April at Your YW

APRIL 2020

YW Calgary is committed to supporting the safety

and well-being of the neighbourhoods in which we operate

COVID-19 Update

How YW Calgary is adapting

Times of systemic change, such as a pandemic can add even more stress and YW Calgary is continually innovating in order to help people navigate through this challenging time.

YW Counselling and Domestic Violence Outreach teams are using phone and video to support clients and provide them with tools to manage the unique challenges families are experiencing right now.

While some of our programs have temporarily closed or been modified, our transitional housing, emergency and crisis shelters can't close and we are committed to ensuring women and their families are able to access those essential services. There are nearly 200 women, many with children who rely on us every day in our shelters. We are taking all of the precautions and steps to educate clients and employees on best practices to protect themselves and their families.

Stay current on changes at YW Calgary, visit:

YW Calgary - COVID-19 page - updated daily

Good things happen in hard times

Despite the significant shifts in programming, many of our dedicated staff have been going above and beyond to adapt and stay connect to the individuals and families we support. Our Childcare team has been an example of how a little innovation can go a long way. Check out one of the many videos they have produced to stay connected with the children.

"THANK YOU for the amazing communication... it's so touching to feel as though you're looking out for our kids even when they're not actually in daycare! I almost had tears in my eyes when I watched my children watching the video message from Edna and Harleen. The girls were so interested and really pleased to have that connection, I think."

-- YW Childcare Parent

Income Support Resources

T he COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges in all of our lives. The situation has impacted many of us financially, but it can be difficult to know where to turn for support.

In addition to existing income supports, the federal and provincial governments are offering extra help to individuals and families in these unprecedented times.

Explore our comprehensive list of income support resources here.

We're in this together.

Wondering how you can help?

For many of us, feelings of isolation are uncomfortable and scary yet most of our clients have lived with the reality of isolation for years. An outbreak of COVID-19 in one of our shelters would prove devastating. We are taking every precaution to minimize this risk and protect our clients and front-line staff and this requires extra resources.

The financial pressures on our organization are unlike any other time in our 110-year history. Now weeks into the pandemic, we are experiencing a sharp increase in expenses and a dramatic decrease in social enterprise revenues. The revenue we generate from our Fitness facility and Community Spaces is critical to maintaining YW Calgary's infrastructure, facilities and support staff that are required to provide the essential services we continue to offer our clients.

We need our community of friends and supporters now more than ever.