Annual Report 2012 - YMCA Calgary
Annual Report 2012 - YMCA Calgary
Annual Report 2012 - YMCA Calgary
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Finding a Place<br />
to Flourish<br />
by Kristine Weisgerber and<br />
Carollyne Cheng<br />
In December <strong>2012</strong>, Kuldip stood tall in front of his<br />
<strong>YMCA</strong> Language Instruction for Newcomers to<br />
Canada (LINC) class at the Shawnessy <strong>YMCA</strong> and<br />
received his three year longevity award. This was<br />
a proud moment for Kuldip to show fellow<br />
classmates how much he had grown.<br />
Kuldip arrived in Canada five years ago seeking<br />
a new home and better life for his family. Although<br />
he had gained employment, something was<br />
missing. A friend mentioned the <strong>YMCA</strong> was a<br />
great place to work. After a successful interview,<br />
Kuldip began his career in the housekeeping<br />
department of the <strong>YMCA</strong> Asset Management team<br />
and never looked back.<br />
When Kuldip first moved to Canada, he understood<br />
very little English and expressed feeling inadequate<br />
when he heard young children speaking fluently.<br />
In April <strong>2012</strong>, he took a very important step in his<br />
personal growth by starting LINC classes at the<br />
Shawnessy <strong>YMCA</strong>. Gradually his confidence and<br />
ability to communicate in English grew. His <strong>YMCA</strong><br />
LINC teacher noticed such a huge improvement<br />
in Kuldip’s English that she moved him to a higher<br />
level class in a short amount of time.<br />
40 hours per week and attending LINC classes<br />
12 hours per week. Despite 11-hour days and a<br />
long commute, Kuldip loves every moment of it.<br />
Since beginning his <strong>YMCA</strong> journey, Kuldip talks<br />
about the many friendships he has made, the<br />
unwavering support from staff, volunteers and<br />
members and is grateful that he can provide<br />
his family with a good life in Canada.<br />
When asked why he doesn’t work and attend LINC<br />
at the Saddletowne <strong>YMCA</strong> which is very close to<br />
his home, he states, “The people at the Shawnessy<br />
<strong>YMCA</strong> are like my family. I have so much support<br />
here. I find value coming to the <strong>YMCA</strong> and I feel this<br />
is my second home.”<br />
Kuldip has come a long way since arriving in<br />
Canada. His personal growth and sense of<br />
achievement is evident in the glowing smile<br />
he wears each day.<br />
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Kuldip resides in northeast <strong>Calgary</strong> and travels<br />
to the Shawnessy <strong>YMCA</strong> every weekday working<br />
<strong>YMCA</strong> <strong>Calgary</strong><br />
7 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>
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