Our View – The YW Blog
January 2020
YW Celebrates Black History Month
Black History Month, otherwise known as Black Futures Month starts on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Calgary is home to a vibrant and diverse black community that spans continents, cultures and identities. This diversity brings [...]
Stopping Domestic Violence Before it Starts
Domestic abuse can affect any member of the family - parents, children, siblings and extended family or friends. For those experiencing abuse or violence, the impacts last for years – or even lifetimes. It [...]
December 2019
Rose Campaign and gender-based violence
December 6 is Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day in 1989, 14 young women were murdered at l’Ecole Polytechnique in a targeted attack because they [...]
November 2019
Empowering families this holiday
The holidays are soon upon us and the spirit of giving is in the air. For many, it is time to cozy up by the fireside— but unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury. On [...]
A final farewell to YW’s downtown location
This week, the YW team said a final good-bye with mixed emotions to YW's old building downtown. For nearly 50 years, the building located on 5th Avenue supported women and families in Calgary, initially [...]
October 2019
Understanding Clare’s Law
What is Clare’s Law? In 2009, a woman from the United Kingdom named Clare Wood was killed by her intimate partner, who had a history of being a perpetrator of domestic violence. Following her [...]
Fall Provincial Policy Priorities: supporting vulnerable Albertans
This fall’s budget promises to provide direction and clarity on what the provincial government is planning for the months and years to come. The McKinnon Report and the UCP platform have set out some [...]
September 2019
Guest blog: the community’s YW
“A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he [...]
August 2019
Diversity, inclusion & the Pride flag
In recognition of Calgary Pride, our community is gathering this week to celebrate the diversity of our city and create a space where everyone feels safe and welcome to be themselves. Transgender advocate and [...]
July 2019
Guest Blog: Inglewood Welcomes YW with Open Arms
I attended the YWCA’s Neighbour Day festivities on June 15th to get a sneak-a-peek tour of the new ‘YW Hub’ complete in construction and scheduled to officially open its doors September 1, 2019. Community [...]
June 2019
GUEST BLOG: National Indigenous Peoples Day
As I, and many others shuffled into the rehearsal studio in the Arts Commons, children, families and elders sat wide-eyed waiting for the event to begin. We had all gathered at the Arts Commons [...]
April 2019
Dear Volunteers: thank you!
Volunteers are the soul of any non-profit organization and YW Calgary is no exception. Our work can only be done in concert with our committed volunteers, donors, community partners and women and their families. [...]