Who We Are Asset 10

YWCA Cambridge is a local registered charity dedicated to advancing gender equity. We are experts and leaders striving to ensure all women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals are respected, valued, and equal.

What We Do Asset 10

Our mission: give a voice to the needs of cis and trans women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals through innovative and responsive programs, services, and advocacy.


For over 75 years, we’ve provided essential services like child care, employment skills training, and gender-based violence prevention programming.

We continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our community while remaining committed to building a just and equitable world for all.

shades mills campers painting and crafting on a pic nic table

What We Do

Innovative Programming, Free to the Community

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“This program is different than any other that I have been a part of. I am more accepted here.”

Youth Participant

Help us advance gender equity in our community.

Our programs are participant-led, adaptive, and responsive to the immediate needs of women, girls, children, and gender-diverse individuals.

By involving participants in the design of our programs, we create an inclusive environment that promotes self-determination and empowerment.

Our programming is funded by donations and community support. Every contribution helps us uplift the people in our community who need us most.

Programs at The W

At The W Programming Centre, we offer free programs and workshops that help our community to foster healthy relationships and build essential skills. We do this work so everyone can have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

SHYFT

Building youth's confidence to change the world around them

UPLIFT

Helping women and gender-diverse individuals reskill or upskill in specialized technology fields.

STEM Mentoring

1-on-1 relationship-building for youth to explore and discover STEM.

Small Steps to Success

A confidence-building pre-employment and life skills program for adults.

TechGyrls

Youth group exploring, designing, creating, and sharing all things STEM.

Our Services

Employment Services

Free training and certifications for women and gender-diverse individuals.

Child Care

Over 400 licensed child care spaces in Cambridge.

Summer Camps

Adventure and exploration in our day camps at Shade’s Mills and Wesley United Church.

Special Events

Community-based, diverse events that raise awareness, funds, and support.

Women's International Gift & Gallery

Designs by Canadian women with 100% of proceeds supporting our work.

Roots of Empathy

Evidence-based programming that helps reduce aggression among school-age children.

shades mills campers painting and crafting on a pic nic table
Advocacy for Gender Equity

Through policy analysis, campaigns, research, and coalition building, we create systems-wide change that leads to more safety and equity in our communities.

Learn more about our advocacy efforts

Together, we create life-changing impacts on our community every year Asset 10

Individuals reached across all women’s and youth programming by The W in 2023

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Of girls/gender-diverse youth reported increased self-confidence and self-esteem from 2023 programs

To end Gender-Based Violence through the 2023 Walk A Mile in Their Shoes event

%

Individuals reached across all women’s and youth programming by The W in 2023

Of girls/gender-diverse youth reported increased self-confidence and self-esteem from 2023 programs

To end Gender-Based Violence through the 2023 Walk A Mile in Their Shoes event

How Your Support Makes a Difference

We work with some of the most marginalized women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in our community. We aim to make a real impact, one life at a time.

But we need your help.

Our programs and services have zero core funding. To keep these resources and opportunities available to the people who need them, we rely on your generosity.

 

There are many ways to support us, from a small monthly gift, a one-time donation of any amount, or volunteering your time — your support directly improves the lives of the people we serve.