News and Stories

My name is Kari-Ann and I am a single mother of two.  My four-year-old son, Connor, has always experienced his own unique challenges. Finding long term child care for him was a struggle. We tried multiple care options, but no one seemed to understand how to best work with him. 

Most families struggle to ensure their children reach the recommended daily activity levels. Brandi Isagawa has found that prioritizing activity for her three boys (all under the age of five) equates to not only increased health, but better behavior.

After becoming a single father, my kids and I experienced a side of life that we had never known before. I had to take full custody of my two children as their mom had fallen into a very dark place with drug addiction. The overwhelming and sudden stress of the situation left me unemployed and homelessness soon followed.

For the majority of my life, my brothers and I were raised by a single mom, my grandparents, and various friends of our family.

My name is Julia Gilbank and I have been a member at the Kelowna Family YMCA for over ten years now. Prior to that my exercise routine included walking with a friend in the evenings, but then my back went out.

Austin Nicholls’ has struggled with weight all his life. Growing up, Austin’s weight fluctuated between healthy and unhealthy levels but by the time he graduated, he was almost 300lbs. Austin’s battles with weight have been long and difficult, but since beginning a life-changing fitness journey with the YMCA in April 2017, he has successfully lost 70 pounds.