As a Single Parent Are You?

• Without family support or lonely?
• Stressed or fatigued?
• Feeling a heavy demand on your time?
• Struggling financially?
• Attempting to further your education?
• Striving to maintain a stable environment for yourself and your children?

A program that matches a volunteer with a single parent who is feeling alone due to the stresses of parenting young children. Each volunteer will act as a companion and support person for the single parent, and will provide them with friendship, practical and emotional support and mentorship. The program will also help participants connect with other valuable services offered in the community.

Benefits of Belonging To The Family Friend Program

As a participant you will be able to access YMCA and community-based services such as employment counselling, financial management advice, computer training, and a variety of health and recreational programs for you and your family. In addition to the support you'll receive from your Volunteer Friend, you'll also have the opportunity to meet other young single parents and participate in a variety of activities that are fun, informative and helpful.

How to Becoming a Participant

• Contact the Program Coordinators:
  • Krista Steeves 462-3009 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Ruth Claybourn 462-3107 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Complete an application form.
• Complete a personal interview.
• Attend an orientation session.
• Be matched with a trusted volunteer.

Participants may also be referred by other individuals or professional organizations in the Fredericton area.

Family Friend Scholarships

The Fredericton YMCA is committed to offering services to those in need in our community. We recognize that being a single parent is hard work and extremely challenging. Because of this, the YMCA will provide flexible Family Friend Scholarships to all successful program applicants. Inquiries may be directed to Ruth Claybourn at 462-3107 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it


Being a Family Friend Volunteer

Becoming a Family Friend volunteer is an opportunity to share yourself as well as your time with someone who needs one-on-one support and friendship. You can truly make a difference to a young parent who is striving to get ahead. We Ask That You ...

• Be 21 years of age or older.
• Have experience as a parent, grandparent, or training in early childhood education or other related fields.
• Can volunteer 2-4 hours each week.

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How to Become a Family Friend Volunteer

• Complete an application form.
• Complete a personal interview.
• Participate in the volunteer training program.

Support and Training

We provide support and training in recognizing and addressing child abuse as well as in child development, conflict resolution and problem solving. Ongoing in-service training and support from the Program Coordinator is also available.