News and Stories

Young Parent Program supports young families with basic needs, child care, education and more The YMCA Young Parent Program is a free community program designed to empower young parents under the age of 20.

Beyond the Bell started when a local principal reached out to the YMCA in hopes of a program that would ensure no child falls behind. This particular school had a high poverty rate in comparison with others and children were falling through the cracks — unable to keep up with literacy, numeracy as well as social and emotional learning targets.

At the beginning of 2021, I was in the best shape of my life preparing to run a half marathon for my 60th birthday. Then everything changed drastically when I contracted COVID-19 and the virus impacted my cognitive abilities for the long term. Now a year later, as I continue to retrain my mind and body, the Y has become a vital part of my recovery.

In my life, I have faced a wide range of adversity, from living in group homes as a youth, to experiencing PTSD after serving in the Marine Corp, to overcoming cancer and other health issues. Through it all, I have been able to keep my mind and body strong at YMCAs around North America which has had an immense impact on my life story.

Wherever I've lived, gym culture has always played a significant role in my life. Back home in the Caribbean, I was part of the bodybuilding scene as a bikini model and I really loved the community that came along with it. When I moved to Canada, I knew I needed to build connections and wanted to find a welcoming gym that would support my fitness goals.

After leaving my hometown at the age of 17 in pursuit of a better life, I found myself pregnant, alone, and heading down a path that I knew would make me unhappy. I desperately wanted to pursue my education and build a better life for my child than I had growing up, but the odds were stacked against me.