For Jill Tettmann, the YMCA has never been just a building—it has always been a place where people feel supported, welcomed, and encouraged to ignite their potential.

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Her first experience with the YMCA began in the early 1980s, when she completed a Swim Instructor course at the Midland YMCA so she could teach lessons at an outdoor pool in Stayner. Soon after, Jill found herself working at the Collingwood YMCA as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and Aquafit lead between university semesters. What stood out then—and still does today—was the people.

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Jill’s Reason Y
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That sense of belonging followed Jill through every stage of life. Years later, as a parent, she watched her own children learn to swim at the Innisfil YMCA—building confidence, safety, and friendships that lasted well beyond the pool deck. ‍

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“Growing up and raising my family in a region defined by lakes, rivers, and open waters, swimming wasn’t optional; it was essential.”

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As our Barrie community welcomes new families, including newcomers and immigrant families adjusting to life in Simcoe/Muskoka, ensuring all residents have access to life-saving swim instruction is critical to our community’s overall public safety. The YMCA provides not just instruction, but reassurance, community connection, and peace of mind.

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Today, as President & CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka, Jill’s Reason Y is deeply rooted in inclusivity.

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“The YMCA is a safe and welcoming place for everyone—no matter who you are.”

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That belief is shaping the future of the new YMCA in Barrie.

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Inclusivity in Action: A Place Where We Shine, Together

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The new Y is being intentionally designed to remove barriers and expand access—so more people can experience the same sense of belonging Jill has known for decades.

This includes:

• Financial subsidy programs that ensure cost is never a barrier to participation

• Child minding services that allow caregivers to focus on their health, education, or wellbeing

• Adaptive spaces and programs that welcome individuals of all abilities with dignity and respect

• Equity-focused initiatives that ensure everyone feels seen, supported, and represented

• Youth Transitional Housing, providing stability and hope for young people who need it most

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These are not add-ons—they are core to who the YMCA is and who it has always been.

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For Jill, the YMCA can be summed up in one word: Impactful.

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And as Barrie grows, the impact of a fully accessible, inclusive YMCA will ripple across generations, creating a place where everyone belongs.

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Discover your Reason Y.
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Help build an inclusive centre of community where everyone can shine at the new YMCA in Barrie.