YWCA Saskatoon

Re-define Yourself at Fitness on 25th

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:49:08 +0000

Trying to let go of summer and move into the fall is always difficult and with work picking back up, school back in full swing and extracurricular activities at an all time high, you’re so busy it’s hard to find time or energy to maintain those activities that kept you fit the last few months. What if you could make working out a little bit faster and easier so you can do it all? Circuit training is perfect for a busy individual like you, because it combines high-intensity aerobics and resistance training in a short period of time. Come in and see what Fitness on 25th can do for you this fall or visit us at www.ywcafitnesson25th.com to learn more about what we offer.

Fitness on 25th

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:45:17 +0000

YWCA Fitness on 25th is a fully accessible co-ed fitness centre, located in the heart of downtown Saskatoon. We offer a wide selection of land and aquatic fitness classes. Our personal trainers are all CPT/CEP certified to provide comprehensive personal training packages. Our fitness centre includes a variety of cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights, and our aquatics facility is ideal for lane swimming, Red Cross swimming lessons, and a variety of fitness programming. We offer a quality fitness experience for our members. Donor support further enables YWCA Saskatoon to serve the community by providing access to individuals who would otherwise be unable to utilize fitness facilities, aquatic programs, or day camps.

LAST YEAR WE RAN:

1,650 aquafit classes
2,080 swim lessons
5,150 aquatic programs, and
1,297 land programs including yoga, pilates and dance.

AND WE SAW:

16,800 aquafit and 8,302 land fitness class participants
640 day camp kids and their families
5,800 visits by special needs users, and
400 shelter residents and their children access the pool and fitness centre.

Employment & Learning Centre

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:44:49 +0000

Sustainable employment is critical to independence and self-sufficiency for individuals, families and the community, and the YWCA Employment and Learning Centre supports individuals in this process. We are committed to helping individuals gain increased confidence and ability in pursuit of their goals. Whether the need is a single appointment to prepare a resume or longer-term counseling to gain life and work skills, we are committed to supporting individuals on their life’s journeys.

LAST YEAR:

119 individuals who accessed one of our programs found work
one individual became self-employed
26 individuals went on to further education or training opportunities
251 individuals registered for computer classes, and
1,900 visits were made to the computer lab during public access time.

We offer unique services in an effort to build up our community one person at a time. “There was a strong recognition of my strengths and abilities that empowered me to apply for positions with confidence – confidence that can get deflated when searching for a job on your own.” – Job Search Program Participant

Crisis Shelter & Residence

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:44:17 +0000

As the largest women’s emergency shelter in Saskatchewan, we see first hand the homelessness crisis Saskatoon is currently experiencing. The YWCA Crisis Shelter and Residence provides short-term safety and security for women and their children who have no place to go, and longer-term supported living for women and at-risk youth. Whether clients are staying in the Shelter or living in the Residence, they have access to one-on-one and group counselling as well as a variety of life-skills programming. The need is great and every service we provide is consistently and fully utilized every day of the year. Donor support is critical to providing our residents the opportunity to return to successful independent living in the community.

LAST YEAR:

we served 951 shelter clients (including 353 children), 89 at-risk youth and 22 resident clients
the average shelter stay was 19 days
3,334 women and children were turned away because there was no room
we provided crisis counseling to 434 women, men and youth over the phone, and
11 women moved out of the residence into independent living.

Child Development Centre

admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:36:18 +0000

The YWCA Child Development Centre is a 62-space centre providing an enriching environment for children aged 18 months to five years. The Centre emphasizes acceptance and support for all children regardless of background or ability. Our staffing ratios exceed provincial requirements, allowing us to provide more individual attention to our children. We exist to give parents peace of mind and to enhance children’s experiences outside of their home environments.

LAST YEAR:

Approximately 25 percent of the children in our centre received subsidies because of limited family income
25 percent of the children served spoke English as a second language, and
with access to the entire complement of YWCA services, children experienced a variety of additional programs including swimming lessons and gym activities.

We believe that universal childcare is critical and makes sense – for families and for communities. It is donor support that enables us to provide all families, regardless of financial ability, access to quality care and programming.

Take Back the Night

admin — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:00:17 +0000

Take Back the Night marches began in the 1970’s as a protest against the violence and fear women encountered at night. By marching, we symbolically reclaim our bodies, our homes, our workplaces, our streets, and our lives. Violence against women is still the main focus, however this movement has now expanded to include all types of violence against all people. Every person should have the right to move freely during the day or night without fear of harassment and assault. Take Back the Night raises public awareness and engages communities to act to end the many ways women experience violence outside on the streets and inside in homes and workplaces. Take Back the Night sends a clear message that we want our streets, homes and communities to be safe for all.

