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YWCA Cambridge

Frequently Asked Questions Asset 10

Answers and Information About YWCA Cambridge

For over seven decades, we’ve been giving a voice to the needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals in Cambridge. And we’ve answered many common questions over the years!

If you can’t find an answer to your question below, please feel free to get in touch with us.

What is your legal name?

Our legal name is “Young Women’s Christian Association of Cambridge”.

Are you a religious organization?

No, we are a secular organization. We work with cis and trans women and girls and gender-diverse of all faiths.

When was the organization formed?

YWCA Cambridge was formed in 1948. However, we’re also a member agency of YWCA Canada, the country’s oldest and largest women’s multi-service organization.

What does your organization do?

At YWCA Cambridge, we connect the community with the realities of the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. With respect, we share their stories and experiences to educate our community, build awareness, and influence change. We provide a variety of programs for cis and trans women and girls, and non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals. All programs are participant-led and free of charge. Additionally, we are one of the largest licensed child care providers in Cambridge and provide summer camp programs at Shade’s Mills Conservation Area, Wesley United Church, and our child care centres.

Where is YWCA Cambridge located?

Our office is located at 102-55 Dickson Street, Cambridge, Ontario, N1R 7A5. However, our programs and child care services are offered at various locations throughout Cambridge!

What is your vision statement?

Through leadership, advocacy, and program and service delivery, we influence communities to ensure all cis and trans women and girls and non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals are respected, valued and equal.

What is your mission?

As a trusted community leader, our mission is to give a voice to the needs of cis and trans women and girls and non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals through innovative and responsive programs, services and advocacy.

What types of programming does your organization offer?

We’re a multi-service organization dedicated to serving women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals of all ages with a wide range of programs:

  • Small Steps to Success pre-employment programming for women who face chronic unemployment or under-employment
  • Outreach services to reduce marginalization and isolation
  • Uplift reskilling/upskilling employment training and wraparound support services
  • Roots of Empathy, an internationally recognized, evidence-based classroom program proven to reduce violence and aggression among school children
  • Participant-led, gender-based youth programming including:
    • SHYFT, a program for cis and trans girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals ages 8-12 to engage in allyship and activism
    • TechGyrls and STEM Mentoring, both for cis and trans girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals aged 9-13
    • Family Story Time, facilitating intergenerational conversations about issues of equity and inclusion
    • Advocacy and community education to advance gender equity and reduce gender-based violence
Who does your organization serve?

We serve cis and trans women and girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals. We welcome people of all faiths, sexual orientations, genders, ethnic backgrounds, cultural affiliations and creeds. A feminist, anti-oppressive framework informs our work. Every employee undergoes continuous training to bring this lens to the way we serve our community!

Are individuals representative of the population(s) you seek to serve involved in ongoing decision-making about programs and their delivery?

To ensure that the delivery of our programming is representative of the population we serve, our programs are built on a three-part philosophy:

  1. Participant-led: participants are involved in the development, design, delivery and evaluation of programs. This ensures they are meaningful and relevant based on the participants’ intersections and lived experiences.
  2. Participant-focused: programs are attentive to the specific needs and experiences of participants. Participants are introduced to positive role models and invited to share their experiences through open dialogue and activities. This ensures they can receive the support they need to challenge harmful stereotypes.
  3. Strength-based: program facilitators ensure that the talents and strengths of participants are recognized and opportunities to grow are available. This ensures participants can increase their strengths as well as develop emerging skills.
Are YWCA Cambridge and YMCA the same organization?

No, but this is a common misunderstanding! YWCA is independent of the YMCA – we are two distinct organizations with different origins and missions.

Do you offer child care?

Yes, we are a non-profit child care provider. Here is a link to our handbook for more information on child care services.

Why is advocacy important to you as an organization?

We have always engaged in advocacy on behalf of YWCA Cambridge participants, and for the continuation of services for women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Advocacy helps our organization to achieve the conditions that will improve the lives of these individuals, not only in Cambridge and North Dumfries but in all communities from coast to coast to coast. We engage in advocacy with the broader community and with all levels of government to work towards our vision for gender equity. We often partner with YWCAs in Ontario under the YWCA Ontario coalition, as well as with other YWCAs across Canada through YWCA Canada and World YWCA, to advance our shared mission.

How can I donate to YWCA Cambridge?

You can donate to us by clicking on the “Donate” button at the top of our website or clicking here. We accept one-time donations, monthly gifts, and in-kind donations. You can also mail or deliver a cheque payable to YWCA Cambridge to our head office at 102-55 Dickson Street, Cambridge Ontario, N1R 7A5.

Is YWCA Cambridge a registered charity?

Yes, we are a registered charity in Canada. Our charitable organization registration number is: 11930 7387 RR0001

How can I determine if a Legacy donation is right for me?

Legacy Giving is a type of donation that entails adding a bequest in your will to leave a donation for YWCA Cambridge. These donations ensure lasting change for future generations. If you’re wondering whether legacy giving is right for you, consider the following:

  1. Make a Legacy Calculation – Are you concerned that a legacy donation will take away the funds you would leave behind for your family? A simple legacy calculation can help you determine what amount is right for you to give to an organization and your loved ones.
  2. Think about Tax Benefits – The Government of Canada has created tax incentives that allow you to give more to a charity, benefiting you and an organization doing impactful work. 
  3. Consult a financial expert – Book a meeting with your financial advisor to find out how to maximize your donation. 

For Legacy Gifts, please fill out a Legacy Gift Confirmation Form, which can be used to advise YWCA Cambridge that a future gift has been planned.

To further discuss the intentions of your gift and for all pertinent information about YWCA Cambridge please refer to the Bequest Form or contact us.

Can I sponsor a program?

Yes! If you’re looking to donate or sponsor a specific program we run, please connect with Nataleigh Ballantyne, Director of Philanthropy.  

How can I become a volunteer at YWCA Cambridge?

We are always accepting volunteers. You can learn about volunteering with us on the Volunteer Opportunities page, and contact us at info@ywcacambridge.ca for more information and to apply.