Lorraine’s Story: A life dedicated to helping children thrive

For more than 40 years, Lorraine has dedicated her career to helping children grow, belong, and thrive at the YMCA. Along the way, she has learned that the impact of child care can shape young lives for years to come.

"It might seem small right now, but it's the impact that you have as they get older," says, Lorraine RECE, and centre manager at Sir William Osler YMCA Child Care Centre 

"I have kids that I run into that I had years ago that are finishing university and [building careers and families of their own]." 

For Lorraine, those moments are reminders that child care is about more than supporting children through their early years. It's about helping build a foundation for life. 

"Child care is so important to me. I feel that over my years we've impacted children and families and educators to help them be successful and support them through their life journey." 

Some of her most meaningful memories involve children who needed extra support to participate fully in a program. One family stands out in particular. After learning about the child’s needs and that they had Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, many programs were unable to accept him. 

When Lorraine welcomed him into the YMCA, his mother told her, "You're the first person that accepted him." 

"Watching him grow and thrive and be part of the program makes you feel good," she says. "Providing them with the proper supports and watching them be successful and feel like they belong somewhere has impacted me a lot." 

Over the years, Lorraine's influence has reached beyond the children in her care. She has also helped mentor and guide countless educators beginning their own careers. 

"Mentoring new staff coming into the YMCA and watching them grow and move onto different roles within the YMCA has been rewarding for me." 

While much has changed since she started her career, Lorraine says the YMCA's purpose has remained constant. 

"People change, regulations change, but our core values remain the same. We want to make sure everyone feels that they belong and are part of our mission in building healthy communities." 

It's a mission she has spent 40 years bringing to life, one child, one family, and one relationship at a time. 

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