Each year we compile the YWCA Metro Vancouver Annual Report to reflect on and share the many incredible accomplishments we achieved the previous year. In 2023, our growth and impact were the result of our continued focus, collaboration and determination.
For an organization with more than 500 employees and a multi-million-dollar operating budget, we are impressively flexible, adjusting our programming and services to align with community members’ needs. Our employment programs, youth programs and single mothers’ support groups are excellent examples of this. We also follow the latest research to support our advocacy, as we did with our collaborative project called Concussion Story. This ensures we are working with partner organizations and government officials on relevant and impactful policy changes.
Another of our great strengths is our hub model approach, the most effective way to support people seeking YWCA services. When program participants and YWCA housing community residents also have pathways to child care, legal support, education and skills and job training, they have more time to invest in themselves, their children and their goals.
To support this work, we need a strong foundation—our employees must have the capacity and resources to serve the community in an incredibly complex world. That’s why we are investing more into our inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility policies, and into relationships that meaningfully support truth and reconciliation, anti-racism, gender inclusion and a participant-centred approach.
Last year, we brought together the wisdom and expertise of our community to create a new five-year strategic plan. Based on insight and innovative ideas from employees, program participants, volunteers, donors and board members, we released Forward with Purpose at the beginning of 2024 to guide us through the YWCA’s next phase. Despite the challenges the world faces, we are incredibly excited for our future.
We all believe in our mission and vision and we are confident that we are on the right path, but there is much more work to do. With your support, we know that our work is bringing us closer to a world that is safe, just and equitable.
In solidarity,
In 2023, donors like you helped support 81 programs and services.
We provided in person services in 42 locations in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island and served participants from all over British Columbia via our online services.
HELPING TO ADDRESS METRO VANCOUVER’S COMPLEX HOUSING CRISIS
715 mothers and children made their home in one of 15 YWCA housing communities.
We currently have 5 new housing communities under construction.
171 mothers and 251 children took part in 19 YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Groups, including two specialized groups for mothers of children with special needs.
15 women received scholarships for post-secondary education to pursue their career to financial goals.
"I am grateful I received the opportunity to live my dream of becoming a High School Educator. As a single mother to three children who all have diverse abilities, I never thought I could ever have made it this far. This would not have been possible without the scholarship I received through the YWCA, the YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Group facilitator and the other moms who attended the group and were there to support me and cheer me on along the way."
- Erica, YWCA Program Participant
1,472 job seekers received employment support through 23 specialized YWCA employment programs.
5,248 people accessed job search assistance through the WorkBC Centres operated by the YWCA.
"YWCA PowerUp supported me to create an impact for my company, and every week I learned something new about procedures required to start up a business through the workshops. I felt safe being in a community with other women entrepreneurs and it was a lot more encouraging."
- Sideah Alladice, Founder at Content by Sid
- 59 women participated in the YWCA Stopping the Violence program.
- 40 women accessed the YWCA’s National Emergency Survivor Support Fund.
- 64 children and youth who witnessed or experienced domestic violence participated in the YWCA PEACE program.
- 2,053 women were provided with information and referrals.
150 clients accessed the YWCA Staff Lawyer’s services, including workshops, legal information and full legal representation in family law.
In May 2023, YWCA Metro Vancouver partnered with former NHL All-Star Trevor Linden and Rethink to raise awareness about the shocking rates of intimate partner violence that affect women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada.
Campaign stats:
-
160 pieces of coverage
-
71 media stories
-
70 million views
RHYTHMS OF RESILIENCE: VIBRATIONS OF HOPE AND HEALING
In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, YWCA Metro Vancouver hosted a community event called Rhythms of Resilience: Vibrations of Hope and Healing. The event featured Indigenous artists from across the region, including Coastal Wolf Pack, Desirae, JB the First Lady, Murray Porter and M’Girl. Artist Teresa Walker also created a cradle board art piece to honour children and families affected by the residential school system.
More than 350 community members attended the Rhythms of Resilience event.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION TRAINING
Since 2018, the YWCA has contracted Reciprocal Consulting to provide Truth and Reconciliation training to employees. This mandatory session provides insight into the country’s past, how systemic racism continues to impact communities today and how to move forward in a good way.
103 employees took part in Truth and Reconciliation training.
32,597 free meals were served through Crabtree Corner food programs. The YWCA Rooftop Garden’s harvested annually goes directly to Crabtree Corner kitchen, providing delicious, nutritious meals for the community.
196 children received quality care at YWCA early learning and child care centres, including 15 children of young moms finishing high school.
YWCA Metro Vancouver continues to advocate for inclusive, affordable and accessible universal child care.
631 Grade 7 students participated in YWCA Guide to High School after-school programs and 632 Grade8-10 students took part in YWCA Dating Safe, gaining knowledge and skills to develop healthy relationships.
115 Grade 11 and 12 girls and gender diverse youth gained leadership skills and explored career options through the YWCA High School Mentorship program.
48 self-identified Indigenous girls, Two-Spirit and non-binary youth were connected to Indigenous community and cultures with support from volunteer Indigenous mentors in the YWCA Circle of Sisters mentorship program.
Our two social enterprises, the YWCA Hotel and the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre, continued to provide excellent service to guests and members. These businesses not only contribute to the local economy but are responsible for 22% of the YWCA’s revenues, giving us more flexibility to be responsive to emerging community needs with impactful programming.
493 individuals logged 15,298 volunteer hours in support of YWCA programs.
65 corporate groups volunteered a total of 1,938 hours tending our gardens, making and serving meals at YWCA Crabtree Corner and much more.
