Contact Spring/Summer 2025

A Message from the CEO

In June, I will have had the honour of being CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver for three years. Every day I continue to be amazed by the strides our employees, volunteers, board members, donors and program participants are making to advance gender equity.

We continue to pursue our vision as we strive for a just and equitable world. Early last year, we developed our five-year Strategic Plan, outlining our goals and commitments.

Housing Update

YWCA HOUSING ACTION FUND

After fleeing an unsafe home, Husnia and her mother found safety and stability through YWCA housing — part of a growing network of affordable homes made possible by the YWCA Housing Action Fund and donor support.

Donor Profile

ENVISIONING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

For her 50th birthday, Cindy Beedie partnered with the YWCA and others to create YWCA Cindy Beedie Place, an innovative affordable housing project including a child care centre that will soon provide safe, affordable homes and wraparound supports for mothers parenting alone and their children.

Organization

INTRODUCING THE NEW INDIGENOUS INITIATIVES AND ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

Following the 2021 discovery at Kamloops Residential School, Grace Tait’s advocacy led to the formation of YWCA’s Indigenous Initiatives and Engagement department, now co-led by Grace and Christina Campbell to advance truth and reconciliation at the YWCA.

Advocacy

LAUNCHING YWCA CITY SHIFT’S PEER-CENTRED ADVOCACY COUNCIL

Driven by our commitment to bold, transformative change through education and advocacy, YWCA City Shift is excited to announce the launch of its Peer-Centred Advocacy Council.

Leadership

FINDING JOY ON YWCA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michelle Cooper-Iversen, YWCA Board Vice-Chair, brings her passion for community, lived experience and leadership to a space she calls "filled with female joy.”

Advocacy

DECLARING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AN EPIDEMIC IN BC

Driven by the urgent need to address gender-based violence, YWCA Metro Vancouver led a coalition that successfully urged the BC government to declare it an epidemic.

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Organization

YWCA ROOFTOP GARDEN’S GROWING COMMUNITY

The YWCA Rooftop Garden is blossoming into a hub for sustainability, cultural connection and community, with new events, Indigenous stewardship and expanded green spaces across Metro Vancouver.

Programs

HEALTHY HUSTLE: HEALING THROUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

YWCA Crabtree Corner’s Healthy Hustle program offers trauma-informed fitness classes that build confidence, connection and community for women—many of them solo moms—on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

YWCA Health + Fitness

THE NEW WAY OF WELLNESS

From physiotherapy to shiatsu, osteopathy and fitness classes, the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre offers a modern, all-in-one approach to wellness.

Legacy Giving

‘IMAGINE THE IMPACT’: JOANNE’S YWCA LEGACY

After 14.5 incredible years, JoAnne Fahr has retired from the YWCA—and left a legacy that will continue to shape futures.

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