YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and YMCA of Three Rivers Announce Partnership with HPCAS
YMCA of SWO and YMCA of Three Rivers are proud to partner with the Huron-Perth CAS in support of their combined missions to build healthy communities and serve families. At the Y, our mission is to build healthy communities. By partnering with individuals and organizations within our communities that support our mission, we’re able to reach more people and accomplish our goals together. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and YMCA of Three Rivers are incredibly excited to welcome Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society families into our Health, Fitness & Aquatics branches in the Huron-Perth region. In doing so, and together, our organizations are ensuring that CAS children, youth, and families have access to programs and services to lead healthy, active, supported, and connected lives, enabling them to reach their full potential. This is a regional extension of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario’s partnerships established with Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex (CASLM) in 2020, and with Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County (CASOC), established in 2021.
“We have seen positive impact through our partnership with CASLM and CASOC, and so the opportunity to expand our community partnerships and geographic reach to Huron-Perth was a welcome one. The Y is excited to open even more of our doors and invite these children and youth, as well as their foster and kinship families, to a place where they will experience belonging, acceptance, empathy, in a fun, safe, and caring environment.” Andrew Lockie, CEO, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario.
“Families who use the Y often tell us that the Y is a place that brings them a sense of normalcy and togetherness. We are so excited to expand on this community partnership, as we emerge from a period that has not felt very normal and has also been quite isolating. We look forward to offering these families a safe place to belong and have fun together.” Mike Ennis, CEO, YMCA of Three Rivers.
Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society is one of 50 non-profit CAS organizations in Ontario. Their goals are to support and strengthen families and to be leaders for positive change in our community, accomplished through working collaboratively with families and diverse communities to promote the safe and healthy development of children and youth. On average, they work with 1000 families and
children in Huron-Perth each year.
“We are excited and grateful to enter into this life changing partnership with the YMCA. Over 300 children and youth, kinship and care providers families will now have the ability to engage in healthy supportive community activities, free from barriers, and in a critical time as society emerges from the COVID pandemic. There couldn’t be a more important time for connection to our community and we are grateful to the YMCA for providing this support.” Kristian Wilson, Executive Director, Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society.
It is written “it takes a village to raise a child,” and the Y is thrilled to be a part of this village with the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society. Every child and youth deserve a permanent meaningful relationship, safety and support.
There are many opportunities for people who wish to become Foster Adopt Care Providers through CAS. They are seeking adults from all communities to provide stable and supportive families for children and youth who either need temporary care on their path to permanency or a permanent home. Learn more about becoming a Foster Adopt Care Provider at the following website: http://www.h-pcas.ca/.
About the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is a multi-service charity that provides opportunities for growth in spirit,
mind, and body for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. You can learn more by visiting the
website at: www.ymcaswo.ca.
About the YMCA of Three Rivers
The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and
Waterloo Region. As a charity, our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more
vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full
potential. Learn more at: www.ymcathreerivers.ca