YWCA Program Centre 535 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8 CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012 03184072 Touching Lives Building Futures IN THIS ISSUE YWCA WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE Recognizing the signs of abuse MONEY SKILLS TO MOVE AHEAD Crabtree Corner launches new financial literacy program YWCA ARBOUR HOUSE Women leave abusive relationships WORKING AT THE YWCA A good place to work YWCA EMPLOYMENT CENTRES Helping jobless youth get ahead ISMAILI WALK FOR CAUSE WE CARE HOUSE Attracts big crowds MOTHERS WITHOUT LEGAL STATUS Moving forward one step at a time NEW SUPPORT FOR SINGLE MOMS YWCA expands programs to Tri-cities and Surrey ANNE BOYLE Making her mark and inspiring others YWCA HEALTH + FITNESS CENTRE Latest fitness trends that will make you sweat! Please share this issue of CONTACT with a friend YWCAVAN.ORG YWCA VISION Achieving Women’s Equality YWCA MISSION To touch lives and build better futures for women and their families through advocacy and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities. Photo Credit: Louise Kelaher
In this issue you will find stories on our Week Without Violence, Crabtree Corner’s financial literacy program, our Ismaili Walk for Cause We Care House and the latest fitness trends at the Health + Fitness Centre.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
YWCA Program Centre535 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8
Touching LivesBuilding Futures
contact fall / Winter 2012
03184072
Touching LivesBuilding Futures
in tHis issue
YWCa Week WitHoUt
ViolenCe
Recognizing the signs of abuse
MoneY SkillS to MoVe aHeaD
Crabtree Corner launches new financial literacy program
YWCa arBoUr HoUSe
Women leave abusive relationships
WorkinG at tHe YWCa
A good place to work
YWCa eMPloYMent CentreS
Helping jobless youth get ahead
iSMaili Walk for CaUSe We
Care HoUSe
Attracts big crowds
MotHerS WitHoUt leGal
StatUS
Moving forward one step at a time
neW SUPPort for SinGle MoMS
YWCA expands programs to Tri-cities and Surrey
anne BoYle
Making her mark and inspiring others
YWCa HealtH + fitneSS
Centre
Latest fitness trends that will make you sweat!
Please share this issue of ContaCt with a friend
ywcavan.org
ywca vision
achieving women’s equality
ywca Mission
to touch lives and build better futures for women and their families through advocacy and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities.
Photo Credit: louise kelaher
After graduating from McGill University, Lauren arrived in Vancouver from her hometown of Montreal in January, 2012, looking for a change of pace and a change of lifestyle.
Lauren, whose passion is working with youth, was eager to find work in her field and began her job search as soon as she arrived in Vancouver.
“I was doing the traditional going online and applying to jobs,” says the 25-year-old. “I had two or three interviews in the span of three months, but nothing was coming back and I was getting really discouraged.”
Lauren certainly isn’t alone. In Canada,
the rate for unemployed youth stands
at about 15 per cent, just over twice
the national average of 7.2 per cent.
Poor prospects mean almost 200,000 youth jobseekers have left the labour force since the 2008 recession began, and the youth participation rate has tumbled to a 16-month low.
According to TD Economist Francis Fong’s 2012 report, The Plight of Young Workers, in addition to competition within their own age group, youth jobseekers now must compete with older workers looking to re-enter the labour market and those with more experience who lost their job during the recession. Meanwhile, many older Canadians are delaying retirement and preventing job vacancies from occurring.
“Lack of experience, lack of networks, those are also big things,” says Helen Kim, career advisor with YWCA Metro Vancouver’s WorkBC Employment Services Centre – Career Zone Youth Satellite.
The YWCA operates seven WorkBC Employment Services Centres to help connect female and male jobseekers with employment—two of which are specifically targeted at people from 16 to 30 years of age. The employment centres offer jobseekers a range of free services like career workshops, job boards, job search resources and one-to-one career advice.
Concerned over the lack of headway she was making in her job hunt, Lauren sought out advice at the Career Zone Youth Satellite, where she was connected with Helen.
“At first I felt like, why can’t I just do it myself, what’s wrong?” says Lauren. “But then after my first meeting with Helen I thought this was awesome. I need help so I’m going to use these resources.”
As a newcomer to Vancouver, Lauren had few connections in her industry so Helen advised her to conduct information interviews as a way to network and get ahead of the pack.
“I started doing [information interviews] and connecting with people,” says Lauren. “It was
good to start meeting people in the industry and get some advice on where to look for jobs.”
With Helen’s help, Lauren landed a position as a day-camp coordinator with the YMCA. Now she’s interviewing for a full-time permanent position as regional coordinator for a youth summer exchange program.
Helen, who also offers career advice toyoung people on the Vancouver Sun Employment Blog, a YWCA exclusive initiative published by the Vancouver Sun, has some advice for youth jobseekers:
“They say 80 to 90 per cent of jobs are found through networking so if you’re spending 100 per cent of your time online looking for work, you need to re-evaluate your strategy.
“Always pay attention to how you’re looking for work and seek out resources because there are a lot of services that can help!”
For more information on YWCA’s youth employment centres contact Helen Kim at 604 605 4666 / [email protected] or visit ywcajobseeker.org
In October, 1987—the year that Pat McLean was hired as front desk clerk—the YWCA Hotel was still adjusting to its first-ever reservation computer (before that bookings were completed by hand). Phones had only been installed in the rooms the year before—an upgrade for Expo ’86.
Back then McLean was re-entering the workforce after raising her daughter. Twenty-five years later, she is one of YWCA Metro Vancouver’s longest-standing employees.
Why has she remained with the YWCA all these years? “Because it’s a darn good place to work!” says McLean, who will retire in 2014.
“THE PAY IS DECENT, THE BENEFITS ARE
GOOD AND THERE’S GOOD PEOPLE THAT
WORK HERE. THE VALUES ARE REALLY
GOOD TOO—I REALLY LIKE THAT.”
According to the results of a January, 2012 Employee Opinion Survey, McLean’s sentiments are shared by most YWCA employees. With an 89% response rate and participation from every program and department, the survey shows that 98.4% of respondents are proud to work for the YWCA. Other highlights include an overall engagement rate of 95.8%.
For information on employment opportunities at YWCA Metro Vancouver, please contact Alshley Elchuck at 604 895 5855 / [email protected], or visit our job board at ywcavan.org/YWCAjobboard/Job_Postings/118
WORKING at the YWCA
Jennifer pictured a better life when she moved to Canada in 2009 with her husband and daughter. But soon after they arrived, her husband started to abuse her—financially and emotionally.
“I had a great career in computer engineering that I wanted to continue here, but my husband wouldn’t let me,” says Jennifer. “He wanted me to find any job and give him all my earnings.”
Soon, the verbal abuse also started and it broke Jennifer’s heart when her daughter tried to protect her. Having no one to turn to, she began to feel depressed and isolated. “I was not happy but I needed to stay in this marriage for my daughter,” says Jennifer. After two years of abuse, Jennifer had enough and filed for divorce.
On the recommendation of a social worker, Jennifer and her daughter moved into a first-stage transition house where she could only stay for one month. With her social worker’s support, Jennifer applied for the recently opened YWCA Arbour House and was accepted. “I was really lucky! I think I was the second tenant who moved into the house,” says Jennifer.
YWCA ARBOUR HOUSE IS A NEW
SECOND-STAGE TRANSITION HOUSE IN
SURREY THAT PROVIDES A SAFE REFUGE
FOR SINGLE MOTHERS WHO HAVE
EXPERIENCED ABUSE.
Single mothers can be referred to this eight-unit apartment from other transition houses and are welcome to stay up to nine months. They also receive emotional support, advocacy on their behalf with government and community
organizations, court accompaniment and referrals to social and community services.
“When women move in, my job is to help them,” says Irene McLellan, the coordinator at YWCA Arbour House. “If they need to find work, go back to school or apply for income assistance, I’ll help them. Whatever can help them to move forward and become more independent.”
Jennifer is now studying for her Grade 12 English equivalent and then plans to take the necessary courses to help her resume her career.
“I’m really grateful for what the YWCA has done for me. Being a single mom is really hard but with the YWCA’s support, I can move forward and have better and brighter future for myself and my daughter.”
To learn how you can support YWCA Arbour House or for more information please contact Irene McLellan at 604 597 4952 / [email protected]
Irene McLellan, coordinator at YWCA Arbour House
Building a Brighter Future at YWCA Arbour House
YWCA Hotel Guest Services Representative,
Pat McLean
CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012
YWCAVAN.ORG 4
Week Without Violence When Shin met her husband she was sure it was the real thing.
“It was all about the love,” says Shin, whose name has been changed to ensure her safety. “I thought I had finally found someone, and all my hope and dreams were put into that.”
Shin moved to Canada to pursue the relationship and was soon married and living with her husband and his immediate family.
Adjusting to her new life, Shin dismissed her husband’s increasingly controlling behaviours—like insisting that she call him every hour to report what she was doing and only allowing her to leave the house in the company of his mother—as all a part of “what love is”.
“Saying love is blind is so true for me,” says Shin. “I saw the signs, but kept saying to myself, ‘Everything is for a good cause—it’s for my family.’”
During their near decade of marriage Shin and her husband had two children together. Meanwhile, the abuse continued. Shin was forbidden to make friends and was verbally abused by her husband and other members of his family.
“He and his mother and father constantly put me down,” she says. “It came to a breaking point after my second child. I felt threatened—for my safety and my own sanity. I started looking for resources and a shelter.”
Understanding the Forms of Abuse
Shin’s experience is not unique—on any given day in Canada, more than 3,000 women (along with their 2,500 children) are living in emergency shelters to escape abuse.
It is for women like Shin that Canadians stand together with people in over 90 countries to mark YWCA’s Week Without Violence, an annual campaign that occurs each October and seeks to end violence against women.
This year, YWCA Metro Vancouver’s campaign, Signs of Violence, focused on learning the signs of violence through a poster campaign, public service announcements and ongoing social media outreach encouraging people to recognize the signs of abuse and be active bystanders when they see inappropriate behaviour.
While many associate abuse with physical or sexual violence, it can take numerous forms, such as verbal, psychological and emotional abuse, stalking and criminal harassment, spiritual and financial abuse and other forms of control.
Name calling, threats to harm the children, destruction of property, monitoring communications and forbidding a partner’s access to the family income all constitute abuse.
According to Lisa Rupert, Associate Director of Housing with YWCA Metro Vancouver, the common thread among all forms of abuse is not the act of violence itself, but the abuser’s desire to exercise coercive control over the abused.
“When someone on the street calls you a name,” explains Rupert, “it can be hurtful, but it’s when it’s in a power over situation that it is particularly damaging.
According to Rupert, recognizing the subtler forms of abuse involves paying attention to controlling behaviours.
“If they want to know where you are at all times, if they want to control what you wear, what you eat, who you talk to—that’s not a sign that abuse will come, it actually is abuse.”
Clean, Safe & Affordable Housing
Shin met Rupert while she and her two children were living in first-stage transition housing. Rupert connected Shin and her children with housing at Munroe House, one of YWCA Metro Vancouver’s second-stage housing projects, where women who have experienced abuse, along with their children, can live for up to nine months while they look for permanent housing.
Shin spent nine months at Munroe House before securing a permanent home through BC Housing. With counselling and support Shin was able to put her life back together, securing full-time work in a management role. She shares custody of her children with her ex-husband and fights “one battle at a time”.
“It’s a struggle, but I do hope that I can teach my children what is right, and give them the chance to live a civilized life,” she says. “I have a daughter myself and to see that she is never in a situation like this, and to teach my son to treat everybody fairly and respectfully.”
Lisa Rupert, YWCA Associate Director of Housing (left) and Hirome Case, YWCA Munroe House Support Worker.
YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Signs of Violence poster campaign.
An integral part of Week Without Violence is to explore diverse ways to end violence against women. For Rupert, no solution can be found without the inclusion and support of men.
“Women have been working on this issue for decades and men need to become engaged in creating change,” she explains. “Men and women should talk to their friends or family members when they see men engaging in inappropriate behaviour—I think that’s a really positive step because it’s a powerful social force.”
Equally, says Rupert, it must be economically feasible for women to leave abusive partners and access
adequate shelter, food and clothing—something YWCA Metro Vancouver helps to address through housing and support services for women and their families.
Another key aspect is transforming the way our society speaks about women.
“If you have a culture that speaks about women respectfully, that says women are equal to men, the message is sent,” says Rupert. “At its core, abuse is all about power over. Men who believe their partners are their equals don’t abuse them.”
To learn more about Week Without Violence visit ywcavan.org/wwv
Taking Action on
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
To support YWCA Munroe House or for information on YWCA programs and services for women leaving abusive
relationships please contact Lisa Rupert at [email protected] / 604 734 5722
CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012
5 CONTACT WINTER 2012
YWCA Alder Gardens entrance.
YWCA Alder Gardens on 71st Avenue in Surrey.
YWCA Alder Gardens’ opening ceremony. (Left to right) Dave S. Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, Nathaniel and Alexandra, tenants from YWCA Alder Gardens, Janet Austin, CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Social Development and MLA for Surrey Panorama, Nina Grewal, MP for Fleetwood-Kells, Acting Mayor Mary Martin, City of Surrey, and Councillor Judy Villeneuve, City of Surrey.
Supportive Housing in Surrey: YWCA Alder Gardens The development and opening of YWCA Alder Gardens would not have
been possible without the generous support of the Province of British
Columbia—Provincial Homelessness Initiative, City of Surrey, Government
of Canada—Homelessness Partnering Strategy and YWCA donors.
As part of the YWCA’s Mothers without Legal Status project, we have been working hard to raise awareness on the policy gaps that leave these women in limbo. A key recommendation has been to provide these women with access to income assistance. This past June, we were pleased to make a joint announcement with Premier Christy Clark’s office about new legislation making it possible for mothers without legal status to receive income assistance. Access to income assistance will give women and children the opportunity to live free from abuse and make plans for a successful transition to economic independence.
Support from the CommunityRecently, CBC Go Public featured the struggle of Heidi Roggero, a mother without legal status living in
Vancouver. Upon hearing of this, Vancouver Lawyer Catherine Sas wanted to help. “When I read it, it
just screamed out for attention. Heidi was suffering from a lot of misinformation,” said Sas. Sas offered
her legal services to Heidi and was able to get a work permit within two weeks, allowing her to support
herself and her children. Since then, Catherine has galvanized support from the BC Branch of the
Canadian Bar Association and a number of immigration lawyers have offered their pro bono legal
services to mothers without legal status referred from the YWCA.
For more information on the Mothers Without Legal Status Project please contact Lisa Rupert at
The YWCA Metro Vancouver gratefully acknowledges The Law Foundation of British Columbia for
funding the publication of the Mothers Without Legal Status report.
MOTHERS WITHOUT LEGAL STATUS IN CANADA
MOVING FORWARD ONE STEP AT A TIMEWhen a mother is without permanent legal status in Canada, she and her children
have nothing to live on. These women cannot work, cannot apply for a Canada
Child Tax Benefit, cannot afford childcare and have trouble gaining access to
healthcare. And the alternative is even worse—leaving Canada without their
children, which most of these women simply won’t do.
Lawyer Catherine Sas
This policy change removes a significant barrier for many of these mothers to access services that were out of reach previously, such as healthcare and childcare. However, there is still much that needs to be done, both provincially and federally.
“Part of our focus now is to advocate for changes on the federal level that fast-track the applications for Permanent Resident Status on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds for women in these situations, so that they can stabilize their lives and their children’s lives quickly, and be able to work quickly,” said Lisa Rupert, Associate Director of Housing at YWCA Metro Vancouver.
New Support for Single Moms across Metro Vancouver This fall, YWCA Metro Vancouver
On September 23rd, more than 1,000 people came out to support Ismaili Walk 2012 for YWCA Cause We Care House in the first of a three year partnership. The Walk raised $250,000 (gross) towards the building of safe, affordable housing for women and children living in the Downtown Eastside/Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver.
The event was such a tremendous success; even the weather was an enthusiastic supporter. Event participants enjoyed an afternoon of live music and entertainment, excellent ethnic food and exotic treats as well as many family and kids’ activities.
We look forward to two more years of partnering with the Ismaili Council for BC on Ismaili Walk 2013 and 2014!
For more information about the Ismaili Walk , please visit ismailiwalk.org. To support YWCA Cause We Care House please contact Bobbi Sarai at 604 895 5780 / [email protected]
Ismaili Walk for Cause We Care House Attracts Big Crowds
The Cause We Care Foundation
Brick x Brick event at the
Equinox Gallery raised more
than $100,000 in support of
YWCA Cause We Care House.
