What programs are currently offered by the YWCA Niagara Region?
Please refer to the “Our Work” – section to learn more about our housing and empowerment programs.
Is the YWCA Niagara Region the same as the YMCA?
The YWCA Niagara Region is not the same as the YMCA and the two organizations are not affiliated in any way. Both the YMCA and YWCA were started in the Niagara Region around the same time but we offer very different services. The YMCA is focused predominantly on recreation-based organization. The YWCA’s work is clearly focused on providing shelter, food and assistance to homeless women in poverty.
How can I help?
Donate, volunteer, attend one of our many fundraisers and tell your friends about us! We want everyone to know about the work of the YWCA Niagara Region. Help us change the lives of homeless women and their families in Niagara.
Do you collaborate with other community organizations?
The YWCA Niagara Region partners with many other community organizations within the region to provide a broader spectrum of services. If you need help and don’t know where to go, call us at (905) 988-3528 and we can help you find what you’re looking for.
What is your Accessibility Policy?
We are committed to making our environment, website and applications accessible to all our clients/users. We are always happy to receive feedback. Please contact the Executive Director at ezimmermann@ywcaniagararegion.ca to let us know about any problems you have had, or suggestions you may have to improve our accessibility and service.
Are children allowed to stay in your shelters?
Children are allowed to stay at the YWCA Niagara Region’s emergency homeless shelters with their families. Age limit is determined on a case by case basis.
How does the “Christian” aspect of the YWCA fit into YWCA Niagara Region?
It’s part of our acronym and it’s part of our history. There is no longer any religious component or requirement to our work and/or services. We are multicultural, multi-denominational for both our clients and our staff and we value our diversity.
Where does your funding come from?
We rely on government funding as well as funding from United Way, and from people like you, who donate and help our organization. Please review our Annual Reports for an exact break-down of receiving and spending of funds. If you’d like to donate today click here.
What is the average length of stay at the YWCA Niagara Region’s emergency homeless shelters?
Generally a woman will live in our emergency homeless shelter for one month and then transition into one of our three transitional housing programs.
How do you educate the public about the need and the work of the YWCA Niagara Region?
To help educate the public about the need and work of the YWCA Niagara Region, we hold and participate in many community events and forums which respond to issues that are relevant to ending poverty and homelessness and advocating for women. The YWCA Niagara Region staff, board, partners and volunteers speak at events upon request. We also collaborate with other charitable services to ensure that the needs of our community are met. Through events like the Niagara Leadership Summit for Women and Coldest Night of the Year, we bring awareness to the greater community and continually educate and update them about the reality and necessity of our work through our social media platforms.
To access more of our communication tools please read our annual reports and newsletters or visit us on Facebook, Twitter or on our blog.
What events can I attend to support the YWCA Niagara Region?
You can review our list of annual events on our Events page.
Many individuals, corporations and organizations have partnered with us to host special events in support of our programs and services. If you are interested in attending or supporting the YWCA through an event please contact Franziska Emslie at 289-271-3164 or email femslie@ywcaniagararegion.ca.
How closely is the YWCA Niagara Region linked to other YWCAs in Canada and across the world?
The YWCA operates in more than 100 countries around the world, so we are part of a much larger family. YWCA Niagara Region is also one of the 33 member organizations that are affiliated with YWCA Canada.
If you have a question that has not been answered please email sjohnston@ywcaniagararegion.ca.
