We’re proud of the work we do!
YWCA Lethbridge is one of the most innovative YWCAs in Canada. Many of the programs we’ve developed in-house have been picked up by other YWCAs across the country. Here’s a list of some of our accomplishments. And, with the great work our staff do, the list is sure to grow!
Amethyst Project
The YWCA Amethyst Project is the first sexual assault advocacy program in Lethbridge. A team of qualified crisis response professionals work directly with sexual violence victims and survivors to support them through their healing. In November 2017, the Amethyst Project was the recipient of the ‘Inspiration Award for Leadership in Prevention of Sexual Violence’, presented by the Government of Alberta’s Community and Social Services division. A number of YWCAs are currently exploring implementation of this program due to its resounding success.
Power of Being A Girl Conference
Power of Being a Girl (formerly Young Girl/Savvy Woman) was created by YWCA Lethbridge and District and received an award from YWCA Canada for Innovative Programming. Power of Being a Girl is now a national program through YWCAs across Canada. About 150 young women attend the conference annually.
GirlSpace
GirlSpace (originally Girls Club) started with the support of the Foresters and City of Lethbridge Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). This program was recognized by YWCA Canada for its innovation and it’s currently offered at many YWCAs across Canada to both Junior (ages 8-12) and Senior Girls (ages 13-17).
Project Recovery
Project Recovery (formerly Project Child Recovery) was created with support from the Foresters, and it has been in operation for more than 25 years in Lethbridge. The Project Recovery Program is used at other shelters and agencies across both Canada and the USA. This program is now funded through the RBC Foundation.
Young Women's Leadership Council
Young women (aged 18-30) receive training in Board governance principles and help to direct the YWCA in the area of social action.
Automatic Reporting Protocol
YWCA Lethbridge started the first automatic reporting protocol for women’s shelters in our work with Children’s Services and assisted in the development of the Alberta provincial protocol.
Founding Member, Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT)
Our Lethbridge team has developed protocols and the Domestic Violence Court.
Founding Member, Sexual Violence Action Committee (SVAC)
This committee has created protocols and training programs for the first responders to sexual violence.
Founding Member, Elder Abuse Awareness Network
Now called LEARN, this network was established along with the City of Lethbridge, and the group created a manual and training protocols for individuals who work with vulnerable populations in response to addressing violence in those populations (for example elderly or disabled people).
Member, Social Housing In Action (SHIA)
Working in conjunction with the City of Lethbridge and numerous other agencies. SHIA works from a ‘housing first’ philosophy to provide services and supports to end homelessness in our community.
Inaugural Recipient 2006 Better Business Bureau Ethics Award for Not for Profits
We also received an honourable mention for the same award in 2009.
Recipient, Social Housing In Action Award for Innovative Partnerships
We accepted this award, along with partners Avail LLP (formerly Young Parkyn McNab (YPM)) and Lethbridge Sunrise Rotary, for the creation of Hestia Homes, a residence for youth at risk of homelessness.
YWCA Canada Annual Membership Meeting
Hosted the YWCA Canada Annual Membership Meeting in 2009 and 2017
Imagine Canada Standards Accreditation (2013-Present)
YWCA Lethbridge was the first YWCA in Canada, and the first agency in Southern Alberta, to achieve Imagine Canada Standards Accreditation. This designation is awarded to Canadian charities and non-profits that demonstrate excellence in five areas of operation: board governance; financial accountability & transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement.
604 8th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2K1
Phone: 403-329-0088 | inquiries@ywcalethbridge.com | 24-Hour Crisis Line: 403-320-1881 or 1-866-296-0447
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Charity Registration Number: 108227919 RR0001
