About Us

We Are the YMCA of Medicine Hat

We are 300 employees and volunteers working together to serve more than 10,000 people in southeastern Alberta.

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.

Our Mission

The YMCA of Medicine Hat strengthens communities in southeastern Alberta by inspiring and connecting individuals, youth, and families to reach their full potential through programs that cultivate positive relationships and promote wellness while increasing skills and knowledge.

Our Strategic Priorities

A Place for Everyone: Communities and Individuals are Connected and Feel a Sense of Belonging
We Can’t Do It Alone: The YMCA is a Leader in Development and Maintaining Community Partnerships to Maximize Impact
Growing Leaders: We Foster a Community of High-Quality, Engaged Leaders
Here For the Long Term: Our YMCA is Thriving to Meet the Needs of the Community

Our Vision

Vibrant and connected communities where people feel included, healthy, and inspired to reach their full potential.

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 instill in others.

Child Protection Policy

Promoting the safety, well-being, and potential of children and youth 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:
- Police Information Check (with Vulnerable Sector Search for positions that work with children and youth)
- 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

The current Child Safety and Protection Policy & Procedures can be viewed below.

ClICK HERE

Governance

Steering the ship

The overall governance, responsibility, and accountability for the YMCA of Medicine Hat lies with our volunteer Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team. This group of community volunteers and senior employees provides vision, strategic leadership and stewardship for the Association.