Empowering newcomers isn’t just about opening doors, it’s also about guiding them to discover the keys to a brighter future.
“When I first arrived in Canada, I was battling depression and desperately wanted to return home. However, thanks to the Y’s programs, I started to experience stability and hope,” shared one recent YMCA Newcomers Program participant.
Since officially opening its doors earlier this year, the new Bettie Allard YMCA has been a welcoming community hub igniting change in the heart of Coquitlam, including for those who have recently arrived in Canada. On Aug. 8, the centre of community hosted an event to introduce the Y’s successful newcomer programs to the Tri-Cities area.
“We were able to highlight the many career and skill-building opportunities available, and it was great to see the event so well attended,” said Lizeth Escobedo, YMCA BC Director of Newcomers, Youth, and Community Wellness. “We highlighted the network of supports available to help attendees realize the Y is more than just a Health, Fitness and Aquatic Centre.”
YMCA Newcomer Programs: Nurturing Growth and Dreams
The City of Coquitlam, one of our project partners in bringing the Bettie Allard YMCA to life, is pursuing an economic development strategy for which newcomer-support programs are an essential building block. With the community’s population expected to double by 2041 and newcomers projected to constitute 44 per cent of the population, the Bettie Allard YMCA stands as a hub of opportunity, embracing the rising trend of entrepreneurial development among newcomers in the Tri-Cities.
The Self-Employment for Newcomers Program operating out of the new Y enables new Canadians to receive entrepreneurship training closer to where they live. One-to-one consultations and socio-educational events are available to support newcomers on their entrepreneurship journey. The program is sparking professional growth and helping foster Coquitlam’s mandate to increase growth in the entrepreneurial sector.
This isn’t just about business; it’s about inclusion and weaving diverse dreams into the very fabric of Coquitlam’s growth story. Thanks to our What Really Matters Now Capital Campaign donors, YMCA BC is there, helping write Coquitlam’s exciting next chapter.
Growing Together Employment Forum up next
On Dec. 2, YMCA BC is joining forces with the Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership for the Growing Together Employment Forum.
“The goal is to help empower newcomers to confidently navigate the professional landscape,” said Escobedo.
Roundtable discussions will feature expert business advisors and panelists, including a YMCA BC representative, highlighting Y employment programs and providing helpful insights into the local job market. More information is available here.
As Bettie Allard’s first year of operation comes to a close, it’s evident the What Really Matters Now campaign is about more than just constructing buildings; it’s about building brighter futures. With your invaluable support, the Bettie Allard YMCA now stands as a source of inspiration for newcomers striving to reach their potential. Together, we’re growing a legacy of empowerment, one newcomer at a time.