FOR 115 YEARS WE’VE BEEN BUILDING CORNERSTONES 

For 115 years, YW Calgary has been a cornerstone of empowerment and community transformation. Today, we celebrate this incredible milestone with our refreshed and updated history book: Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives. 

WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS 

The last 15 years have been a tie of bold change for YW Calgary – new spaces, new vision and a renewed commitment to equity. This book captures the stories of resilience and leadership that shaped who we are today and where we’re heading.  

By sharing our journey, we honour the legacy of those who came before us and inspire future generations to continue the work. Our commitment to listening, innovating, and leading for women and families remains unwavering.  

A DECADE OF TRANSFORMATION: 2010–2025 

In 2010, as we celebrated our 100th anniversary, YW Calgary navigated a pivotal leadership transition. The years that followed brought both challenges and opportunities. In 2014, it was clear our downtown facility no longer met the needs of the community. Selling the property and building a new purpose-built facility became our bold next step.  

The journey wasn’t easy. Economic uncertainty nearly derailed the sale. Thanks to unwavering leadership and a determined community, the sale went through, paving the way for a new chapter of dignity and care.  

STORIES OF CHANGE AND RESILIENCE 

Over the past 15 years, there have been many changes that have had a significant impact on who YW is today, and where we are heading: 

  • Updated Mission: Prevention, intervention, empowerment and leadership for the benefit of women and their families.  
  • New Vision: Women and their families thriving in a safe and equitable community.  
  • Landmark Initiatives: Three new purpose-built, trauma-informed buildings, setting new standards for dignity and care. 
  • Commitment to Equity: Reflecting on our past and ensuring future work is grounded in equity, respect and reconciliation. 

LOOKING FORWARD 

This book is a tribute to YW Calgary’s enduring legacy and our vision for the future. We are deeply grateful to everyone – board members, alumni, donors, partners and community members – who have contributed to our journey.  

WANT TO EXPLORE OUR JOURNEY? 
Get your copy of Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives with a minimum donation of $50. Email YW Communications team at communications@ywcalgary.ca to donate and claim your book. 

LinkedIn headline: 115 Years of Impact: How YW Calgary’s History Shapes Our Future 

115 years ago, YW Calgary began a journey to empower women and strengthen communities. Today, we celebrate that legacy with the launch of our new history book—Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives—a story of resilience, innovation, and bold leadership. 
 

Why This Book Matters 

The past 15 years have been transformative. From reimagining our spaces to deepening our commitment to equity, this book captures how YW Calgary evolved to meet changing community needs. 

Key Milestones 

  • 2010: Celebrated 100 years and navigated a pivotal leadership transition.  
  • 2015: Sold our downtown property and built a new purpose-built facility—despite economic uncertainty.  
  • 2019: Opened Hub facility with 100 respectful self-contained rooms for women; counselling, language instruction and childcare spaces, revenue generating opportunities and a new administrative home. 
  • 2023: Opened redeveloped crisis shelter and new affordable housing – YW Taylor Family Home 
  • 2025: Activated new Strategic Plan – Stand with Her – a plan for the next five years of YW impact.  

Want to dive deeper into our story? Get your copy of Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives with a minimum donation of $50. Email YW Communications team at communications@ywcalgary.ca to donate and claim your book.