The Saskatoon Women’s Community Coalition (SWCC) is pleased to invite you to Take Back the Night: Raise Our Voices Against Silence. Take Back the Night is an annual community march to end violence and raise awareness in the community. This year Take Back the Night will be held on Monday, September 27th, starting at 7pm at the Vimy Ridge Band Shell in Kiwanis Park (off of 20th Street and Spadina Cres.) and ending at Third Ave United Church. All ages and genders are welcome! There will be a bus provided for those who wish to participate and are unable to walk.

Thank you Kinsmen Club

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:03:02 +0000

Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon is making the YWCA Crisis Shelter and Residence safer for both clients and staff. New intercom and alert systems are being installed to allow more timely and efficient communications throughout the facility, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Says Mirna Funes-Klaassen, Acting Co-Manager of the Shelter, “The Kinsmen’s Club’s investment in our Shelter not only improves everyone’s safety, but also recognizes that peace of mind is a key factor in recovery”.

Thank you Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon for your investment in the women and children of our community!

Wish List for the YWCA Shelter

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:43:42 +0000

The Crisis Shelter at YWCA Saskatoon receives core funding which covers its basic operations. However, this funding does not allow for many of the other necessities the women and their families need or some of the comfort items that they have left behind. While we are always grateful for donations, due to our limited storage facilities we offer you the opportunity to help with current specific needs. Following is a list of some items we are currently in need of.
YWCA Saskatoon Crisis Shelter & Residence

Women of Distinction Awards raises a record $86,000

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:11:08 +0000

Nearly 650 people attended the 2010 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, which raised $86,000 for YWCA Saskatoon this year. “This event is a very special way to honour women. Everyone leaves the dinner touched by the achievements of women who have made, and are making, our community a better place,” says Barb Macpherson, Executive Director, YWCA Saskatoon.

Since its inception in 1981, the YWCA Saskatoon Women of Distinction Awards® has honoured the outstanding achievements of women in and around our city. Over 638 women have been nominated in its 28 year history for their achievements and accomplishments as mentors, volunteers, activists, teachers, leaders and researchers. Tonight, 14 women joined the 221 others who have come before them to receive the prestigious YWCA Women of Distinction Awards.

This year’s recipients are:

Art, Culture & Heritage Carrie Catherine Horachek
Athletics Darcy Hryn
Community Building Susan Barrett
Education Laurel Chelsom
Entrepreneurship Vickie Dyck, Colleen Dyck and Jane Dyck-Friesen
Health & Wellness Barbara Schultz-Hurlburt
Leadership & Management Patricia Katz
Science, Technology or Research Colleen Dell and Sharon Acoose
Youth Tie: Lindsey Li, Ashley Smith
Lifetime Achievement Vera Pezer

Each year, in the city of Saskatoon, thousands of women find themselves and their children facing these circumstances. When they reach critical turning points in their lives and need somewhere to turn, YWCA Saskatoon is that place. It is a shelter in times of crisis, an employment support in times of transition, a childcare provider for working mothers and a foundation in the pursuit of health and wellness. We believe in women and work tirelessly to give them, and their children, a better future.

YWCA Saskatoon: Working to eliminate poverty, violence and homelessness for women and their families.

2010 Women of Distinction Awards

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:54:08 +0000

510 – 25th Street East • Saskatoon, SK • S7K 4A7 • (306) 244.0944
MEDIA RELEASE

May 27, 2010 For Immediate Release

14 women become recipients at the 29th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards®.

Nearly 650 people attended the 2010 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, YWCA Saskatoon’s single largest fundraising event of the year. ‘‘This event is a very special way to honour women. Everyone leaves the dinner touched by the achievements of women who have made, and are making, our community a better place,’’ says Barb Macpherson, Executive Director, YWCA Saskatoon.

This year’s recipients are:
Art, Culture & Heritage	Carrie Catherine Horachek
Athletics	Darcy Hryn
Community Building	Susan Barrett
Education	Laurel Chelsom
Entrepreneurship	Vickie Dyck,
Health & Wellness	Colleen Dyck and Jane Dyck-Friesen
Leadership & Management	Barbara Schultz-Hurlburt
Science, Technology or Research	Patricia Katz
Youth	Colleen Dell and Sharon Acoose
Lifetime	Tie: Lindsey Li, Ashley Smith
Achievement	Vera Pezer

YWCA Saskatoon: Working to eliminate poverty, violence and homelessness for women and their families.

To request further comment, please contact:
Genine Neufeld
Director of Development and Communications,
YWCA Saskatoon
Ph: 244-7034 ext. 132
E: gneufeld@ywcasaskatoon.com