From Shy to Supported: How the YMCA Newcomer Youth Centre Helped Marianne break out of her shell and find community

Meet Marianne. When Marianne first arrived at the YMCA’s Newcomer Youth Centre, she was searching for more than support—she was searching for connection.

What she found was a community that helped her grow, belong, and believe in herself.

“Meeting John, Lizeth, Mara, and Neamin has been a life‑changing experience for me,” Marianne says. 

From the very beginning, these connections shaped her experience. The Centre became a place where she felt supported not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well.  

“[They gave me] support with school, mental health, relationships, and my personal growth in a welcoming environment,” she says.

The YMCA Newcomer Youth Centre is a free, safe, and inclusive space designed specifically for newcomer and immigrant youth. It helps young people settle into life in Canada by offering academic support, leadership development, employment and career guidance, mental‑health‑informed programming, volunteer opportunities, and social activities. Just as importantly, it is a place where youth can meet peers with shared experiences, build friendships, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. In Hamilton, the YMCA operates three Newcomer Youth Centres, ensuring that more young people across the city can access these vital supports.

For Marianne, the sense of community was transformative. 

“Through their guidance, I gained confidence and discovered a community of like‑minded youth, forming connections that helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she says. 

Those relationships helped her see new possibilities for herself. With Neamin’s encouragement and guidance, she was even able to move closer to her career goals, something that once felt out of reach.

The impact of the Centre went far beyond its walls. 

“Thanks to them, I was able to complete over 100 volunteer hours, connect with my community, and experience unique excursions like the Art Crawl, Wild Waterworks, and going to the movies—experiences I would never have had without them,” she says. 

These shared experiences helped her feel more connected to Hamilton and confident navigating her community alongside peers who understood her journey. 

Perhaps the most powerful change was the one Marianne saw in herself. 

“[I was] a shy person when I first came to the YMCA, I’ve transformed into someone confident and connected.” 

She says being welcomed exactly as she was helped her develop “a deeper appreciation for how the Newcomer Youth Centre celebrates diversity and welcomes all cultures.”

Now, Marianne hopes other newcomer youth can experience the same sense of belonging and opportunity. 

“I believe it’s crucial for other youth to have these opportunities,” she says, sharing her wish that the YMCA could expand its reach even further.

Marianne’s story is a testament to the power of connection. Through supportive relationships, meaningful experiences, and a welcoming community, the YMCA Newcomer Youth Centre helped her find her place—and ignite her potential.