Programs at The W
STEPS
STEPS
STEPS is a 12-week program for cis and trans girls and non-binary and two-spirit youth ages 8 to 18.
STEPS is rooted in the perspective that young people have valuable and unique knowledge to offer as a result of their lived experiences. STEPS is about creating a safe space, developing skills for healthy relationships, reducing isolation and increasing inclusion, engaging participants in critical thinking and building leadership skills.
This program covers topics such as relationships, assertive communication skills, self-esteem and self-confidence, and stress management techniques. Past activities have included positive body image art, stress management with stress balls, communication role-play, and affirmation boards.
Participant
My Story →
“This group has given me the chance to speak up for myself, and not just keep on getting hurt”- Participant, age 11
Participant
My Story →
“Before I joined STEPS, I didn’t know who I was, but now I am exploring who I am”- Participant, age 12
Participant
My Story →
“I got an A on a presentation I had to do after being in this program. I guess it was because I felt more confident to speak louder”- Participant, age 13
Participant
My Story →
“I enjoyed the hands-on activities we did in STEPS!” – Participant, age 12
Are you an educator interested in bringing STEPS to your school?
To learn more about the benefits of having STEPS programming in your school, please contact thew@ywcacambridge.ca
STEPS is funded by the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries.
Other Programs
YWCA Cambridge Provides Supportive, Inclusive And Participant-Led Programs For Cis And Trans Women And Girls And Non-Binary And Two-Spirit Individuals.
TechGyrls
In this unique program, participants have the opportunity to explore, design, create and share all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! Absolutely no skill or knowledge level is necessary to participate.
STEM Mentoring
Rooted in the belief that girls cannot be what they cannot see, STEM Mentoring is about more than just building girls interest in skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), it’s about building strong, healthy relationships with other girls and mentors (who just so happen to be amazing women working in our community in the STEM field)!
Safe Sisters
Rooted in the philosophy of holistic safety, Safe Sisters encourages participants to make healthy choices in all areas of their lives, empowering them to take an active role in creating safe environments for themselves.
SHYFT
This program provides opportunity for discussion and action, by allowing participants to make sense of what they are experiencing externally and feeling internally. The goal of SHYFT is to foster critical thinking skills and provide outlets for participants to create their own social-justice based media-arts projects.
GLOW
GLOW is rooted in the philosophy of holistic wellness. GLOW focuses on the 5 Dimensions of Wellness: physical, social, emotional, spiritual and environmental. GLOW is driven by its participants interests and skills, so each program offering is unique.
SMALL STEPS TO SUCCESS
Aimed at supporting women in our community, Small Steps to Success provides the opportunity to gain the skills and confidence needed to be successful in the workplace or in a school setting.