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Greetings Kim,
If you've been tuned into local current events, you'll likely already know our big news. YWCA Cambridge is thrilled to have found a temporary location for a women's emergency homeless shelter in Cambridge. We're grateful to our partners, Grace Bible Church, for stepping forward and offering their space to us, to the Region for endorsing our shelter model and approving operating funding, and to our community partners and supporters like you who have been behind our efforts to respond to the needs of Cambridge women, girls and gender-diverse individuals.
As you know, we're a multiservice organization, so while we've been working away at getting a shelter established, lots continues to go on across our programs and services. Read on for some highlights.
Warmly,
Kim Decker
CEO, YWCA Cambridge
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NEWS: YWCA Secures Temporary Location for a Women's Emergency Homeless Shelter | | | |
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It's official!
On August 12, we announced alongside our partners, the Region of Waterloo and Grace Bible Church, that we've secured a temporary location for a women's emergency homeless shelter in Cambridge!
We hope to have it operating before the coming winter. We're grateful to Grace Bible Church for coming forward and offering their space to provide this much-needed service in our community, and we're grateful to the Region of Waterloo staff and leadership for their support throughout this process.
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Read some of the news coverage of our announcement | |
Click the logos to read the articles. | |
We've received many inquiries about how to support our work to establish a shelter and we're incredibly grateful for the broad community support! Right now, the best way to help us is to contribute to the funds needed to resource the shelter - we'll be purchasing furniture and other supplies and will need all the help we can get. | |
Advocacy: YWCA Ontario gives testimony on Intimate Partner Violence | | | |
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On August 14, representatives from the YWCA Ontario coalition presented to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy which is currently studying Intimate Partner Violence. This committee was struck following the Ontario government passing Bill 173: Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic through second reading and referring it to the Justice Committee for review.
YWCA Ontario was represented by Medora Uppal, CEO of YWCA Hamilton, Heather McGregor, CEO of YWCA Toronto, and Elisabeth Zimmerman, ED of YWCA Niagara Region.
We sincerely thank Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Jess Dixon for inviting YWCA to attend and give our testimony to the committee, and we thank her and the rest of the committee for their work!
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Thank you to all of the golfers who joined us at Galt Country Club on August 12!
Stay tuned to our socials for photos from the day of fun, and sign up to be the first to hear details of the 2025 Golf Classic in partnership with Cambridge Shelter Corp.
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Roots of Empathy: Family recruitment | | |
Child Care Update in Photos: Summer Camp Fun! | | |
Youth and Women's Program Updates | | |
Small Steps to Success Registration Open | |
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Small Steps to Success Fall Program Registration is open. SSTS offers pre-employment and life skills programming for women and gender-diverse folks looking to build new skills, make connections in the community and find meaningful employment opportunities.
Participants leave the program with updated resumes, cover letters and gain the experience needed to reach their employment goals through mock interviews and a 3-week placement in the community. Participants receive all the materials needed to take part and a staff team to support along the way.
For more information or to register see our website or reach out to Sara (s.hohenadel@ywcacambridge.ca or 226-929-6302) or Terra (t.macdonald@ywcacambridge.ca or 226-929-2698)
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Take Back The Night Rally and March: September 19, 2024 | |
Callout for Feminist Night Market Vendors: We are still accepting vendors! If you are a feminist artist, maker or small business owner who would like to join the event, please reach out at thew@ywcacambridge.ca or complete a vendor form. | |
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Take Back the Night returns to the streets of Cambridge for another year of raising awareness and resistance against sexual and gender-based violence!
This year's march and rally will take place on Thursday, September 19th from 5-9pm and will include a mini-Feminist Night Market highlighting feminist artists, makers and small businesses! Mark you calendars, tell a friend and get ready to grab some feminist swag and march alongside us again this year!
Event Details:
5 p.m. - The W doors open with Feminist Night Market, community organization booths and family-friendly activities like sidewalk chalking, art, sign and button making, games and more!
6:30 p.m. - Youth-led rally begins
7 p.m. - March on downtown Cambridge begins
7:30 p.m. - Closing Remarks
9 p.m. - Market and event closes
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TBTN Youth Volunteer Night | | |
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Are you passionate about social justice? Excited about graphic design and art? Looking to earn volunteer hours? We are looking for youth ages 14+ to help lead and support the event. Come out to our volunteer night on September 10th at 6-7:30pm at The W to meet other volunteers, learn more about your role as a volunteer, and create some buttons, t-shirts and art for the event.
Interested in joining? Email c.jaipersaud@ywcacambridge.ca to get involved! Pizza, snacks and volunteer hours included!
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SHYFT will be hosting two nights this fall at The W (20 Dickson St, Unit 101).
SHYFT is a creative, hands-on, arts-based program that tackles the issues most important to the youth in each program! Activities foster critical thinking, problem solving and offer ways to boost communication and conflict resolution skills.
Email thew@ywcacambridge.ca for registration or see ywcacambridge.ca for more information.
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Hosting a fundraising event in support of YWCA Cambridge not only makes a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in our community, but it also brings personal benefits to you as a donor. By organizing your own event—whether it’s a birthday party, BBQ, or themed night—you have the opportunity to celebrate and connect with your loved ones in a meaningful way, while also raising awareness for a cause that’s close to your heart.
These events allow you to engage your network, share the mission of YWCA Cambridge, and show your passion for empowering women and girls. It’s a rewarding experience that combines your personal creativity and generosity, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment as you help us continue our vital work.
Every gathering makes a difference, and by hosting, you’re directly contributing to creating a stronger, more equitable community.
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We'd Like To Hear From You! | | |
Please complete our quick survey! | | |
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Your generosity has played an incredible role in empowering the lives of women and girls in our community, and now we want to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey on your experience as a committed supporter. We want to understand why you support us, how we can communicate better, and how we can improve your experience with YWCA Cambridge.
Your insights will help us continue to grow and make a lasting impact.
Thank you for being such an important part of our mission!
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