CEO Update - Fall 2024
Fall and winter are seasons of change and, for me, a time of reflection. Looking back at this past year at YWCA Metro Vancouver, I’m incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished to advance gender equity. The impact of our employees, volunteers, board members, donors and program participants has been far-reaching.
Of course, this particular fall and winter season brought an election here in BC. Elections are a critical time for us as a society—including at our organization—to reflect on issues that matter most.
Elections also give us a fresh opportunity to remind the newly formed government what actions we’d like to see, especially when it comes to supporting women, gender diverse individuals, and children.
Over the past few months, the YWCA has convened a coalition of anti-violence organizations calling on the provincial government to declare gender-based violence an epidemic. Gender-based violence is pervasive in our communities. We believe recognizing it as a public health issue of epidemic proportions will help coordinate efforts to address its root causes.
We also believe improving access to housing is a crucial part of addressing gender-based violence. We know soaring rental costs mean some women are left to choose between homelessness and living with an abusive partner. This is why we’re thrilled to be taking further steps to address the ongoing housing crisis through the creation of the YW Housing Society. More details on the Housing Society and the opening of our newest housing community are on Page 3.
We’ve also seen that, to achieve personal and economic well-being, women and families need convenient access to core services. This is why we continue to offer wrap-around supports like employment resources, mentorship opportunities for youth, legal assistance and child care.
Through these pages, you’ll read stories celebrating how this crucial work is making a lasting difference for women and families in our communities.
We’re excited about the work being done now and what lies ahead for the YWCA. Thanks to donors and supporters like you, I’m continually reminded of how much of an impact we can have when we’re partnering together.
Thank you for reading and for being a part of the YWCA community,
Erin Seeley
CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver
