December 15 2020

Canada is a country that is proud of and thrives on diversity. To celebrate and highlight this, we have put together a list of holidays that happen throughout December and the beginning of January.

December 21 2021

Women’s homelessness, like everything else that has been impacted by COVID-19, is different this year. This year, homeless women’s realities have worsened. 

January 1 2021

I am not sure that I accomplished anything on my 2020 New Year’s resolution list (and that’s okay), but I know that it was important that I made one. New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to set our intentions for the year ahead. I think that just by writing them down, we are in some way subconsciously more likely to implement them in our everyday lives, even if it is just in small ways.

January 8 2021

If you turn on the news or scroll through your social media and instantly feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone.  Every day, it seems like there are new global issues that require your time, attention, and most importantly, your compassion.

January 13 2021

It’s cold out there, Niagara. And you know what that means! Coldest Night of the Year – West Niagara is back for another year. It has been a crazy and unpredictable year, but we are excited to introduce you to CNOY 2021 in a way you have never experienced before – virtually!

January 27 2021

We’ve been thinking a lot about illnesses and symptoms. How can we not when we don’t go a single day without thinking about COVID-19? One thing we’ve recognized over the last year is that COVID-19 isn’t the only illness plaguing Niagara. Poverty is a huge factor that influences our Region’s general health and we’re seeing the symptoms of poverty only getting worse. Today, we’re framing homelessness and other impacts of poverty in terms that we have all become accustomed to in 2020. Homelessness isn’t the issue; poverty is the root of our Region’s illness.

March 8 2021

We look forward to International Women’s Day every year. At the YW, it is the perfect time to look back and reflect on all of the work we have done for women in our community, but more importantly, we look forward to seeing ways that we can empower women in Niagara in the year ahead.

March 12 2021

Over the last 15 years, Elisabeth Zimmermann has led the YWCA Niagara Region through challenging times and to incredible successes.

April 7 2021

Early in the pandemic, we talked about the increased risk COVID causes for women experiencing homelessness in Niagara. We know that not only would homeless women be more likely to get sick, we also recognize the challenges of self-isolating when you don’t have a home of your own.

April 9 2021

Here is the reality, Niagara: We’re in our third province-wide lockdown + stay-at-home and we’re inundated with stress, COVID-fatigue, and even boredom. After more than a year of COVID, it is okay if you need to take some time to simply not think about the chaos, and to practice self-care.

April 20 2021

COVID-19 has forced us to ask ourselves, our community, and our government a lot of questions. One of the quickly answered questions asked so far throughout the pandemic is: “What do I do if I get sick?”

June 14 2021

Pride: The feeling of being exceptionally happy with ourselves. Everyone, in their uniqueness and individuality, deserves to feel this pride in themselves.

July 7 2021

Our hearts break for the 215 children whose remains have been discovered at Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, B.C. The uncovering of this tragedy reaffirms the truth that so many suspected, but could never prove.

January 18 2022

If you have lived in Canada for a year or longer, you’re likely familiar with Canada’s iconic winter weather. Powdery snow, glistening icicles, and sparkly snowflakes galore! While many love this classic winter experience, these sub-zero temperatures, and dangerous conditions pose life-threatening risks to folks without the privilege of shelter, mobility, and access to basic necessities.

November 5 2018

Recently, a good friend told me of a mentoring experience her daughter had at work. She’s a young lawyer in her first year at a big-city firm. When she returned from her post-articling break, she and some female colleagues were sat down for an informal meeting with some senior female lawyers.

May 27, 2019

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.

May 27, 2019

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.

November 20, 2019

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 is my everything.

November 20, 2019

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.