About
YWCA Metro Vancouver opened its doors in 1897 to provide housing and services to women arriving in Vancouver in search of education or employment.
Originally named the Young Women’s Christian Association, our founders were dedicated women concerned about the safety and living conditions of young women new to the city.
Today, we have a much broader focus, but we’ve kept our name because it’s a part of our legacy. The YWCA today is inclusive and provides support regardless of religion, race, age or gender.
After nearly 125 years supporting women and families as they pursue their dreams and goals, YWCA Metro Vancouver is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of our community while remaining committed to our overarching vision: to achieve women’s equality.
With each passing decade, we continue to expand our services and reach with innovative programs and advocacy to address the root causes of inequality. In recent years, we have focused on building safe, affordable housing across the region, and have become trusted advocates in the areas of child care, access to justice and women’s economic security and independence.
Our Impact
We are proud of the impact of our 75 programs across Metro Vancouver in 2020, which include:
MAKING AFFORDABLE HOUSING A REALITY
- 739 single mothers and children made their home in one of 12 YWCA Housing Communities.
STRONG START FOR CHILDREN
- 194 children received quality care at YWCA’s Child Care Centres.
SMART CHOICES FOR YOUTH
- 425 Grade 7 students participated in YWCA after-school Youth Education programs.
- 235 Grade 8-10 students took part in YWCA Dating Safe. They gained knowledge and skills to develop healthy relationships free from violence and abuse.
- 123 Grade 11 and 12 girls were matched with professional women to gain leadership skills and explore career options through the YWCA High School Mentorship program.
BUILDING SKILLS AND ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE
- 3,617 people received career support or accessed training through YWCA’s Employment Services.
NOURISHING THOSE IN NEED
- 23,752 meals were served at YWCA Crabtree Corner in the Downtown Eastside.
SUPPORTING MOTHERS WHO ARE PARENTING ALONE
- 212 single mothers took part in 16 YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Groups, including specialized support groups for mothers of children with special needs.
SUPPORTING ACCESS TO JUSTICE
- 150 clients accessed our Staff Lawyer’s services, including workshops, legal information and full legal representation in family law.
How your gift will be used
Your legacy gift directly supports women, youth and children and ensures that families across Metro Vancouver get the resources they need to build community, gain financial stability and achieve their goals and dreams.
Our programs include:
- Affordable housing
- Short-term and transitional housing
- Support for single mothers
- Services for job seekers
- Support for women who have experienced abuse
- Legal supports for women
- Youth education and mentorship
- Child care and early learning
- Crabtree Corner Community Resource Centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
