YMCA Of Southwestern Ontario Is Now Providing Access To All CAS Families Across Southwestern Ontario

by Bob Montgomery

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is thrilled to announce that with their new partnership with Family and Children Services of St. Thomas and Elgin, they are now providing access to all Children’s Aid Society children and families across their entire region. 

This agreement marks the final step in offering vital health, fitness, & aquatics services to kinship and care provider families in London-Middlesex, Huron-Perth, Oxford County, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia-Lambton, and now, St. Thomas-Elgin. Marketing and Communications VP Elyse Sheare says they now provide services to fourteen branches across their region and the services, to some degree, depend on the interests of the young people in a given area. They have a wide range of programs for young people in those fourteen areas. They have swimming lessons in some of their branches and they have drop-in programs. The Y provides an opportunity for people in the community to connect in a safe and inclusive space and it's not just for the children, but for their families and care providers as well.

This landmark partnership is a testament to YMCA of Southwestern Ontario’s mission as a charity that ignites growth and belonging for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. By opening their doors to more children and families in need, they are working alongside these organizations to foster healthy, active, and supportive environments for the children and youth in their communities. Sheare says research from the Canadian Mental Health Association indicates that coming out of the pandemic, many Canadians are suffering from a loneliness epidemic and many people are having difficulty connecting, so aside from the physical benefits the Y provides, there is also a very valuable social benefit.