President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, Samira Alibhai presents a $25,000 check to the YWCA.
Global TV host and Ismaili Walk MC, Claire Newell, commands the crowd at this year’s event.
Anne Boyle knows what it
means to leave a legacy. As a
YWCA Board Member, Inner
Circle Member and Legacy Circle
Member, Anne has been involved
with the YWCA for 35 years and is
currently serving her fourth year
on the YWCA Board of Directors.
Anne’s passion for volunteerism runs in the family. Her eldest daughter, an engineering student at Queen’s University, volunteers with Engineers Without Borders and serves on their Queen’s Board. She also has just returned from a summer volunteering at a university in Vietnam. Her second daughter, who has just started at Concordia University in Montreal, has volunteered for the past five summers with kids and their single moms at Keats Camp, a summer camp located on Keats Island. Anne’s 13 year old son, in between sports, school and part-time work, volunteers to help with his school’s Christmas hamper program.
Given Anne and her family’s commitment to giving back, it came as no surprise to
them at dinner one night, when Anne shared that she had included a gift to YWCA Metro Vancouver in her will. She told them she wanted to ensure that the provision of affordable housing for single moms and the support programs for women and their families will carry on after she is gone. It concerns Anne greatly that British Columbia’s child poverty rate is among the highest in Canada and that it even exists in our country. It is Anne’s hope that she can inspire more YWCA supporters to think about making legacy gifts. To that end, she recently offered her lovely home as a place for a Legacy Circle garden party to honor long-time YWCA supporters and Legacy Circle Members. Legacy Circle Members are those who have already made bequests to the YWCA in their wills.
The group heard about new YWCA programs, including one for seniors seeking career guidance as well as one for front line employees working with elders who may be suffering abuse.
Since retiring from her busy professional life, Anne has certified as a Master Gardener. In between all of her other volunteer and Board work that is!
YWCA Metro Vancouver is very fortunate that Anne has bequeathed a percentage of her estate to help carry on the important work she believes so strongly in and advocates so well for.
For more information about the Legacy Circle, please contact Celia Campos at 604 895 5810 / [email protected] or JoAnne Fahr at 604 895 5829 / [email protected]
CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012
Interested in Leaving a Bequest to the YWCA?Here is a sample of a codicil to a will in the event that
you do not want to update your will just yet but want
to leave a bequest to YWCA Metro Vancouver. Thank
you for considering this!
THIS IS A CODICIL to the last Will of me,
__________________________________ (Name),
______________________________ (Occupation)
of ________________________, British Columbia,
which last Will (“my Will”) is dated the ____ day of
_______________________________, __________.
1. I hereby add the following clause to in that part of
my Will which deals with specific gifts and bequests:
Charitable Bequest
To pay to the Young Women’s Christian Association
located in Vancouver, BC, the sum of $____________.
2. In all other respects I confirm my Will.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have to this Codicil to my
Will subscribed my name below this ______ day of
_________________________________, __________.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DECLARED by
________________________, (the “Testator”) as a
Codicil to the Testator’s last Will in the presence of us,
both present at the same time, who at the Testator’s
request, in the Testator’s presence and in the presence
of each other have here unto subscribed our names
as witnesses.
Name
Address
Occupation
Name
Address
Occupation
7 CONTACT WINTER 2012
Anne Boyle: Making Her Mark and Inspiring Others
Give Hope. Inspire a Dream.Since we opened our doors in 1897, YWCA Metro Vancouver has touched the lives of thousands of women and families. We couldn’t have done it—we can’t do it—without you. Thank you for your support.
Name
Address
Phone
E-mail
Name(s) to appear in recognition listings
Please send me information about:
❑ Including YWCA Metro Vancouver in my will
❑ Establishing an endowment at the YWCA
❑ A gift of life insurance to the YWCA
❑ A gift of publicly traded securities to the YWCA
535 Hornby StreetVancouver, BC V6C 2E8
tel 604 895 5850 fax 604 684 9171ywcavan.org
Charitable Business No. 108227943 RR0001. Tax receipts are mailed.
❑ Here is my gift of:
❍ $100 ❍ $50 ❍ $25 ❍ Other
❑ Cheque enclosed (Please make payable to YWCA Metro Vancouver)
OR
❑ Please charge my credit card
❍ Visa ❍ MasterCard ❍ American Express
Card # Expiry
Name on Card Signature
❑ I would like to make a gift of publicly traded securities. Please contact me.
