Key Facts

Changing Lives since 1897.
YWCA Vancouver is a registered charity, providing a range of integrated services for women and their families, and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From housing, child care and support to innovative employment, wellness, and leadership programs, YWCA touches lives in communities across the Lower Mainland. Find out more at ywcavan.org

A Healthy Start for Children
The quality of care children receive when they’re young affects them for life. YWCA Vancouver operates four licensed early learning and care centres that provide quality affordable childcare to families with diverse backgrounds and needs.

YWCA Crabtree Corner Early Learning and Care provides emergency child care and family support in the Downtown Eastside, while Emma’s Early Learning and Care Centre & Tupper Young Parent Services helps young mothers achieve self-reliance and independence.

Citygate Early Learning and Care Centre specializes in integrating children with special needs. Leslie Diamond Early Learning and Care Centre is located in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, providing care for families balancing the challenges of work and parenting.

Help for Families in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
YWCA Crabtree Corner Family Resource Centre brings help and hope to families who need them most. Our integrated services – emergency child care, transitional housing, food, clothing and parenting support – help build better futures for women and children in one of Canada’s poorest neighbourhoods.

Healthy Choices for Youth
Leadership, mentorship and employment programs support healthy choices, build meaningful careers and help young people face the challenges of growing up. After-school programs for boys and girls aim to build healthier and more confident young people, and the YWCA Vancouver Real Story competition encourages youth to explore their options for the future by writing about the women who inspire them.

Support for Single Moms
We are dedicated to helping single moms break the cycle of poverty and make a successful transition to economic independence. Weekly group meetings offer peer support and practical assistance such as food vouchers. They also connect women
with appropriate YWCA services, such as employment programs, and other community resources.

Safe, Affordable Housing
Without a stable place to live, it’s hard to move forward in life. YWCA Semlin Gardens in Vancouver and Fraser Gardens in Langley provide affordable housing and support for single moms and their children.

YWCA Crabtree transitional housing helps women with addiction issues, who are pregnant or parenting young children, develop life skills for a healthy future. Women and children escaping abuse find safety and support at YWCA Munroe House, Canada’s first second-stage transition house.

The YWCA Hotel provides accommodation for travellers and temporary shelter for women and families in need. Comfortable and affordable, it’s ‘worth checking into’ at ywcahotel.com

Connecting People to Employment
Throughout Greater Vancouver, YWCA Vancouver offers many programs that help jobseekers find meaningful employment and long term career satisfaction. Mentorship, workshops, hiring fairs, and much more are offered through a variety of programs, with specialized services available for professionals, immigrants, and youth.

Promoting Health + Fitness
YWCA Health + Fitness centre is a co-ed fitness facility in Downtown Vancouver, featuring an ozone purified pool, the latest in cardio/weight equipment, and innovative programming. This landmark fitness facility helps hundreds of people ‘find their balance’ every day, while membership fees help fund YWCA Vancouver programs and services. Visit ywcahealthandfitness.com for more information.

Providing Affordable and ‘One of a Kind’ Finds
Gently used clothing and housewares are accepted at the YWCA Thrift Shop, where YWCA clients benefit in two ways: from revenue generated through the Thrift Shop, which supports programs, and through access to basic necessities for their families.

Recognizing Women Who Inspire
The YWCA Vancouver Women of Distinction Award honours women whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the health and future of the community. The Awards also honour businesses and organizations that support the wellness and diverse needs of employees. Recognized nationally as one of the most prestigious awards for women, 2008 will mark the 25th year of this awards program.

Driving Social Change
YWCA Vancouver plays a key role in advocating for social change to support the full realization of women’s equality. Our advocacy on issues such as universal child care and violence against women address some of the systemic causes of poverty and social inequality.