The YMCA of Eastern Charlotte is expecting to hit 7,000 users through its programming at the Eastern Charlotte Recreational Complex in Blacks Harbour.
Paige Scott is the manager of community and program development for the region.
“We’re going to keep the momentum going, offer more programming,” she said, speaking to the council. “We’re a small, but mighty team. We put our heart and soul into everything that we’re doing.”
The program has grown substantially since it started in 2022, with the first year seeing just 1,000 from August until the end of the year. In 2024, the organization saw more than 5,000 users, which was 2,000 more than they saw in the year prior.
Scott said the locality of the programming and staff has been critical to its success.
“I would say that we’re residents of Eastern Charlotte, and so we’re from here, we live here, we know everyone here,” she said during an interview with The Courier. “We are asking for feedback, and we ask online. We’re a small team, so we’d love to offer the moon right now, but we’re still really trying to be sustainable in what we can offer.”
The program offers KinderPlay, Cards and Coffee, and an after-school program at St. George Elementary School, among others. It will also look at expanding the evening and weekend programming.
“We totally understand that not everyone can get to daytime programming and we really want to overcome that,” she said during the meeting.
The organization has also been successful in hiring staff and offering placements to students from the New Brunswick Community College.
Five students have completed their practicum at the program, with two of them interviewing for summer positions.
“We’re hopeful,” she said. “Last year, one of our practicum students filled a summer position at the Y. She just finished her Early Childhood Educator (ECC) course, she starts on Monday,” Scott said. “We’re seeing community impact because they are all Charlotte County residents.”
The YMCA also opened an after-school program in Fundy Shores in November 2024.
Something Scott said at the time was much-needed given there was no after-school program available to kids in that area.
Scott said the next goal will be to build up the volunteer base as it looks to offer more programming, which is needed in the region.
The council is currently working toward developing a larger childcare facility, as well.
“We’re looking to see and have as many volunteers as possible to support the staff that we do have,” she said during an interview.
Eastern Charlotte Coun. Alexa Detorakis attends the KinderPlay program with her son.
“It’s been the best thing for him,” she said. “It’s the best possible thing I could imagine. He’s there playing with other kids, older kids, and we’re playing with different toys. The staff is super attentive. It’s a safe space. I couldn’t sing the YMCAs praises enough.”
Detorakis said she’ll also try to take in a game of pickleball, part of YMCA’s adult programming.
Coun. Adam Hatt praised the efforts of the organization.
“If you remember the numbers, we were at 300 coming out of the gate, this year projected to be at 7,000, remember what I told you? We’re going to make this place a beehive,” he said.
Hatt said he hopes programming could be expanded for mid-age youth.
“All-in-all, you’re doing a great job,” he said.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer for the YMCA in Eastern Charlotte can reach out to Paige Scott at p.scott@yswnb.ca. You can also follow the programming on Facebook.
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