❑ I would like to make an ongoing monthly gift. Monthly amount $
❑ Monthly debit from my bank account (Please attach void cheque)
Bank Name Account # Branch ID
OR
❑ Monthly charge to my credit card
❍ Visa ❍ MasterCard ❍ American Express
Card # Expiry
Name on Card Signature
contact fall / Winter 2012
ywcavan.org 8
2011/2012 YWCA Board of Directors Contact Newsletter
Visit ywcavan.org/subscribe to:
• Subscribe or unsubscribe to Contact• request an electronic version• Change your address
OR provide mailing label and mail to:
YWCa ContaCt 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2e8
for more information about YWCa Metro Vancouver or this newsletter:
YWCA Metro Vancouver is a registered charity providing a range of integrated services for women and their families, and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From early learning and care to housing, health and fitness, employment services and leadership, YWCA Metro Vancouver touches lives in our communities. ywcavan.org
Healthy Choices for Youth
chaiR Karen GilmoreVice chaiR Sherry Tryssenaar tReasuReR Nancy A. Self secRetaRy Anne Boyle
Gina Arsens Wanda CosturosKaren HoffmannEvaleen Jaager Roy
there are many ways to financially support the work of the YWCa. Donors may choose to give cash, securities or gifts-in-kind. a variety of convenient payment options are available. tel 604 895 5850 [email protected]
rooftop fooD garDen
Volunteers plant and harvest organic vegetables, fruit and herbs on the rooftop of the downtown YWCa Program Centre, supplying fresh produce for meal programs in the Downtown eastside. tel 604 895 5792
Meeting rooMs
the YWCa offers 11 meeting rooms in two convenient downtown locations, available seven days a week. rooms accommodate two to 100 people and are clean, bright and affordable. all revenues from meeting room rentals support YWCa community programs. Program Centre at 535 Hornby Street tel 604 895 5800. YWCa Hotel at 733 Beatty Street tel 604 895 5840
volunteer
one-time and long-term volunteer positions exist within each program. there are also volunteer opportunities for professionals to use their career skills. tel 604 895 5774
HigH scHool MentorsHip prograM Partners high school youth with professional women. Mentors provide support and guidance regarding education and future career choices. tel 604 895 5802
welcoMe to My life™ a fun and interactive program at selected schools in Metro Vancouver to help Grade 7 girls with their transition to high school. this after-school program is offered in partnership with the Vancouver School Board and the UBC learning exchange. tel 604 895 5779
tHat’s Just Mean after-school program offered at selected elementary schools in Surrey to help Grade 7 girls with their transition to high school. That’s Just Me is presented by YWCa Metro Vancouver in partnership with the Surrey School District. tel 604 895 5845
Boys 4 real™ a parallel program to Welcome to My Life™ and That’s Just Me, designed to meet the needs of Grade 7 boys. Both programs encourage healthy living, healthy decision making, and mutual respect in relationships. tel 604 895 5779
caMp fun girl this week-long summer day camp aims to empower girls ages nine to 13 years in addressing the issues they face as they become teenagers. tel 604 895 5844
aBoriginal MentorsHip prograMaims to empower aboriginal teen girls ages 13-18 through an arts- and culture-based group mentoring relationship; provides life skills and connects them with positive adult aboriginal role models. tel 604 895 5798
woMen of Distinction Since 1984, this award program has honoured, encouraged and recognized outstanding women and workplaces in our community. tel 604 895 5768
Celebrating Women Who Inspire
A Safe Haven in the Downtown EastsidecraBtree corner faMily resource centre
Provides a healthy and secure environment for women and their families in the Downtown eastside. Services include early learning and care, transitional housing, hot meal programs, single mothers’ support groups, and parenting support. 533 east Hastings Street. tel 604 216 1650
Safe, Affordable HousingHotel
in Downtown Vancouver, the YWCa Hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation to all travellers. also provides longer term housing to residents and temporary accommodations to women needing immediate shelter. 733 Beatty Street. tel 604 895 5830 ywcahotel.com
seMlin garDens
located in Vancouver, Semlin Gardens is a housing community that caters to single mothers participating in YWCa programs. tel 604 879 5796
fraser garDens
located in langley, fraser Gardens is a housing community for single moms with a communal garden, play area and common room. tel 604 514 1255
