Caitlynn was a teenager experiencing serious behaviour problems that earned her the attention of local police. She grew up as the second-youngest of six girls living in a single-mother home in a poor, high-crime area of Winnipeg. Her mom encouraged her to visit the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg in the North End to use her time more productively and seek better company in a safe environment.

Caitlynn obtained a subsidized membership, thanks to the funds raised by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. She soon showed an interest in basketball and other sports programs. As her success in volunteering and sports grew, Caitlynn soon joined the Y’s Youth Leadership Program.

In just a year, the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg transformed Caitlynn. She learned the value of community development and found her contribution as a volunteer and a young community leader. After completing a Leadership Development Camp, she became a volunteer at the youth centre. She also took on the responsibility of looking after her deaf stepbrother when he was at the YMCA-YWCA Camp.