Our Programs
Explore our Free Community-Based Programming
All of our free, community-based programming takes place at The W. Once a hidden gem that only participants knew about, the W is becoming widely known in the community as a leader in responsive, participant-led programming. In this space, YWCA Cambridge provides supportive, inclusive and participant-led programs for cis and trans women and girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals.
All programs are geared toward the needs of participants, with a focus on gender-based violence prevention programming through topics such as health and wellness, bodily integrity, social activism, empowerment, STEM and STEM mentoring, pre-employment and employment upskilling.
Youth Programming
Providing gender-based violence prevention programming to youth ages 8-14 years old.
Employment Services
Providing pre-employment programs and specialized employment training opportunities for cis and trans women, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals.
In-School Workshops
In addition to in-centre programming, YWCA Cambridge also offers on demand workshops and presentations across Waterloo Region, virtually and in-person.
These customizable presentations and workshops are available free to local schools and community-based groups throughout Waterloo Region. Facilitators work to create a safer space where youth can lead conversations, better connect to the content through open dialogue and engage with the topics through hands-on activities and real life scenarios.
Workshops are one hour in length and can be offered as a series of conversations that build on the topics or as one-off workshops, focusing on one theme or topic. Workshops are tailored to ensure they are relevant, focused and age appropriate. We encourage program participants selected to be from the same grade level and age range to ensure shared and empathetic experiences of topics and understanding.
Workshops offered include: gender and socialization, healthy relationships, consent and bystander intervention.
Participant-led programming at YWCA Cambridge serves cis and trans women and girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals. To help identify who participates in programming read through the descriptions below:
Cis woman/girl: Cis-woman/girl is used to describe someone whose gender identity corresponds with their sex assigned at birth. This person was a woman/girl at birth and still identifies as a woman/girl.
Trans woman/girl: Someone who lives as a woman/girl today but was thought to be a man/boy when she was born.
Non-binary: Non-binary is used to describe someone who is not a part of the gender binary and does not identify with any specific gender. This is a gender identity that is more than just male or female.
Two-spirit: Two-spirit is used to describe an Indigenous way of encompassing cultural, spiritual, sexual, and gender identity. This is someone who identifies as having both a masculine and feminine spirit.
Let’s Make A Difference Together
Volunteers are the heart of what we do. By being so generous with their time, skills, passion and creativity, our team of dedicated volunteers are our advocates and allies in this work to support and embolden cis and trans women & girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals and advocate for equality.
The W
Welcome to The W Programming Centre, located in the heart of downtown Cambridge at 101-20 Dickson Street. In this space, YWCA Cambridge provides supportive, inclusive and participant-led programs for cis and trans women and girls, non-binary and Two-Spirit individuals. All programs are geared toward the needs of participants, with overarching themes such as health and wellness, bodily integrity, social activism, empowerment, STEM learning and pre-employment and mentoring.
This space is home to our pre-employment and employment upskilling programs, financial literacy programs, youth programs, summer camps, workshops and so much more!
Roots of Empathy
YWCA Cambridge has been working with Roots of Empathy since 2007. To date, we have worked with thousands of students, and hundreds of teachers, families, and instructors. Currently, we operate almost 100 programs in the Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph communities, across four school boards.