About Us

We are the YMCA

We are 300 volunteers and staff working together with more than 10,000 people in Medicine Hat and area who believe in helping children and families reach their full potential. We are a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community.

For over 60 years we’ve cared for kids, shaped leaders for tomorrow and helped generations of people come together to find support, get healthier and make friends for life. We are determined to be a genuine, welcoming, hopeful place that is nurturing and fun. This is the community we want. A community where we share a sense of social responsibility; experience better health in spirit, mind and body; and where children and families can thrive.

We see a better future 

We all live in communities that experience profound change and increasing social problems. These problems are not getting smaller or any easier to solve. For some people and families, their needs are critical. Every day is a struggle, and getting out of bed feels impossible, never mind the challenge of having enough food to eat or safe places to go. Others may struggle to find the motivation to make healthy choices and feel disconnected from others and their community.

The Y is a charity designed to meet those needs. We're there for people in times of crisis and we're also in the business of prevention. Prevention isn't glamorous work but for more than 60 years the Y has been playing the long game—helping people reach their potential before issues become problems. 

We envision stronger, more hopeful and caring communities that result in:

Our Mission

Our reason for being

The YMCA of Medicine Hat, a charity supported by volunteers, is devoted to enriching our community by providing services to people of all ages within a safe, healthy environment that enhances personal wellness. 

Our Impact

How we will achieve our mission

The YMCA is committed to strengthening the foundations of community by:

• Helping children and families thrive

• Promoting a healthy community

• Fostering belonging and connection

Our Vision

The future we will create

The YMCA of Medicine Hat is recognized as a community charity that is primarily responsible for the provision of health, wellness, youth leadership and community service.

Our Values

Our values are central to our mission, guiding our behaviours, attitudes, and actions. They are a set of beliefs and ideals that we share at the YMCA and we hope to instil in others.

Our guide to decision-making and behaviour

Child Protection Policy

Promoting the safety, well-being, and potential of children, youth, and vulnerable persons is the cornerstone of our work at the YMCA of Medicine Hat.  We believe Child Protection is the responsibility of everyone at the Y, that's why we ensure the welfare and protection of children by taking the following measures:

• Valuing, respecting, and listening to children, youth, and vulnerable persons.

• Ensuring all necessary checks are made when recruiting staff and volunteers, which includes:

  • Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search

  • Child Welfare Intervention Checks for positions that supervise children and youth

  • Minimum of 3 professional reference checks

  • Formal interview process for all positions completed by a minimum of 2 YMCA employees

• Maintaining strong child protection systems and procedures for staff and volunteers.

• Training all YMCA staff and volunteers and providing a common understanding of child protection issues to inform planning and practice.

• Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children and parents/guardians.

• Sharing information about concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parent/guardians and children appropriately.

• Providing effective management for staff through:

  • Processes

  • Supervision

  • Support

  • Regular audits