Remember to exercise your democratic right to vote! The province is responsible for critical aspects of our lives, such as education, child care, health care, social services, and more. The policy decisions made by provincial governments directly affect our everyday lives. That's why it's so important we engage in elections. Learn about the parties' platforms, see who your candidates are, and cast your ballot!

You have many options for when and how you can vote: 1) on election day on February 27, 2) at your local elections office from now until February 26, 3) via mail-in ballot (must submit your request before Feb 21), and 4) vote in advance polls February 20-22. You can learn more at elections.on.ca. 

And remember: you do not need to have a fixed address in order to be eligible to vote! Someone you are staying with can vouch for you at your polling station, or you can reach out to the shelter, community food program, or outreach service you frequent most and to request a temporary form of ID to use for voting.

ICYMI - Op Ed Penned by YWCA CEO, Kim Decker, and SASC ED, Sara Casselman

YWCA Cambridge CEO, Kim Decker, also penned an opinion editorial in the Waterloo Region Record along with Sexual Assault Support Centre ED, Sara Casselman. In it, they discuss the serious consequences of rising rates of women's homelessness and the concurrent rise in gender-based violence that accompanies them.

Boots & Bands; Kickin' it up for a cause!

Make sure the incredible women in your life get the recognition they deserve by submitting a nomination today.

We’re shining a light on the everyday amazing things that women, girls, and gender-diverse folks do to create positive change in the world around them.

These trailblazers in our community demonstrate how small acts can create a big impact. 

To be eligible, nominees must live and/or have the greatest impact in Cambridge and North Dumfries, not be a current YWCA staffer or volunteer, and must embrace YWCA Cambridge's vision, mission and values.

Deadline for nominations: March 31, 2025.

Small Steps to Success - Spring Registration is Open

Small Steps to Success registration is now open for the Spring program. This free pre-employment and life skills program for women helps participants to gain new skills, set and achieve new employment goals and make connections with other women in a supportive learning environment! Participants will re-enter the workforce with confidence having received support with job searching, resume writing and mock interviews.

For more information, visit our website ywcacambridge.ca or contact Terra at 226-929-2698 and Gail at 226-929-6302.

FREE March Break Mini Camp - Open for Registration!

Join us this March for March Break Mini Camp! A three-day adventure including everything from art-based projects and exploring new techniques, to STEM games and activities and games day! This is a free camp for cis and trans girls, gender-diverse and Two-Spirit youth ages 8-14 from March 11-13 at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., hosted at The W (20 Dickson St, Unit 101).

To register, email thew@ywcacambridge.ca. Check in with The W on Facebook or Instagram to learn more about our youth programs happening in schools and neighbourhood community centres across Cambridge.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention Workshops and Resource Highlight from YWCA Montreal

Did you know YWCA Cambridge offers free prevention-based programs and presentations in schools and the community? For more than 15 years, YWCA Cambridge has offered healthy relationships workshops including participant-led conversations and activities to engage youth on topics related to gender-based violence prevention and safety. Presentations and workshops focus on healthy relationships (both in person and online), ways of practicing consent in our daily lives and steps we can take to safely respond to violence through bystander intervention. 

If you are interested in bringing a workshop to your classroom or community space, please reach out to us at thew@ywcacambridge.ca.

YWCA Cambridge, like many YWCAs across Canada, are committed to raising awareness of the issues impacting women, girls and gender-diverse individuals. Whether through the creation of new programs and services or advocacy efforts, we are committed to building awareness, creating lasting change and safer communities for all. 

Our friends at YWCA Montreal have created tangible tools and resources to help fuel social change and encourage critical thinking around violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people.

We encourage you to check out their video on Myths vs Reality: False Denunciations relating to sexual violence. Through the sharing of additional resources, like this video, we hope to foster understanding of perspectives and experiences. 

Artist Spotlight Exhibition: Jan 27 - March 1, 2025

The W is proud to showcase the vibrant works of Nyakuoth and Miss Chu in our window display! These two incredible artists bring colour, depth, and community connection to the Waterloo Region.

Meet Nyakuoth



Nyakuoth’s art radiates coloured love and light, using bold hues to make even the deepest stories accessible to all. Her work is a reflection of her passion for colour, movement, and emotional expression.

Meet Miss Chu



Miss Chu captures the playfulness of everyday life, from breathtaking landscapes to expressive abstract portraits. Inspired by nature and human connection, their work highlights the simple yet profound beauty of the world around us.

Take a moment to experience this dynamic showcase through our window display at the W (101-20 Dickson St Cambridge)! 

In Community: Black History Month

Next event tomorrow! If you are looking for Black History Month events happening in Cambridge, please check out Rhythm & Blues Cambridge! This organization provides incredible programming, events and celebrations - "providing a safe engaging space to empower, inform and inspire the Black community in Cambridge."