Rebuilding one’s life doesn’t happen alone. For many women and gender-diverse individuals, finding stability after experiencing isolation, poverty, or violence takes more than a single opportunity; it takes a community.
That’s the power of Small Steps to Success, YWCA Cambridge’s 12-week pre-employment and life skills program. While the classroom lessons help participants gain tools for the workplace, the true magic happens in the relationships formed — between participants, alumni, mentors, and local organizations who open their doors and their hearts.
Together, they create a ripple effect of confidence, connection, and possibility.
The Small Steps Sisterhood
One of the most remarkable things about Small Steps is what happens after graduation. Participants don’t simply move on; they stay connected in a beautiful, lasting way.
Over the years, alumni have built what they proudly call the Small Steps Sisterhood, a network of graduates who support one another through reunions, social media groups, monthly Lunch & Learns, and “mood walks” that combine mindfulness and movement.
This summer alone, the sisters gathered in a local park for a Lunch & Learn on setting healthy boundaries, celebrated graduation with a joyful bracelet-making workshop, reconnected to share stories of growth, and capped off the season with a day of laughter and play at Bingemans Waterpark.
Moments of connection, like shared laughter, stories and even tears are the heart of Small Steps. For women who once described themselves as “having nobody,” the Sisterhood becomes a lifelong community of encouragement and belonging.
Community Partnerships that Open Doors
The success of Small Steps is also rooted in the generosity of our placement partners — local organizations who provide three-week volunteer placements for program participants. These placements offer hands-on experience, mentorship, and often, a direct path to employment.
We are deeply grateful to the organizations who welcomed our latest cohort with open arms:
- Encore Threads and Treasures
- Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre
- Steinmann Mennonite Church
- CMHA Waterloo Wellington
- YWCA Cambridge
- YWCA St. Margaret Child Care Centre
- St. Andrews Terrace Long Term Care Community
“Our placement partners play a critical role in helping our participants build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to re-enter the workforce.
By opening their doors and providing a welcoming environment, they contribute to their professional development but also make a meaningful impact on the journey toward independence.”
Partnerships like these demonstrate what’s possible when community organizations, businesses, and individuals come together to realize women’s potential. Each placement becomes a learning opportunity, but also an act of empowerment that can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
A Circle of Support
Small Steps doesn’t end after 12 weeks. Graduates know they can always come back for a workshop, a check-in, or simply a listening ear. This ongoing, open-door approach creates a circle of support that keeps women connected to the community and to themselves.
And that’s what makes Small Steps different: it’s not just about employment. It’s about belonging. It’s about rediscovering worth and possibility. It’s about showing that when women are supported, whole communities rise with them.
Get Involved
If you’re a local business or organization interested in hosting a Small Steps participant for a placement, we’d love to hear from you. These partnerships are the backbone of our program and an incredible way to make a lasting difference in the life of someone building their future.
Because when we invest in women’s potential, we strengthen our entire community — one small step at a time.
Support women taking their next step this holiday season.
Festive Futures is our annual campaign providing ongoing support to participants of Small Steps to Success. So often, holiday drives focus on kids/ families, and these resilient women are overlooked. Festive Futures is your chance to tell them: You are seen, you are valued, and your hard work is worth celebrating.
By providing gift cards to our Small Steps sisters, you’re giving choice, a little bit of stability, and a whole lot of joy. Every gift helps make the holiday season brighter for women who deserve to know their community cares about them.
Festive Futures
Give the gift of Choice.
