our organization so that strategic planning and implementation take place through the lens of accessibility and inclusion. Going through LEAD will challenge us to look beyond the accessibility of the built environment, or legislated compliance standards, to question and change our internal systems and policies that do not promote access and inclusion. This exciting process will take place over the next 12 – 14 months.
There will be opportunities for you to get involved along the way. We will be asking YMCA members, volunteers, staff and community partners to participate in a few surveys throughout the year. Stay tuned for updates!
December 19, 2022
Scam Alert
We’ve been contacted by a member warning about a communication they received. The message they got indicated that it was Dave Allen from the YMCA and that he was aware that everyone is going through hard times and he wanted to offer a membership discount to assist. The person was quite persistent that the member would qualify for the discount and that they should complete a form. They sent the member a form asking them to complete it, and at the bottom of the form it told them to go and purchase a $500 Apple gift card.
Please note that we will not contact anyone and ask them to purchase gift cards or send money. We only take payments for memberships, programs, etc. in person at our branches and on our secure website. We do offer financial assistance and that process is handled in person with our Membership Staff.
Please be careful when receiving calls, texts, emails and even Facebook Messenger requests asking for money or gift cards to be purchased.
December 19, 2022
Government of Ontario and Ontario Trillium Foundation provided $250k to YMCA of Central East Ontario
During the COVID-19 pandemic the YMCA of Central East Ontario received funding from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. This funding enabled our YMCA to cover some operational expenses, after extended facility closures resulted in a lack of revenue.