Carmel’s Story: Celebrating 35 Years with the YMCA

When Carmel Grant looks back on her 35 years at the YMCA, she still remembers exactly how it began.

“February 18th, 1991,” she says proudly. “I applied for a before and after school position and got it…and then pretty much never left.”

Her early years were spent in programs directly with children, but her role shifted over time. After a decade in the school-based program, she moved into administration. 

“There was an opportunity for a full‑time admin job in the office. I applied, got it, and then the role changed over the years.” She even tried finance for a year, before returning to child care administration, where she is now the full‑day child care financial administrator.

The transition away from working directly with children wasn’t always easy. 

“I didn’t have a lot of computer knowledge…the kids probably had more than I did,” she laughs. But she learned, adapted, and grew.

“I’ve always felt supported…[everyone has always been] open and positive. If I’d done something I shouldn’t have, it was, ‘next time maybe do it like this.’”

Among her favourite memories are moments of fun and connection. 

“I really like when the staff dress up at Halloween because I’m a huge Halloween fan.” 

She still laughs about the time her team tackled a muddy obstacle course together: 

“You really see your coworkers in a different light when they’re covered in mud...but they looked great.”

But nothing tops the holiday potlucks. 

“Everybody would bring a food item…we’d all sit together and have a really delicious full-on turkey meal with all the fixings.” 

For Carmel, these moments felt like “having a family meal, but without the fighting,” she laughs.

What has stayed with her most are the people. 

“You get to know parents and what their struggles are…when they finally get [a spot in day care], you’re glad for them too.” 

She also found connection as a YMCA member. 

“I liked seeing the same people at the gym, talking to them, seeing how their days were going.”

After 35 years, the YMCA is more than a workplace for Carmel—it's a community she’s grown up with.