Foundations
for families.
When families are safe and supported, communities thrive.
YWCA supports women and children leaving violence with safe housing, childcare support, family healing programs and paths to long-term stability.
Support for children
Our housing spaces accommodate children of all ages, including sensory playrooms, quiet homework areas and an outdoor accessible playground. We also provide on-site childcare support so parents can attend appointments, heal, or focus on next steps.
For the whole family
We welcome families of all sizes, with units designed for larger families so everyone can stay together. In partnership with Calgary Humane Society, pets can come too, because no one should be left behind.
Support and healing
While women focus on safety and stability, children receive support designed just for them. Our family programs focus on healthy relationships, early intervention and child-centered supports.
How we work
Every family deserves stability, security, and dignity, now and long term. From intake through housing transition, we help create routine and a path forward. Families have safe spaces to live, opportunities to build community and support navigating long-term housing, so children don’t have to keep starting over.
How we protect children and families
Children and families deserve services that keep them safe. At YWCA, privacy and confidentiality guide everything we do, from intake to housing to long-term supports. It’s safe and supportive so families can focus on healing and rebuilding.
“Our child’s language development was way ahead of the game thanks to the program. And some of the books we received at the end are his favourites to read. We countinue to use and implement our learnings on a daily basis.”
YWCA Early Talks Participant
“I was able to create a debt management and savings plan and also participated in the Employment Readiness program. After a couple of months I was able to secure employment. As my savings grew and my financial confidence increased I became highly motivated to continue to improve my financial situation. For the first time in my life I was able to make ends meet, had savings, was able to visit family who live out of town and was able to buy my grandchildren gifts for the holidays, all while maintaining stable housing. I never imagined I would feel so confident about my financial situation and the future, until coming to YWCA.”
YWCA Economic Prosperity Participant
"Every time I left a session it was like something lifted – I was freer. Now I'm at a place where I'm so excited to share and help others. I feel more empowered and free. If I can do it, I feel like anybody can do it. I want others to know that I was stuck, and believed that was all my life could be, but I was able to get out of that stuck place. It's just the best thing in the entire world! At YWCA, it felt like everyone knew me, I felt loved there. I wouldn't have been able to leave without the support I received at the YWCA Calgary."
YWCA Housing Participant
“After several attempts to leave an abusive relationship, including one that landed me in the hospital I was referred to YWCA to start counselling. I knew I needed help. YWCA change my life, I started to think differently, the group was a good support and it was a learning experience too. Thank you for saving my life and teaching me how to save myself.”
YWCA Counselling Participant
“Our child’s language development was way ahead of the game thanks to the program. And some of the books we received at the end are his favourites to read. We countinue to use and implement our learnings on a daily basis.”
YWCA Early Talks Participant
“I was able to create a debt management and savings plan and also participated in the Employment Readiness program. After a couple of months I was able to secure employment. As my savings grew and my financial confidence increased I became highly motivated to continue to improve my financial situation. For the first time in my life I was able to make ends meet, had savings, was able to visit family who live out of town and was able to buy my grandchildren gifts for the holidays, all while maintaining stable housing. I never imagined I would feel so confident about my financial situation and the future, until coming to YWCA.”
YWCA Economic Prosperity Participant
"Every time I left a session it was like something lifted – I was freer. Now I'm at a place where I'm so excited to share and help others. I feel more empowered and free. If I can do it, I feel like anybody can do it. I want others to know that I was stuck, and believed that was all my life could be, but I was able to get out of that stuck place. It's just the best thing in the entire world! At YWCA, it felt like everyone knew me, I felt loved there. I wouldn't have been able to leave without the support I received at the YWCA Calgary."
YWCA Housing Participant
“After several attempts to leave an abusive relationship, including one that landed me in the hospital I was referred to YWCA to start counselling. I knew I needed help. YWCA change my life, I started to think differently, the group was a good support and it was a learning experience too. Thank you for saving my life and teaching me how to save myself.”
YWCA Counselling Participant
“Our child’s language development was way ahead of the game thanks to the program. And some of the books we received at the end are his favourites to read. We countinue to use and implement our learnings on a daily basis.”
YWCA Early Talks Participant
“I was able to create a debt management and savings plan and also participated in the Employment Readiness program. After a couple of months I was able to secure employment. As my savings grew and my financial confidence increased I became highly motivated to continue to improve my financial situation. For the first time in my life I was able to make ends meet, had savings, was able to visit family who live out of town and was able to buy my grandchildren gifts for the holidays, all while maintaining stable housing. I never imagined I would feel so confident about my financial situation and the future, until coming to YWCA.”
YWCA Economic Prosperity Participant
"Every time I left a session it was like something lifted – I was freer. Now I'm at a place where I'm so excited to share and help others. I feel more empowered and free. If I can do it, I feel like anybody can do it. I want others to know that I was stuck, and believed that was all my life could be, but I was able to get out of that stuck place. It's just the best thing in the entire world! At YWCA, it felt like everyone knew me, I felt loved there. I wouldn't have been able to leave without the support I received at the YWCA Calgary."
YWCA Housing Participant
“After several attempts to leave an abusive relationship, including one that landed me in the hospital I was referred to YWCA to start counselling. I knew I needed help. YWCA change my life, I started to think differently, the group was a good support and it was a learning experience too. Thank you for saving my life and teaching me how to save myself.”
YWCA Counselling Participant
Families Services
Crisis Support
Healthy Relationships
Parent, Child and Youth Supports
Get in Touch with YWCA
Our programs and services are here for you. Contact us to find the right resources, connect with our team, or learn more about how we can help.
