YWCA Metro Vancouver

Tucked between the concrete high rises of downtown Vancouver, our well-loved Rooftop Garden thrives. This vibrant space is a source of fresh, nutritious food for women and families at YWCA Crabtree Corner Community Centre. From blueberries to potatoes, everything is lovingly cultivated by our dedicated volunteers and staff. Thanks to generous support from donors, we're expanding this oasis to six YWCA affordable housing communities across Metro Vancouver, bringing fresh produce to even more families. This year, our Rooftop Garden aims to raise $15,000 to help cover these costs. By donating today, you help keep the Rooftop Garden fruitful and thriving. Every dollar makes an impact. Donate to keep the Rooftop Garden thriving: https://lnkd.in/gjGqUm2p

Thank you Melanie Mark Hli Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak for taking the time to visit YWCA Crabtree Corner last week. Melanie spoke to us about all things advocacy, our five-year YWCA Metro Vancouver strategic plan and YWCA Crabtree Corner’s strategic plan which was recently finalized. We are excited for the coming years to continue to generate positive change within our communities.

On Wednesday, July 17, we celebrated the inspiring conclusion of our 21st YWCA Tech Connect cohort, brimming with talented and motivated women. A heartfelt thanks to our guest speakers who shared invaluable wisdom and insights, empowering newcomer women in the tech sector. Your contributions have left a lasting impact! Special shout-outs to our exceptional guest speakers who shared their journeys, resources and tips, inspiring our participants to reach their career goals: Valerie Koroliuk, Serene L., Davin Gislason,  Thrive Health, Steve Taylor, Rosy Johal, Ameena Sarvath,MiM, and Lynn Y. A big thank you to Stephanie S. and Zeinab Rashed for joining us in person on graduation day, offering tips on resume writing, job search navigation, and handling challenging interview questions.

What a powerful moment! Today, we brought together incredible community organizations and advocates who have been tirelessly working to combat gender-based violence. Being in one space and united by our commitment to moving this critical issue forward was truly inspiring. While we missed some crucial folks this time, we look forward to seeing you at our next gathering. Gender-based violence is a hidden epidemic, often overlooked and misunderstood. Our collective efforts aim to shine a light on this pervasive issue and bring about meaningful change. Special shoutout to: West Coast LEAF (Legal Education and Action Fund) Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland BC Society of Transition Houses (BCSTH)  The Houssian Foundation    The Cridge Centre for the Family Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR)  justice for girls outreach society Nikki Hill  Ange Valentini PearlSpace Support Services Society  Atira Women's Resource Society  Tawâw Strategies Andrea Reimer Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC)  Alma Mater Society of UBC (AMS) Student Union UBC   AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) Vancouver Women's Health Collective

We are delighted to announce that our longtime colleague and friend Wanda Pelletier is the recipient of the BC Council for Families' 2024 Carol Matusicky Distinguished Service to Families Award for her work at YWCA Crabtree Corner. Wanda has been a pillar of the Downtown Eastside YWCA Crabtree Corner community for 30 years and has improved the well-being of countless families during this time. Among her many roles, Wanda committed her efforts to providing accessible, low-barrier support for those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and made immeasurable impacts through her work on the FASD Dictionary, which provides much needed information on the realities of living with FASD and removing the stigma surrounding the condition.  A member of the Cowessess First Nation, Saulteaux First Nations band government in southern Saskatchewan, her role as a co-chair on the YWCA Truth and Reconciliation Committee has been instrumental in fostering understanding and healing within the Downtown Eastside community.   We are so lucky to have worked with you and to know you, Wanda! 

Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Minister Rachna Singh and Surrey Councillor Linda Annis for a tour of one of our housing communities for single mothers and their children in Surrey. We had a great conversation about the importance of ending gender-based violence, co-locating affordable housing and child care and supporting vulnerable community members. Thank you for joining us, Minister Singh and Councillor Annis.

Our YWCA City Shift team presented to the City of Port Moody's Community Services team today! We were talking about embedding an inclusive and equitable lens into city planning. Thanks for having us and learning about our Equity Kickstart Guide for Cities!

Summer is here and it’s coming in hot! There are great events happening across Metro Vancouver, perfect for families and offering something for everyone. Swipe to see upcoming events in July and August! Did you know the YWCA Hotel has a guide to upcoming events in Vancouver? From concerts, fairs and festivals to farmers' markets and sports games, there's always something to keep you inspired and busy! Visit https://lnkd.in/g-2BMGr9 to see what’s happening this season.

Did you know that YWCA Metro Vancouver offers 19 support groups for mothers who are parenting alone? These groups are available throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, both in-person and online. We also have a specialized support group for mothers of children with special needs. Together with other women on a similar journey, mothers can find companionship, peer support and community. Many participants form lifelong friendships! If you know someone who could benefit from this supportive community, please share this post with them. More information here: https://lnkd.in/gEg6zJ_V

Are you a healthcare professional passionate about building career connections and opportunities for others in your field? We are seeking a Senior Manager for our YWCA Health Connect program!   Join our dynamic team and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare community. Visit the job posting to see if this role is the perfect fit! https://lnkd.in/gqxAzks7