National Indigenous Peoples’ Day at YW Calgary was a special one. Elder Jackie Bromley from Awo Taan Healing Lodge came to lead a group smudge ceremony for the residents of our YW Transitional Housing program. This important Indigenous spiritual practice involves burning sage, tobacco, and sweet grass and using the smoke to cleanse one’s [...]
In March 2021, the long awaited and much anticipated changes to Canada’s Divorce Act came into effect. The changes encompassed five major areas within the act and included; a shift in language, the inclusion of a broader definition of domestic violence, an encouragement to seek out alternative dispute resolution processes, provisions around relocation and [...]
Deep breaths. They’ve been helping us get through the past fifteen months of the pandemic and they’ve also been helping YW Calgary clients, including a mother and daughter who came to us recently for support. Elena, a single mom, lost her job as a restaurant server. Then, schools closed and her nine-year-old daughter, Chloe, [...]
We sat down (virtually, of course!) with Mackenzie, one of our Mindful Moments facilitators. Keep reading to learn about her role, the Mindful Moments program, and how mindfulness is helping people cope with the stresses and challenges of the pandemic. Q: Hi Mackenzie! You’re a Child Development Counsellor – can you tell us [...]
The gruesome murder of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands (or knee) of American law enforcement authorities has reminded us how entrenched racism is in our society. The Black Lives Matter movement is stronger than ever, as more people are joining in the conversation about breaking systemic racism and valuing Black lives. [...]
Some of you may be feeling like a fish inside a fishbowl. You have begun to learn every inch of your living room, seen every speck of dust on the shelves and have longed for the days you had freedom and flexibility. Prior to COVID-19, it was estimated that 93% of people spent majority [...]
Back to school time has long been one of mixed emotions. This year the usual feelings of excitement, anxiety, hesitation and confusion may even more heightened with the uncertainty of our global pandemic. Children have been away from the structured school atmosphere for almost six months and whether yours will continue to learn from [...]
Pride 2020 provides us with an opportunity to consider the intersection of sexuality and race. This year’s Pride happens with the backdrop of anti-racism activism. We have been flooded with images of anti-Black racism and many people are joining together to take a stand against racism. In recognition of this moment, let’s centre the [...]
It was the summer of 1969, in Manhattan, New York. On June 28, the Stonewall Inn, a hangout for LGBTQ2S+ persons was raided by police. It was raided simply because it was known as a “gay” establishment. It was raided because of bigotry. The Stonewall’s patrons were tired of the ongoing police harassment and [...]
From YW WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES® to walking around the neighbourhoods where we live and work, YW Calgary and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) have a longstanding relationship. YW works most closely with our Community Resource Officers (CROs) in the communities in which we operate. YW meets on a semi-regular basis with [...]
