NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The RBC Foundation has generously donated $50,000 to support the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s efforts to serve newcomers settling across the region.
The funds are dedicated to YMCA immigrant services to support the creation of a new staff role, the YMCA system navigator.
The YMCA system navigator will help 150 newcomers and their families to work within interdisciplinary teams in hospitals, medical centres, community services, correctional and probation facilities, schools, and in private and public facilities. The YMCA system navigator will be able to assist the newcomers through complex health and social care systems and difficult decision-making processes, acting as an advocate and guide.
YMCA immigrant services helps newcomers adjust to life in Canada, and provides supports to make them feel welcomed and included in their new communities, said YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s CEO, Jill Tettmann.
“Newcomers face many obstacles after arriving in Canada, with one of those being understanding and navigating our complex health and social care systems. The YMCA system navigator will assist newcomers and their families in their journey through these systems, providing guidance and insight to help them make informed decisions,” explained Tettmann.
RBC has supported YMCA immigrant services since 2019. According to Ronda MacPherson, vice-president at RBC Royal Bank, diversity and inclusion are cornerstone values at RBC, making a partnership with the YMCA a natural fit.
“We truly believe that diversity and inclusion strengthens us, not only within our own organization but also in the community,” stated MacPherson. “It is our responsibility to use our voice to inspire more inclusivity by supporting the work of organizations like the Y, that are making a difference in the community where we live and work.”
“Thanks to the generous support of the RBC Foundation, we are empowering newcomers to be able to take an active role in decision-making processes that will have a huge impact on their new lives in Canada,” said Tettmann.
The YMCA system navigator started in January, and is now available to help newcomers across Simcoe and Muskoka. To learn more about YMCA immigrant services, or to book an appointment, interested individuals can call 705-241-2501, or visit the YMCA’s website at www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/immigrant-services.
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