Key Facts

Changing Lives since 1897.
YWCA Metro 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 early learning and care to housing, health and fitness, employment services and leadership, YWCA Metro Vancouver touches lives in our communities. 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 Metro Vancouver operates four licensed early learning and child care centres that provide quality affordable care to families with diverse backgrounds and needs.

YWCA Crabtree Corner Early Learning and Care provides short term 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.

Learn more about YWCA Early Learning and Care.

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 early learning and care, transitional housing, food, clothing and parenting support—help build better futures for women and children in one of Canada’s poorest neighbourhoods.

Learn more about YWCA Crabtree Corner.  

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.

Learn more about our youth programs.  

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.

Learn more about Single Mothers' Support Services. 

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.

Learn more about YWCA Housing. 

Connecting People to Employment
Throughout Metro Vancouver, YWCA Metro 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.

Learn more about our employment programs.

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 Metro Vancouver programs and services. Visit ywcahealthandfitness.com for more information.

Learn more about our Health + Fitness centre.  

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.

Learn more about the Thrift Shop. 

Recognizing Women Who Inspire
The YWCA Metro 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, 2012 marks the 29th year of this awards program.

Learn more about the Women of Distinction Awards.  

Driving Social Change
YWCA Metro 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 early learning and care and violence against women address some of the systemic causes of poverty and social inequality.

Learn more about our advocacy work.