News and Stories

A woman with dark hair pulled back in workout clothes is holding two medals up and smiling at the camera. There is a gymnasium in the background.

Kethra's Story

I'm 44 and in the best shape of my life thanks to the opportunities I’ve had, and the community support I have received. It's all about mindset and what you want to achieve. I wasn’t going to let my age stop me from reaching my goals, living my healthiest self, and being the best role model I could be for my daughter.

A young man with short dark hair, jeans, sun glasses and a black t shirt is sitting cross legged looking out at a beach. The photo is taken behind him and he is looking out at the water, with a bridge full of cars crossing the lake in the distance.

Isaac's Story

After being fired from my first job, I enrolled in a free Y employment program in Kelowna to try and get back on my feet. At the time, I was easily overwhelmed, a bit of a mess, and didn’t really care what I was doing with my life. My stress was building up internally and making me feel crazy.

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a black dress and pearls is smiling at the camera. There is a forest behind her and the sun is shining.

Barb's Story

After undergoing a major accident, numerous surgeries, and extensive rehab, I have earned a new name- Barb 2.0 as I am essentially a rebuild!

A man with glasses and a grey goatee is standing in front of the Kelowna Family Y and smiling at the camera. He’s wearing a white shirt that says ‘I love my Y’.

Bob's Story

Since 2004, I have experienced 3 heart attacks, triple bypass surgery, bladder cancer, ventricular tachycardia, and just recently an ischemic stroke. My wife says that I’m on my 7th life and I have both the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and the YMCA of Southern Interior BC to thank for making it to lucky number 7. 

A woman in a patterned blouse is holding baby boy to her chest at a child care centre. The baby is asleep with his hand on her neck.

Young Parent Program supports with basic needs, child care, education and more

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.

A young woman with glasses, brown hair and brown eyes is kneeling in front of a classroom table smiling at a 7 year old girl sitting at the table. The young girl has shoulder length brown hair, and her back is to the camera as she looks down at an open notebook in front of her.

Beyond the Bell bridges the gap for low-income children

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.