Collaborating to create opportunities
Through our collaboration with our various partners, we’re finding new ways to engage, share resources, and innovate for the good of the community. From expanding mental health support, to leveraging our spaces for community-building opportunities, to creating programs that remove barriers for children, youth, families and adults.
Together with our partners, we are shaping a healthier, more connected Calgary, one where everyone has the chance to belong, grow, thrive, and lead.
Calgary Flames Foundation
Since 2013, we have partnered with the Calgary Flames Foundation to offer every Grade 6 student in Calgary a free 13-month YMCA membership. This unique collaboration helps young people stay active, build confidence, and connect with their community through access to facilities, programs, and special events like Flames Fridays.
Together, we’re creating opportunities for young people to develop healthy habits and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Camp fYrefly
In collaboration with the Centre for Sexuality, YMCA Calgary hosts Camp fYrefly, a five-day leadership retreat for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 13–17 at Camp Chief Hector YMCA in the Bow Valley. Through workshops, outdoor adventures, art, mental-health support, and community-building, this camp empowers young people to explore their identities, build resilience, and cultivate leadership in a safe, affirming environment.
Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary (CMHA)
New Free Wellness Courses by CMHA x YMCA
Together, YMCA Calgary and Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary's Recovery College are dedicated to expanding accessible mental health education opportunities in our community.
This series of four courses offered at Saddletowne YMCA is designed to empower and educate using an educational based approach. The pilot program aims to help people recognize and develop their own resourcefulness and awareness, in order to become experts in their own recovery and wellness.
Recovery College is for anyone. You are not required to have a referral, diagnosis, previous experience, or be a YMCA or CMHA Calgary client to participate.
Planet Youth
Planet Youth Calgary is a local, long-term approach to creating supportive environments where youth can thrive within their communities. This is a collaborative investment between YMCA Calgary, United Way of Calgary and Area, Trellis Society, and Miskanawah that will have a positive impact on individual mental health and overall community well-being. Our data-driven methodology, based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, helps establish safe spaces where young people feel a sense of purpose. We want youth to have access to places where they can nurture meaningful connections with peers, family, and other supportive adults.
Calgary is the first city in Western Canada to launch the model, and the first city in Canada to imbed an Indigenous Parallel, recognizing and honouring both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, being, and doing.