At the YMCA, we believe in people. We see their potential. We find strength in telling stories of our differences and find inspiration in sharing our diversity – all with the purpose of bringing us closer together.
Meet Brett Warren, our Experience Manager at Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton. Growing up, Brett was always a member at the Y, he knew the impact the Y had on his community, so when an opportunity came to work here, the decision was easy.
Brett started his Y journey in 2019 as a YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP) coordinator, assisting newcomers to Canada to learn valuable skills through after-school sessions and special events. He made the transition to Sport Supervisor during the pandemic and was able to provide Calgary youth with recreational activities and continue to build a happy, healthy community.
“I have always felt the Y provides everyone with opportunities to grow and seeing that in our staff and members is something special.”
YMCA Calgary strives to create spaces and communities that are welcoming and inspiring. Brett appreciates how the Y values community and is a place where members and staff feel included and are given opportunities to grow.
He is always thinking about how the programs offered can be fun and impactful for the youth involved.
“It’s always such a great feeling to have parents thank us for the programs we offer and mention how much fun their kids have here.”
While Brett was a YMAP Coordinator, he had a large role in creating and running our Lace Up for Newcomers Program, a Calgary Flames Foundation-funded program for newcomers to Canada to learn to skate and be introduced to the sport of hockey, all for free. He still smiles thinking about how many people have gone through the program and have fallen in love with hockey and skating.
The Y is a space to play, grow, learn and connect. With the help of individuals like Brett, we can continue to offer programs that lead to a healthier, more vibrant community. Whether you are new to Canada and want to learn about hockey, or just trying out basketball for the first time, YMCA Calgary has programs for all.
If you have a Y Story, reach out to us at communications@calgary.ymca.ca