Oenca Fontaine & Graham Cadd: Pillars of YMCA Heart of England.
Saying goodbye and good luck as two of our esteemed trustees move on to pastures new.
As Graham Cadd steps down from his role as Trustee at YMCA Heart of England, we reflect on a life filled with resilience, hard work, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Graham’s journey has been anything but conventional, filled with challenges, personal battles, and ultimately, immense achievements—both personal and professional.
After leaving home at 16, Graham embarked on a journey with the Grenadier Guards, where he served in Northern Ireland, Kenya, and Germany. He learned life’s toughest lessons, gained invaluable skills, and formed friendships that would last a lifetime. His time in the military laid the foundation for his unwavering strength, discipline, and sense of duty.
After leaving the army, Graham navigated his way through various roles, it wasn’t an easy path—setbacks like losing his home and income when an accident destroyed his vehicle and left him living in a shed. But in true Graham fashion, he pushed through, transitioning into the tech world, where he became a self-made expert and business leader. This adaptability and thirst for knowledge became a hallmark of his career.
By 1991, Graham had co-founded steel business that thrived under his leadership. Through highs and lows, Graham steered the company to success while always prioritising the welfare of his employees—”the lifeblood of the company.” Today, the company stands strong with a forward-looking mindset focused on training and supporting its staff.
Outside of his business achievements, Graham’s heart has always been with charity and community work. Whether supporting cancer research, founding bursaries for youth in the U.S. space program, or funding the Bavarian Winter Sports Youth team, Graham has been dedicated to giving back. His connection with the Force for Good Foundation in Malawi and his work supporting local care homes highlight his compassion and commitment to helping others.
As a Trustee at YMCA Heart of England, Graham has had the opportunity to channel his passion for supporting young people, a cause close to his heart. His time with us has been transformative, both for the organisation and for the youth we serve. Graham’s philosophy of hard work, lifelong learning, and embracing each day as if it’s your last has inspired all of us.
As Graham moves into retirement, we thank him for his incredible contributions, leadership, and dedication. He has a legacy of resilience, compassion, and an enduring commitment to creating a better future for those around him.
Graham, we wish you all the best in this next chapter and look forward to your continued work with YMCA Heart of England in a different capacity and we hope you continue to find joy in your passions and new adventures.
Oenca Fountaine – Her time at YMCA Heart of England
After nine years of dedicated service, Oenca is stepping down as a Trustee of YMCA Heart of England, with a sense of pride and mixed emotions. Reflecting on her journey, she highlights the privilege of having worked with two CEOs, three Chairpersons, and being part of significant changes within the organisation. From overseeing reorganisations and breaking ground on new housing schemes to closing and purchasing nurseries, Oenca has been deeply involved in shaping the YMCA’s evolution. A notable achievement during her tenure was her integral role in YBASE Social Enterprise Committee, which spearheaded the design, development, and opening of the Chris Bryant Centre, including the Eden Café―’Eden, more than just coffee.’
Oenca also played a crucial part in securing the bid to open an Alternative Provision School in Warwickshire, served as Safeguarding Lead, and later chaired the Governance Committee when it was first formed in 2022. However, the heart of her service lies in her passion for the YMCA’s mission and its founding Christian Principles and the lives YMCA transforms for the better.
Oenca first joined the YMCA after being invited to the board by then Chair, Mark Bruckshaw. The organisation’s Christian ethos resonated with her faith, but it wasn’t until she attended her first AGM and heard first-hand from residents about the impact YMCA had on their lives that she became fully committed to the cause. One of her most memorable experiences was witnessing the personal growth of residents like Gabriel Imevbore, who went from a young resident to a YMCA Trustee and Board Member, winning national awards and becoming a leader in his own right. Stories like Gabriel’s have inspired Oenca to continue contributing to the YMCA, even during her own personal challenges.
Oenca is also deeply grateful to Danny Flynn from YMCA North Staffs, Alan Fraser, and the members of the West Midlands Regional Collaboration Group for their unwavering support. Together, they launched the Gifted for Action® Experience Christian Leadership Development programme, which has since expanded to include leadership programmes for Christian entrepreneurs, managers, and leaders in various sectors.
Looking ahead, Oenca is focusing on her family and professional goals. She is actively seeking opportunities in the hospitality sector for her son, who has special educational needs, while also developing the services of the Online Leadership Academy CIC and the Gifted for Action® brand. She remains passionate about supporting individuals to lead with faith and purpose.
Oenca is also proud to announce the launch of the new and improved www.giftedforaction.com website, where resources for leadership development are available to support others on their journey. She encourages everyone to explore the website, get in touch, and discover the next step in their leadership path.
In closing, Oenca expresses her deep gratitude to YMCA Heart of England for the opportunity to serve. She bids farewell with warmth and appreciation, saying, “Thank you, YMCA, Heart of England, goodbye for now. It has been an absolute pleasure to be of service with you. Stay blessed.”