Welcome to the Y!There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. The YMCA has the programs, support and expertise to help people be healthy and successful, which in turn, advances the well-being of our communities. Our core values are caring, respect, honesty, responsibility, and inclusiveness.Every charity exists to help solve a problem, and the Y is no different — with the exception that our charity helps address many problems, from healthy living and child care shortages to isolation, racism, mental health issues, and more.The YMCA began in London, England in 1844, as a response to unfair social conditions brought on by the Industrial Revolution. From there, it spread around the world. The YMCA name has since become synonymous with caring, compassionate people, stepping up to meet their communities' unique and evolving needs.Today, in Canada alone, there are over 1,700 locations across the country acting as the heartbeat of their respective communities. Each year, over two million Canadians of all ages and life stages overcome obstacles and improve their well-being at the Y.YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health supports, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario. Y's have been making a positive difference in the communities we serve and igniting the potential in people for 180 years!