A Generational Bond: Martha’s Story

For Martha Fiorentino, the YMCA has never been just a place to swim or work out—it’s been a cornerstone of her life, shaping childhood memories, forging lifelong friendships, and now helping her raise a new generation grounded in community, connection, and healthy living.

Martha’s journey with the YMCA began as a child, when she took swimming lessons and attended summer camp at YMCA Wanakita. As she got older, her ties to the Y deepened through regular visits to the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA for workouts. It was there, in a seemingly ordinary moment in the changing room, that she met her future mother-in-law.

“That is why the Y is such a special spot for me” Martha shared. “It brings you lovely connections and you meet so many new people”.

Martha has been happily married to her husband for 16 years, and their five children are following in their footsteps. Martha’s five children are splitting their time between swim classes, family camp experiences, and summer camp programs at YMCA Wanakita. “It brings me comfort that they are going to the same camp I did as a kid,” she said. “There are so many familiar faces there, and I know it’s a great camp experience. It’s neat to sort of relive it through them”.

For Martha and her children, the YMCA is a multi-generational gathering space for their family. 

“With my dad being in his late 70s to Juliette starting swim classes when she was just 4 months old, it’s helped us teach our family about healthy living as a lifelong goal,” Martha explained. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

For Martha, the YMCA was also an essential support system in her early years of motherhood. “As a young or new mom in the community, it has been a way to keep socializing and have the kids occupied as well.”

She says the relationships she's forged at the YMCA have stood the test of time. “Some of the people I’ve met through the Y came to our wedding,” Martha said. “We’ve continued staying friends. It’s so nice to make connections and to see your family growing in a nice community.”

Now a member of the Flamborough Family YMCA, Martha has spent years moving through various branches—from the Downtown Y to Les Chater—but no matter where she goes, the feeling remains the same.

“It’s just one of those constants,” she said. “Even if you’ve left and come back, it feels like a second home.”