Terri’s Story: 25 Years of Care, Community, and Connection with the YMCA

When Terri answered a newspaper ad nearly 26 years ago, she had no idea she was stepping into a lifelong community. 

She went to a hiring event at the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA and “I was hired on the spot,” she says, her first placement at a now‑closed school in Dundas, Ontario marking the start of a career built on care, connection, and growth.

Terri began as an assistant, moved into a supervisor role after three years, and in 2025 stepped into her current position as program lead of before and after school care at Earl Kitchener School. 

“It’s been great,” she says. “It’s a constant learning environment…and I love the kids.”

Some of her most meaningful moments have been unexpected reunions, when former participants, now adults, return to say hello. 

“When the children are adults now and they come back…it’s amazing how much they’ve grown.”

One especially memorable encounter was running into the now‑27‑year‑old son of a colleague whose family had been part of her program for years. 

“We reconnected quickly,” she says.

Terri carries that same sense of connection with families and coworkers. 

“Some of the parents I still see occasionally out and about, and we just reconnect so easily,” she says. 

She also credits several managers for supporting her growth along the way. 

“They were very supportive. They had a great sense of humor and helped whenever possible.”

After more than two decades, Terri remains grounded in what matters most: relationships, community, and the joy of watching children grow. 

Reflecting on the journey, she sums it up with warmth: “It’s been great.”