How a social prescription to the YMCA became a lifesaver for the Pinder family
26-08-2025
When Cherrise and James Pinder moved from the Bahamas to Canada four years ago, they came with hope in their hearts and a determination to rebuild their lives—but it wasn’t an easy start.
Cherrise and her daughter were both in college, and James was without a job. The twins, Chernya and Chernay, were only 13 years old, and Little James was just three. They didn’t know anyone, they didn’t have any support, and they didn’t yet have a community to rely on.
Not long after arriving, the family faced serious health issues. They were quickly connected to McMaster Children's Hospital and a social worker named Sarah. Sarah connected them with the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, who helped Chernay with speech therapy support, audiology assistance, and an updated hearing aid. Frequent hospital visits became part of their new normal. Instead of being able to dive into their new community, they often felt like they were treading water, just trying to stay afloat.
“It’s been an unpredictable life,” Cherrise says. “When one twin gets sick, the other does too. We were in and out of hospitals. We didn’t even know there was a world like the YMCA out there. Coming to Canada was survival—but survival isn’t the same as living.”
What a difference four years can make.
Cherrise has since earned her degree in social services, and the Pinder’s oldest daughter is a nurse working in Ontario. James has a job in the financial sector, the twins are getting ready to enter grade 12, and James Junior (JJ)—the youngest and only boy—is a spark of energy who lights up every room.
Their turning point came thanks to that incredible network of care. Through Sarah, and the Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre, the Pinders were introduced to the YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford. The introduction came through a social prescription—a partnership between Hamilton Health Sciences and the YMCA that allows healthcare professionals to refer families to community-based programs that nurture health and well-being beyond clinical care.
For the Pinders, it was a prescription for hope.
With funding granted to Hamilton Health Sciences covering their children’s memberships, the Pinders joined the Les Chater Family YMCA. At first, there was some hesitation—especially from the twins, who were shy and unsure of themselves. But the Y’s welcoming staff quickly became a beacon of encouragement.
The twins began swimming lessons, learning how to float on their backs and move forward in the water. “I like swimming,” Chernya says quietly. “I’m not ready for a lake yet, but maybe one day.” Chernay adds, “The instructors help us a lot. They’re nice.”
In the fitness centre, the girls discovered a new kind of confidence. “I like the dumbbells,” Chernay says with a shy smile. “And the treadmill,” Chernya adds. “It makes me feel stronger.”
The Y hasn’t just been a gift for the kids—it’s been transformative for Cherrise and James too. James found himself falling in love with the gym, calling it “addictive in the best way.” Cherrise rediscovered her own confidence in the water through adult swimming lessons, while also cherishing time spent exercising alongside James.
“After years of focusing only on the kids’ needs, we’re finally tapping back into ourselves,” James says. “It’s brought balance to our lives. The Y is safe, clean, and welcoming—it gives us peace of mind and a place to grow together.”
JJ, the youngest, has taken full advantage of the Y’s programs—soccer, karate, basketball, swimming, and more. “I love everything about the Y,” he says. “It makes me excited to come and play.”
For the Pinders, the YMCA has been nothing short of a lifesaver.
“People see us now and think we’re doing fine because we have good jobs,” Cherrise explains. “But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Starting over is hard. You can lose yourself—and you can lose hope. The Y gave that hope back to us. They don’t just look at your pay cheque; they see your whole family. They care about what’s really going on.”
The Pinders’ journey is one of resilience, faith, and community. As pastors, they’ve always believed in giving back, even when resources are limited. They see their YMCA membership not just as a gift for their own family, but as a reminder of the power of community support—a beacon of hope they plan to reflect for others.
“Even though we’re not yet where we want to be financially, and amid our trials, we’ve never stopped giving back," Cherrise said. "It’s who we are, what we teach our kids, and as we grow more established, we’ll only give back more."
From surviving to thriving, the Pinders’ story is proof that sometimes, the right prescription isn’t found in a bottle—it’s found in a place that helps you shine.
#ShineOn #TheYSavesLives #IgnitePotential #Community
At the YMCA, we support people at every stage of life, helping them overcome any obstacle they may face. When you donate to the YMCA you spark the potential in every young person, adult and senior.
