YMCA of Northern Alberta - Wood Buffalo

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Fort McMurray, AB
YMCA of Northern Alberta - Wood Buffalo

A charity committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and social responsibility to each other and the global community.

09/18/2026

Last week, the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) was pleased to present the findings of the Wood Buffalo Newcomer Needs Assessment, exploring the experiences, needs, and priorities of newcomers in the region across a range of settlement and integration areas.

We are excited to share that the research report is now available on the LIP website: https://www.newcomers-ymm.ca/survey

The presentation also introduced the community priorities that emerged from the research. The next phase of this work will focus on exploring opportunities for action, implementation, and collaboration with community partners.

Thank you to Councillor Luana Bussieres, former Councillor Funke Banjoko, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Clair Antoine, members of the Steering Committee, and the many community partners who joined us for the presentation and have supported this work throughout the process.

09/17/2026

As part of Welcome Week, Pride Coffee Connect offered an opportunity for community members to come together, share conversations and celebrate diversity and inclusion in a safe space. Thank you to the Wood Buffalo Pride for sharing your valuable information - and for bringing treats ;) We're so glad you all could join us!

08/26/2026

Starting high school can come with a lot of unknowns. Starting high school in a new country can come with even more.

This August, newcomer students at Composite High School took part in Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW), a program connected with YMCA Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) that helps students become more familiar with their new school, understand the Canadian education system, meet other students, and build confidence before classes begin.

Peer Leaders also took part in training so they could help welcome and support newcomer students, share their own experiences, and make those first days at a new school feel a little less unfamiliar.

Students were also joined by presenters from Waypoints, who shared practical information about personal boundaries, safety, healthy communication, and the community supports available to youth.

Programs like NOW help create a community where young people can feel that they belong, while making space for the experiences, perspectives, and strengths newcomers bring with them to Fort McMurray.

Thank you to the students, Peer Leaders, Composite High School, Waypoints, and our SWIS team for helping create such a welcoming start to the school year.

08/17/2026

Do you know youth who need a place to hang out on Friday nights? Join us for our new Youth Zone Recreation Nights! We're offering a fun, welcoming space where youth can make new friends, try new activities, build confidence, and have fun in a supportive environment. Whether you’re into games, sports, crafts, or just want to connect, there’s something for everyone.

Come to Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA on Fridays from 5:30pm—7:30pm!

For more information contact one of our Youth Support Workers, Kassidy Reid & Darien Ch*****ne.
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Phone: 587-646-2251 / 587-645-680

This is offered as a part of the YMCA's Youth Transitions Program and is made possible with support from the Government of Alberta, RBC Foundation, Syncrude, TD Ready Commitment, AIMCo, Southbow, Alberta Blue Cross and Unifor.

08/05/2026

Meet Darien and Kassidy, the youth workers supporting the YMCA’s new Youth Transitions Program in Wood Buffalo!

Through YTP, Darien and Kassidy will work alongside youth in the Fort McMurray region as they build confidence, work toward their goals, strengthen their independence, and develop skills they can carry into adulthood.

Darien studied sociology, psychology, and criminology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Since graduating, she has worked with non-profit organizations in Ontario and Newfoundland focused on strengthening families. She believes that genuine relationships are key to helping youth recognize their potential and navigate the barriers they face. Outside of work, Darien stays busy raising her four young children and enjoys family adventures, sports, and photography.

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Kassidy holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, with a major in psychology and a minor in biological sciences. She loves working with youth because every day brings new conversations, experiences, and opportunities to help someone grow. Kassidy’s goal is to help youth achieve their goals, believe in themselves, and develop practical skills for the transition into adulthood. In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, spending time with friends, and hanging out with her Golden Retriever, Goose.

We’re excited to welcome Darien and Kassidy to the Y and to see the connections they build with youth throughout Wood Buffalo. Follow our page for more information about YTP and upcoming opportunities for local youth.

07/14/2026

We recently wrapped up our 2-week SWIS Summer Camp provided by our Settlement Workers in Schools program. This series of day camps offered newcomer students in Wood Buffalo with opportunities to learn, create, stay active, and build new connections.

Campers took part in dance, games, art, goal-setting activities, and sessions about multicultural and Indigenous traditions. These activities gave them opportunities to try new things, ask questions, work together, and learn more about their community.

The camp reflects the larger goals of the Settlement Workers in Schools program. SWIS helps newcomer students and families adjust to a new school and community by connecting them with guidance, resources, social supports, and opportunities to build confidence and belonging.

Thank you to our SWIS staff, campers, families, and community partners who helped make the camp possible, including Divine Group Of India by Shweta Suthar , Waypoints , Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wood Buffalo , Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo , and Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre . We are grateful for the time, knowledge, and care they shared with our campers.

07/02/2026

Thank you so much to the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo for allowing us to be a part of the 4th annual Multicultural Festival. This event plays an important role in building understanding, appreciation and connection between all residents of our community and it was an honour to be a part of it.

06/30/2026

This week, the Youth Transitions Program in Fort Chipewyan, alongside the Wood Buffalo Family Connect team and other community agencies, participated in the Fort Chipewyan Pride Event. The event was held at Mamawi Hall and was open to all ages at no cost. It featured guest speakers, performers and included a range of activities such as an opening and lunch, friendship bracelet making, beading, drag bingo, dinner, and a karaoke talent show.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible! Thank you for helping provide safe, welcoming spaces where individuals and families can celebrate identity, foster belonging, and build meaningful community connections.

06/26/2026

Our Summer Day Camp Counselors have completed their training and are all packed up and ready to kick-off camps on Monday! There are still some spots available for last-minute registrants in our Creative Explorers, Esports, Science Explorers and Y Venture camps. Save spots for your kids by registering at ymcanab.ca/camps

06/21/2026

This weekend offered many reasons to celebrate, reflect and connect with our community. This includes World Refugee Day, a day when we honour the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their country to escape conflict, violence and persecution.

Address

2-301 Sparrow Hawk Drive
Fort McMurray, AB
T9K1S5

Website

https://ymcanab.ca/

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