Single-parent families find health, connection and support at the YMCA.
Many single parents who have received financial assistance to access YMCA family memberships are proud to share how significant of an impact the Y has made in their lives and those of their children. Read their stories below.
YMCA BC is hosting the information on this page on behalf of all YMCAs in British Columbia, including YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island and YMCA of Southern Interior BC.
Rahel's Story
Rahel and her son are newcomers to Canada and found that adjusting to a new country with a different language, culture and customs to be very difficult. They didn't have a support network when they arrived and did not feel as if they belonged.
Rahel felt alone in Vancouver and recognized right away that her son needed some support and an opportunity to make friends. She turned to the YMCA and was ecstatic to learn that she could get a YMCA membership—which included free continuous swimming lessons—thanks to the Y's financial assistance program.
"It really helps my son get his mind off of our problems," said Rahel. "He gets a chance to socialize with other kids and be active!"
Paul's Story
Paul’s world was flipped upside down when his wife passed away unexpectedly due to complications from childbirth. In addition to dealing with a tragic loss, Paul became a newly single dad with a toddler and an infant overnight. They were suddenly a low-income family with limited resources, and Paul needed to rebuild their lives from the ground up.
“Once my kids had the basics, it was time for me to figure out how I was going to be happy,” said Paul. “The fatigue of waking up with two kids all night was affecting my mind and energy. I was groggy, tired and grieving but still needed to be the best possible parent for my kids, especially since it was just me."
Paul decided that prioritizing his fitness would be good for both his physical and mental wellbeing, but he wasn’t sure how to do so within his budget.
“I was amazed when someone from the Y reached out to me during one of my drop-in visits,” said Paul. “They knew my situation and told me about the YMCA’s financial assistance program. I will never forget their generosity. It was exactly what I needed at the time.”
Paul and his children started accessing their Kelowna YMCA five to six days per week during his paternity leave, utilizing the Y’s childminding while he worked out.
“Sometimes it’s a struggle for me to find the energy for engaging activities with my kids when I’m the only source of play,” said Paul. “Bringing them to childminding at the Y provides them with that stimulation and they get to interact with other kids. It’s very meaningful to be able to give them that. Like me, they also get energy out at the Y so they feel and act better the rest of the day.”
Paul added that the Y has been a “life-changer” for his family by boosting their morale and spirit and providing them with a sense of community.
“To anyone struggling with mental health issues, grief, loss, or anything else, being a part of a community and finding a sense of belonging is critical when you feel you have none. The Y is a great place to go when you feel lost,” he said. “We are so appreciative of the donors who reduce barriers for so many people who access the Y for their health and for a sense of community. Thank you so much for your support and please continue to help the Y and all those who rely on it.”
Lynnette's Story
Lynnette has been a member of the YMCA for the past 15 years—ever since her oldest child was just three years old. As a single mother, affording a membership was challenging but financial assistance provided by the Y enabled Lynnette and her children to become members.
“My four children have absolutely loved the Y and the people, volunteers and staff they meet there,” shared Lynnette. “Having somewhere to take my home-schooled children made the Y the standout solution and childminding has been a life saver.”
“I’ve watched my kids grow up at the Y. The people there have become important friends, teachers and mentors—role models for my children. At the Tong Louie Family YMCA, the amazing staff and volunteers helped us through some of my family’s toughest times. I’m so grateful to all of them.”
Today, Lynnette’s family regularly visits the Bob Chan-Kent Family YMCA in Chilliwack.
“It doesn’t matter which YMCA you're at, the community is the same,” said Lynnette. “Now that my kids are older, they enjoy swimming in the pool by themselves while I hit a class or just hang out in the lounge. We all have fun in the open gym times and at the ping-pong tables.”
“But even more than helping my family be active, the Y has provided a supportive community that we keep coming back to,” added Lynnette. “The staff, volunteers and swimming instructors are amazing. They genuinely care and take the time to get to know you.”
“The Y has given my children and I so many opportunities. We’re thankful for the staff that have always been there for us and for the Y supporters who have made this possible."
The Outlook
British Columbians are facing far greater challenges post-pandemic in all aspects of their lives, from health and safety to the ability to make ends meet. Challenges such as housing affordability, food insecurity, and the rising cost of living are hindering post-pandemic recovery. Making life more affordable, reducing poverty, and keeping people healthy are top priorities for the province; these priorities are shared with the YMCAs of BC.
The Problem
Community spaces, like YMCA facilities, are essential for community health and wellness. However, the post-pandemic return of lower-income families to our facilities and programs has been slow—we are only seeing 50% of these members return. These are families who, even before the pandemic, had struggled to make ends meet and received financial assistance to participate at the YMCA.
Single-parent families face some of the greatest struggles from the pandemic and the affordability crisis. The 2022 BC Child Poverty Report Card shows the poverty rate for children in lone-parent families is 38%. When budgets are tight and pressures increase, single-parent families may feel they have no choice but to reduce involvement in their community. This impacts the mental and physical health of the entire family and reduces recreation options for children and youth.
Our Recommendation
The YMCAs of BC seek support from the Government of BC to fund 1-year family memberships for low-income, single-parent families.
This partnership would reduce barriers for these families to access health, wellness and belonging in our YMCA centres of community.
The YMCA already contributes more than $1.6 million in financial assistance each year so that no family is turned away; this partnership will allow us to increase memberships for this specific population. Click below to learn more about this proposal and the YMCAs of BC.
Fact Sheet: YMCA Single-Parent Family Memberships