Our Mission
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC, formerly the YMCA of Okanagan, is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community.
Everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, can access vital services for their health and wellbeing at the Y. Whether it is through pre-diabetes programming, cardiac rehabilitation, swim lessons, fitness classes, child care, after-school enrichment programs, career development services, mental health supports or financial assistance, everything we do lays a healthy foundation for individuals and our community as a whole.
Our goal isn’t to fix people‘s challenges. Instead, we provide relevant and responsive programs and supports to help them tap into their own abilities and shape a better future for themselves.
By giving to the YMCA, you are helping deliver long lasting personal and social change to ensure our friends and neighbours not only survive, but thrive. By supporting the Y, through a membership, camp, or swim lesson, you are making a socially responsible purchase as all of our profits are reinvested back into our community.
Our Impact
Together, the YMCA SIBC team and community partners are removing barriers to meaningful job opportunities, mental wellness, school success, healthy bodies and overall wellbeing. In 2022:
235
individuals graduated from employment programs
617
children provided with affordable, quality child care
797
people accessed a financially assisted YMCA membership
Our Core Values
Caring
We support every individual in spirit, mind and body through unwavering kindness and positive relationships.
Honesty
We serve with integrity, transparency, fairness and sincerity.
Respect
We treat every person with dignity and acknowledge the inherent worth of oneself and others.
Responsibility
We remain accountable to ourselves and the communities we serve.
Inclusiveness
We foster a sense of belonging and create welcoming places and programs for all.
Y Give
Our mission to improve the health of our community goes much deeper than the traditional health and wellness model by…
Promoting healthy lifestyles
From inactivity to healthy living—we get people moving.
Helping children and families thrive
From poverty to potential—we make it possible for everyone to reach their goals.
Fostering belonging and connection
From isolation to belonging—we bring people together.
Our Story
The YMCA of Okanagan has been part of the heart and soul of this community since 1981 and now, as the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, is poised to meet the changing needs of more communities well into the future.
Board of Directors
Our Board is committed to a balanced consideration of the needs, values and interests of all our members and stakeholders. In their governance of the YMCA they provide vision, strategic leadership and stewardship.