craBtree Housing
transitional housing for pregnant women and new mothers who are suffering from substance abuse issues. tel 604 216 1662
Munroe House
a second-stage transition house for women who have recently experienced abuse in their intimate relationship, and for their children. Support and art/play therapy are available for children ages three to 18 who have witnessed or experienced abuse. tel 604 734 5722
alDer garDens
located in Surrey, alder Gardens is a housing community that caters to low-income single mothers and their children and link community services in a supportive housing model. tel 604 597 7984
arBour House
Similar to Munroe House, this is a second-stage transition house that provides a peaceful refuge where women who have experienced abuse in an intimate relationship, and their children, can feel safe and protected. tel 604 597 4952
coMo lake garDens
located in Coquitlam, this is a new housing community for single moms and their children. tel 604 936 5665
HealtH + fitness centre a co-ed fitness facility in Downtown Vancouver featuring an ozone purified pool, the latest in cardio/weight equipment and innovative programming. 535 Hornby Street. tel 604 895 5777 ywcahealthandfitness.com
Find Balance through Health + Fitness
Connecting People to EmploymentUnder the new employment Program of BC, YWCa provides WorkBC employment support and services on the north Shore, Vancouver West and Vancouver South communities. Jobseekers will have access to:
• Job search resources• Personal employment planning• Workshops and training• Specialized services
nortH sHore
WorkBC employment Services Centre (north Shore) #310 – 260 West esplanade ave, north Vancouver tel 604 988 3766
WorkBC employment Services Centre (north Shore Youth) #318 – 260 West esplanade ave, north Vancouver tel 604 988 3766
vancouver west
WorkBC employment Services Centre (West Side) #300 – 2150 West Broadway tel 604 688 4666
WorkBC employment Services Centre (Career Zone Youth), 1260 Granville Street tel 604 605 4666
vancouver soutH
WorkBC employment Services Centre (Vancouver South)5th floor, 5750 oak Street tel 604 263 5005
connect to success
Connects women entering or re-entering skilled or professional careers with mentors. Women meet one-to-one with mentors for six months to receive guidance and advice to help kick-start their careers. tel 604 895 5858
JoB options
8-10 week employment programs for adult and senior jobseekers.
Vancouver, 535 Hornby Street tel 604 988 3766
north Vancouver, 310-260 West esplanade avenue tel 604 988 3766 ext 243
squamish, Squamish adventure Centre 38551 loggers lane tel 1 877 518 2200
Support for Families in NeedcoMMunity action on elDer aBuse proJectthe project will focus on prevention, detection, and response strategies using appropriate community resources for elder abuse awareness. tel 604 895 5819
single MotHers’ services information, resources and support are offered to women parenting alone. in addition to workshops and special events, single mothers can attend professionally facilitated community groups offered weekly in partnership with local neighbourhood houses and family places. tel 604 895 5802
legal eDucatorProvides one-to-one information and workshops for YWCa clients on a wide range of legal issues. tel 604 734 5517 ext 2235
presents of peace Donate to Presents of Peace during the holidays and have a lasting a impact on the lives of low income, women-led families who need support year-round. tel 604 895 5783
tHrift sHopDonated clothing, housewares, books and jewellery are sold to raise funds for community programs. additionally, YWCa clients are eligible for vouchers that allow them to obtain clothing and household items for their families at no cost. 4399 Main Street (Main and 28th avenue). tel 604 675 9996
A Healthy Start for Childrencitygate early learning anD care
for children ages three to five, Citygate specializes in working with children to develop social, motor and interpersonal skills and to prepare them for school. 1192 Quebec Street. tel 604 687 1150
craBtree corner early learning anD care
offers short-term care for children ages six weeks to six years in the Downtown eastside. 533 east Hastings Street. tel 604 216 1650
leslie DiaMonD early learning anD care
located in Downtown Vancouver, leslie Diamond provides care for children ages six weeks to three years. 535 Hornby Street. tel 604 895 5816
eMMa’s early learning anD care
for children ages six weeks to three years, with a focus on supporting young mothers. Children have a safe, stimulating learning environment while mothers receive academic and personal support through tupper Young Parent Services. 3839 Carolina Street. tel 604 879 1121