It can be challenging to our new daily routines during a pandemic whether that means working from home or not working at all. From budgeting to ensuring a successful good night’s sleep, there are lots of tricks on how to cope with these significant changes in our lives from a pandemic. Here are four helpful … Continue reading Thriving Through COVID-19: Surviving COVID-19 with the YWCA Niagara Region
When COVID-19 hit Canada like a hurricane, we all batten down the hatches and hoped for the best, unsure of how long the storm would last. Unfortunately, as a country, we didn’t originally consider how this unique experience would impact different groups of people – specifically, how it would impact women. Now we’re seeing COVID-19 … Continue reading Women and COVID-19: Global Pandemics are Women’s Issues
Across the globe, May is a time to recognize and show appreciation for our mothers. It doesn’t matter the circumstance; I believe that every mom deserve to be recognized on Mother’s Day. I remember when my twin brother and I were young, and my dad would take us to the store and have us pick … Continue reading #thankyoumom – The Month of Motherhood Celebrations
Jessica never thought it could happen to her. She never imagined herself homeless… let alone homeless with two dependent children. But when Jessica fell on hard times, she found herself and her children, just 8 and 9 years old, in an emergency shelter. With only a year’s time to pick the pieces of her life … Continue reading Coldest Night of the Year in support of WNAH
I cannot believe I am finally here! It’s taken me just over 3 years, but I am officially taking over my own lease in April. I’d like to celebrate by telling you my story. Will you celebrate with me? I don’t want you to pity me because of what I’ve gone through so, instead, let’s … Continue reading Celebrate with me
We’re already one month into 2020 and a lot of people have been working hard on their New Year’s resolutions. Some people are looking for eat healthier this year, or hit the gym at least three times a week. Here at the YW, New Year’s resolutions look a little different as our clients work to … Continue reading Dear Feminist Me: Moving Through 2020 with a Feminist Lens
December 2019 Hey there… Just so you know – I wasn’t scared when dad left. Because mom always takes care of us anyway. She’s the one who takes me to school every day, packs my lunches, and celebrates my birthdays. So it wasn’t a big deal… Okay, fine, maybe I was a little … Continue reading Toby’s letter to you
Susan is part of our off-site transitional housing program. The way this program works is that the client pays the rent to the YW, and we pay the landlord. It’s a program that comes with the support of a worker, who is there to help the clients with setting and reaching their goals. Landlords on … Continue reading Susan
They welcome you as you enter the Coldest Night of the Year West Niagara walk-a-thon. They are the friendly faces you walk by during your 5 km walk in support of the most vulnerable in West Niagara. They fully embrace the event and the cause. The Rotary Club of Grimsby comes out to support the … Continue reading Rotary Club of Grimsby
My name is Jody, I am 33 years old, and I am far from perfect. I hate to admit this to you, but I don’t have to look you in the eye, so it’s ok: I currently live in the YW’s emergency shelter, along with my four-year old son. His name is Leo, and he … Continue reading My life in shelter
At the beginning of 2019, we introduced you to our client Macie. We shared with you what brought her to our doors initially, and how much she had thrived in her first few months in our Off-Site Transitional Housing program. Today, she asked us to tell each of you, who support our work in so … Continue reading Macie – Part II
Alexis was first introduced to the YW’s work when her sister completed a practicum placement with us, which better introduced her to the YW’s work and mission. At around the same time, she attended her first Niagara Leadership Summit for Women. The Leadership Summit was a great experience, and she “was hooked.” After putting out … Continue reading Volunteer Spotlight: Alexis
PenFinancial Credit Union chooses to support the community & YWCA Niagara Region At a recent celebration, PenFi made it official! They launched their “truly local commitment,” a commitment to a values-based banking model. “We believe that people who want to do business with a financial co-operative that reinvests 10% of their pre-tax profits back into … Continue reading Truly Local, Truly Committed
The noise hits me like a brick wall when I walk into the room. The after-school program is at full speed already. Children are running around and little voices are bouncing off the yellow walls. “Am I doing it right?” “I need help!” And then a girl who might be ten years old looks straight … Continue reading Children is where I draw the line
When the volunteer opportunity to help out at West Niagara Affordable Housing was first presented at her parish around five years ago, Lee knew she had found the perfect fit. “I liked the concept and what the program was all about. West Niagara Affordable Housing (WNAH), or GAHP at the time, is more than a … Continue reading I participate in Coldest Night of the Year because we need the awareness.
We thank our newest blogger, who wants to remain anonymous at this time, for sharing this beautiful blog post with our readers! Your strength and courage is an inspiration to all of us. It’s January 2019. Two years ago, January 2017, I was pregnant with my daughter, awaiting her arrival with my then partner. Within … Continue reading After the Dust Settles
