As a defense lawyer for young people in the 1990s, Kristine Robidoux worked hard at diverting kids who were in trouble with the law toward solutions other than incarceration.
That experience is at the foundation of her decision to join the YMCA Calgary board of directors in 2022. “The YMCA is an organization that can provide a very necessary bridge for kids at risk, or who are floundering in any way,” she says. “I have seen myself that the YMCA can be life changing for youth.”
Kristine’s work with young people has opened her eyes to how YMCA Calgary supports them, giving them a sense of belonging and confidence, and helping them stay on positive paths.
Her own children attended Camp Chief Hector, which was “transformative” for them.
“They grew in their belief of themselves and their abilities. They learned that they could be independent and capable.”
Her children’s summer camp experience helped her realize how much she missed working with youth. “I saw the opportunity with YMCA Calgary to once again make a meaningful difference to young people. Helping to improve kids’ lives has been the most important legal work I have ever undertaken,” she says.
She points to the Calgary Flames Grade 6 program as a great example of how a YMCA membership opens new options for kids: “It really provides young people a safe place to grow and be active.”
Kristine’s current role as legal counsel with the Calgary Police Service (CPS) is primarily in crime prevention, creating and implementing programs in collaboration with community groups and agencies that are designed to divert CPS calls to the right community supports.
“Many Calgarians live in a happy, somewhat cocooned existence and never are exposed to the depth of need in our city,” Kris shares.
An important part of helping people in need is through connection.
She has seen firsthand that some kids have nothing in their lives that gives them a sense of belonging.
“It’s extremely different from my own childhood, where we were out the door with the other kids in the neighbourhood, riding our bikes until dark. The community has changed. Our society has changed. The pandemic made it even harder.”
Kristine sits on the Audit & Investment and People & Governance committees of the YMCA Calgary board. While she feels like she is still getting her “sea legs,” she has really enjoyed her time so far, particularly working with the YMCA leadership team, which she describes as “invigorating.”
“They are open to every single idea,” she says. “If they see a crack or gap in the system, they want to fill it. Each time I meet with one of them, I leave inspired, challenged, and energized!”
For Kristine, the impact of the YMCA is far-reaching.
“The YMCA creates a sense of belonging for many people,” she says. “There is something for everyone, a place for everyone at YMCA Calgary. It provides a sense of wellbeing, through programs, physical movement, and health promotion.”