Who We Are
Building brighter futures.
For 170 years, we’ve cared for kids, shaped leaders for tomorrow, helped generations of people come together for support, and provide experiences that last a lifetime.
As a charitable, non-profit organization, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, in welcoming spaces that are both nurturing and fun — a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families thrive.
Our charity creates opportunities for personal growth, fosters connection and supports change. Through a wide variety of programs and services, we’re building a brighter future across Nova Scotia.
Our Purpose
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Values
YMCA Association Services
Every Day At the Y...
- Parents can pursue their careers or education while their kids learn and grow in child care
- Adults achieve peace of mind at yoga classes and reach healthy workout goals at our health and fitness centres
- Toddlers build confidence with every stroke, learning lifesaving swimming skills in our swimming & aquatics programs
- Youth become (literal and figurative) trailblazers in our camping and outdoor education programs
- Older adults stay active and connected to their communities
- Job seekers find employment support as they navigate the current labour market
- Newcomers are welcomed and supported as they settle in a new country
- Students gain life experiences as volunteers, and as youth leaders in work and exchange programs
YMCA Association Services
YMCA Association Services houses the administrative support offices of the YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth including the office of the CEO, finance, human resources, marketing and communications, donor relations and fund development.
Brian Posavad
President & CEO
He/ Him
[email protected]
p. (902) 423-4261
Thivjan Tharmaratnam
Chief Operations Officer
He/ Him
[email protected]
p. (902) 759-2620
Alexandria Samson
Director, Donor Relations
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 229-4311
Sahra MacNeill
Director, People & Culture
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 225-2790
Zach Fralick
People & Culture Generalist
She / Her
[email protected]
p.(902) 456-8892
Kellea Redden
Chief Financial Officer
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 423-4907 Ext. 225
John Meagher
General Manager, Asset & Development
He / Him
[email protected]
p. (902) 223-3986
Morgan Atwater
Director, Funds Development and Community Engagement
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 717-9807
Hinda Shakeeb
Digital Engagement Coordinator
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 219-1557
Lorrie Turnbull
Chief Development Officer
She/ Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 483-2099
Kailee Hominick
Director, Strategic Communications
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 222-7279
Anna Barnes
Vice President, YMCA Atlantic Regional Development Centre (RDC)
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 221-8974
Beatriz Freire
Executive Assistant to the President/CEO
She / Her
[email protected]
p. (902) 399-5180
Our History
On December 6, 1853, a small group of men came together in the office of Peter Lynch. In the Forrester Building on Barrington Street with a reading room, a library, classes, and bi-weekly lectures, the organization that would become the YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth was formed.
We will build healthy communities by creating spaces and programs that help people belong through:
Equity
Diversity
Inclusion
Health &
Wellbeing
Empower
Youth
Annual Reports
Gratitude Reports
History of YMCAs in Canada
The YMCA story began in London, England over 170 years ago with one man who had an idea about how to make his community stronger. From that idea sprang a movement that would spread across the globe, inspiring millions to grow in spirit, mind and body.
Our Commitment
As a charitable organization, the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth has an obligation to remain publicly accountable. As a values-based organization, we are committed to fostering an open, honest and inclusive environment. To deliver on our commitment, we’re providing access to information which ensures we are accountable to the communities we serve. This includes information regarding: