Contact Fall/Winter 2025

A Message from the CEO

I can hardly believe we are nearing the end of the year—2025 brought so much growth, opportunity and excitement to our work at the YWCA. Each week, I continue to be deeply inspired by the dedication and impact of our employees, board members, volunteers, donors and program participants.

In September, a monumental update was approved by members at our AGM: changing our legal name from Young Women’s Christian Association to YWCA British Columbia. This change is significant and aligns with our strategic priority to expand services beyond Metro Vancouver, where many women and families are seeking more affordable housing and integrated services.

Donor Highlight

HISTORIC GIFT FUELS NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SKILLED TRADES

YWCA Metro Vancouver received a historic $5.56 million gift from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and Seaspan Shipyards to launch YWCA Higher Ground, an employment program supporting women in the skilled trades.

Donor Profile

WHEN REAL LIFE CHANGES EVERYTHING: YWCA EMPLOYMENT NAVIGATOR

YWCA’s Employment Navigator program empowers women like Alicia to overcome barriers, access education, and build meaningful careers.

Organization

GIVING ‘TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE’ THROUGH CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

Corporate volunteering drives meaningful community impact, with businesses like Acuitas Therapeutics supporting YWCA programs and enriching the lives of women and children.

Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) at the 2025 Rhythms of Resilience (photo by Suzette Amaya).

Truth & Reconciliation

HONOURING WARRIOR WOMEN AT RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE 2025

Rhythms of Resilience: Voices of Warrior Women brought the community together to honour Indigenous Survivors, celebrate warrior women and foster connection through song, dance and storytelling.

Advocacy

THE TRUE COSTS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN BC

YWCA’s upcoming report will quantify the profound social and economic costs of gender-based violence in BC, highlighting the urgent need for prevention and survivor support.

Groundbreaking of YWCA Tyndall Street on May 6, 2025.

Housing Update

BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH YWCA HOUSING

YWCA is expanding affordable housing with new communities on the horizon, creating safe, supportive homes for women and families like Lena’s.

Learn more

YWCA team members gather before attending the 2025 Vancouver Pride Parade.

Organization

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY, CULTURE & CHANGE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR EQUITY COMMITTEES

YWCA’s Equity Committees are advancing inclusion and connection through cultural celebrations, Pride participation, accessibility initiatives and meaningful community events.

YWCA Hotel

A LEGACY OF LOVE AND COMMUNITY

A Space of Grace at the YWCA Hotel honors the lasting legacy of beloved Head Housekeeper Grace Tee, celebrating her warmth, impact and community spirit.

YWCA Health + Fitness

SEEING CHANGE AT YWCA HEALTH + FITNESS CENTRE

YWCA Health + Fitness Centre creates a safe, welcoming space where program participants can build confidence, adopt healthier lifestyles and experience the transformative power of community.

Legacy Giving

HELEN GHABEL: YWCA’S VP, FINANCE—NOW RETIRED BUT STILL INVESTED

Helen Ghabel’s 28-year journey with YWCA Metro Vancouver reflects deep commitment, trust and a lasting legacy of giving that continues to transform lives.

View or download the print version

Support our work

Donate now