Meet Zain, YMCA Calgary member and volunteer. Zain's story is one of resilience, community, and belonging. Living with autism, Zain's journey has been filled with unique challenges, but within the walls of the YMCA, he has discovered a sanctuary where he can thrive. With unwavering dedication, Zain frequents the YMCA four to five times a week, immersing himself in its diverse programming and spreading joy as a volunteer weight floor cleaner at his home branch of Saddletowne YMCA. He recently celebrated his one-year volunteering anniversary at the YMCA and has been a devoted member for two years.
Accompanying Zain on his journey is Kenneth, friend and devoted caretaker from Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation. Kenneth has been with Zain for over two and a half years. Having left behind a career in banking in Nigeria, Kenneth found a new calling in caring for Zain upon moving to Canada. Together, they embarked on a quest to find activities and places that would enrich Zain's life and help him integrate into society. Their search led them to the YMCA, where they discovered a vibrant sense of community that embraced them with open arms. Zain refers to the YMCA as the swimming pool and frequently asks to be taken there, which leads to their frequent visits over the week.
To Zain, the YMCA is more than just a recreational facility – it's a haven where he finds joy in simple pleasures, and where he feels a sense of belonging and connection. Some of his favourite activities to do while there are using the weight floor, watching people swim in the pool, and walking around Genesis Centre and the YMCA to visit and see other people of the same ethnicity and who also have disabilities. His eyes sparkle with delight as he explores, his enthusiasm contagious to all who encounter him.
“It’s brought out the good in him – being able to integrate with people and say hi, which is something he wasn’t able to do before,” Kenneth shares. “He even has a favourite spot to sit at the YMCA. It’s become a home for him where he can play and have fun, which means a lot to him.”
For Zain, volunteering at the YMCA has been transformative. Initially challenged by doing a task continuously for ten minutes, Zain has blossomed over the past year in his role and now volunteers for an hour on the weight floor every week. His progress is a source of immense pride for his parents, who receive frequent updates from Kenneth, their hearts swelling with joy and eyes filling with tears at Zain's growth and contribution to his community.
"The YMCA is a place where Zain feels at home," Kenneth shares, his voice filled with warmth. "It's a place where he meets people – there’s no place he wants to go without coming to the YMCA first."
Indeed, the YMCA has become Zain's sanctuary. Despite the bustling crowds, which can often be overwhelming for some individuals with autism, Zain finds peace and relaxation within its walls, a testament to the inclusive environment fostered by the YMCA community. Here, Zain is not just accommodated; he is celebrated for who he is, his presence enriching the lives of those around him.
From Kenneth and Zain’s perspective, the YMCA is an accommodating place, free of discrimination and where people are always willing to help. As Kenneth reflects on Zain’s journey, he expresses profound gratitude for the YMCA – a place where kindness knows no bounds, and everyone is welcome with open arms. “It’s a good place,” he explains. “There are always people around to help. We feel very good here – it’s an excellent place to be.”
Zain's Y story reminds us of the power of community, compassion, and inclusion. Through the unwavering support of the YMCA, Zain has not only found a place to belong, but has also discovered his own strength and purpose.
Learn more about Volunteering with YMCA Calgary and about the Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation.