The Next 125 Campaign: Building Brighter Futures, for Everyone
As we step into our 125th anniversary year and the final year of our Next 125 campaign, it is an opportunity to reflect on our history and recognize the dedication and generosity of our community in supporting women and families as they pursue their goals and dreams.
Since our inception in 1897, the YWCA has provided safe spaces for women. As we evolved and expanded our programs, housing has become a critical pillar of our work and vision for the future.
YWCA Munroe House - Canada’s first second-stage transition house for women fleeing abusive partners - opened its doors in 1979.
Through the Next 125 campaign, more than 70 individuals, families and foundations have raised more than $13.6M through donations of $25,000 or more, to help create a lasting legacy. This includes building more safe and affordable housing communities with the additions of YWCA Pacific Spirit Terrace, YWCA May Brown Place, YWCA Moiz and Nadia Place and the housing community under development on Grange Street in Burnaby. We are deeply appreciative of Next 125 donors’ commitment and passion in building a vibrant future where all families can thrive.
We currently operate 13 housing communities across Metro Vancouver for women and children and our full continuum of options ranges from emergency shelter, to second-stage transition housing, to long-term, deeply affordable rental housing. Residents also have access to the YWCA’s wrap-around services that foster a stable transition to safety and personal independence. Many YWCA housing communities also have an onsite Community Development Coordinator for additional support.
The Grange Street building will extend our housing into Burnaby. Construction is underway, with completion scheduled for 2025. We are looking for a lead donor and other generous supporters to help raise the remaining $7.7million for these 32 new homes for single mothers and their children.
Rendering of YWCA housing community on Grange Street in Burnaby .
Messages from Next 125 Supporters
“We all live in the community and it is important for us to give back to our community. It is truly a blessing to give, and help to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
I am touched by all the wonderful work done by YWCA, particularly towards young single mothers. The housing communities serving women is another shining example to help take some of the stress away from women, while caring for their children and making a living at the same time. It helps to create a bright future for young single moms and their babies to succeed in life.”
- Sandy So
“Our family gives to the YWCA’s housing initiatives as a way to invest in a liveable region for women and children. The housing options developed by the YWCA are planned for safety and connectivity and supported by programming to make sure families are able to participate fully in their communities. The YWCA also backs up their projects with effective advocacy to alert policy makers to the needs of the families they house. Their ‘formula’ is a win-win-win as far as we are concerned.”
- Patricia North
You can be part of the YWCA’s future. Consider joining The Next 125 with a gift of $25,000 or more. To learn more, please contact Brenda Ulmer at bulmer@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5764 or Patricia Chu at pchu@ywcavan.org | 604 895 5861.
