YWCA BC

Over the past several years, we’ve engaged with community members, employees, participants and partners to reflect on our name and what it should stand for today. They asked us to be open about our history, clear about our purpose and courageous in how we respond to the realities facing our communities. We listened, with intention. Today, we are introducing our new name: YWCA BC. This change honours the trust and recognition built through generations of work while reflecting how our organization has evolved. YWCA BC connects us clearly to the communities we serve across British Columbia and signals our commitment to advancing equity, supporting truth and reconciliation, and creating conditions where people can thrive. This is more than an update to our name. It is a deliberate step that reflects who we are, how we work alongside communities and the responsibility we carry to use our energy and voice to support lasting change. Learn more at ywcabc.org/ywcabc (link in bio).

Today, the Supreme Court of Canada made a landmark decision that could help survivors of intimate partner violence access greater justice and recognition under the law. In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, the Court recognized a new tort (civil wrong) of intimate partner violence. The decision acknowledges that intimate partner violence is often rooted in coercive control and disproportionately harms women. In simple terms, survivors now have a new legal avenue to seek compensation in civil court for harms caused by coercive control and ongoing abuse in relationships. Coercive control refers to patterns of behaviour used to dominate, isolate, intimidate or control another person over time. The Court recognized that abuse is not always physical. It can include: - intimidation - isolation - surveillance - humiliation - manipulation - financial control - sexual coercion - patterns of ongoing domination and fear This matters because many survivors live through abuse that may not leave visible injuries, but still causes deep and lasting harm. This is an important step forward in recognizing the realities many survivors have long experienced and spoken about.

Last week, in a room filled with inspiration, hope and joy, we celebrated 94 incredible nominees and 14 recipients at the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards presented by Scotiabank. Each nominee is having an impact on their community. Their passion and dedication are leading to lasting change. As Event Chair Juggy Sihota said, “What inspires me most is not only what they have accomplished, but how they have carried themselves along the way: with grace, with grit and with a deep belief that lifting others up is the whole point.” Along with celebrating the nominees, our amazing community of supporters came together to raise a record-breaking $879,443 for the YWCA Housing Action Fund. These critical funds support the development of safe, affordable homes for women and their children. We still need your help. Our campaign goal for the YWCA Housing Action Fund is to raise $5 million to address the critical housing shortage in our community. By giving today, all gifts up to $25,000 will be doubled, thanks to a generous matching challenge from a former YWCA board member. Your support will go twice as far in helping build a life-changing foundation for women and their children. Scroll through to see photo highlights of the incredibly inspiring awards gala. For information on how to support the YWCA Housing Action Fund, visit ywcabc.org/housing-action-fund

Last night, we announced the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards recipients, honouring 13 women and one business whose contributions have made a meaningful impact across our communities. The gala event, presented by Scotiabank, also celebrated the amazing impact the nominees—87 exceptional women and seven organizations—are having across the Lower Mainland. The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize leaders and changemakers whose work strengthens the well-being, resilience and future of our communities. More than a celebration, this signature event brings people together around a shared commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all. This year’s Awards also helped raise critical funds for YWCA’s Housing Action Fund, supporting the development of safe, affordable housing for women and their children, work that continues to be urgently needed in 2026. Congratulations to the 2026 Women of Distinction Award recipients. Your leadership, vision and impact continue to shape stronger communities for everyone. Scroll through to meet this year’s recipients and learn more about them on our blog (link in bio).

Big futures start with the right support. Introducing YWCA Life Launch, a dynamic program designed to empower youth ages 16–29 with the skills, confidence and employment support they need to move forward with purpose. Through hands-on experience in a real community project, participants don’t just learn, they apply, lead and make a tangible impact. From building practical life skills to gaining confidence for the workplace, Life Launch helps turn potential into action. Next start date: May 25, 2026 To learn more and register, visit: ywcabc.org/life-launch

Moms carry so much but they shouldn’t have to carry it alone. Your donation to YWCA BC helps provide safe housing, child care, employment support and other critical programs for moms and kids in our community. Give by Sunday, and your gift will be matched, doubling the impact of your support. Thanks to generous matching gifts from Lawrie Ferguson, in honour of Joan Ferguson, and the McGrane-Pearson Endowment Fund (held at Vancouver Foundation), donations will be matched up to $15,000. Donate today: ywcabc.org/mothers-day (link in bio)

Learn about key aspects of spousal support in this free online workshop led by YWCA BC Staff Lawyer, Zain Abdulla, and Paralegal, Katherine Bounds. Gain insight into family law and available supports while building confidence to navigate legal systems. This session will cover: - Who qualifies for spousal support - How the amount and duration of support payments are determined - How to apply for spousal support - Options for enforcing support orders 🗓️ May 20, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Online Please share this event with anyone you know who may need this information. ℹ️ For more information and registration, visit the link in bio.

May is Child Care Appreciation Month 💛 We’re celebrating the incredible early childhood educators (ECEs) and child care professionals who support children, families and communities every day. Across our four centres, 40 dedicated employees help up to 120 children grow, learn and thrive through play-based learning. Their work goes far beyond care—building confidence, emotional resilience and strong foundations for life. Thank you to our ECEs for the meaningful difference you make every day. 💛 Read more in our latest blog (link in bio)

As BC Construction and Skilled Trades Month wraps up, we are highlighting what it takes to turn opportunity into access. With more than 72,000 skilled trades job openings expected in the next decade, the opportunity is clear. But for many women, barriers like financial constraints, lack of support and limited access to training still stand in the way. YWCA Higher Ground helps bridge that gap by providing hands-on training, financial supports and personalized guidance so participants can take meaningful steps toward stable, well-paying careers in the trades. Robyn’s story is a powerful example of this impact. With the right support, she moved from feeling stuck in low-paying jobs to building confidence, gaining new skills and pursuing a future in the trades. Read her story in our blog. [link in bio]

The Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Contact newsletter is here! These stories of hope, courage and dedication are inspiring us, and we’re thrilled to share them with you. In this latest issue you’ll read about: - Some of our newest employment programs - How we’re addressing food insecurity - The upcoming opening of a new child care centre - The ways we’re advocating for systemic change And much more! Read the full issue online: ywcabc.org/contact-spring-2026 (link in bio)

Even a single death from intimate partner violence (IPV) is too many. But in BC, on average, at least 15 people are killed each year by an intimate partner. With ongoing investigations and extreme limitations on gender-based violence data, we know this number is likely much higher. This week, BC’s coroner released the Death Review Panel’s report on intimate partner violence-related deaths. It revealed that at least 135 people died because of IPV between 2016 and 2024. More than three quarters of the victims were women. The report also showed that remote communities and Indigenous women are disproportionately impacted. The Chief Coroner said the “findings are unequivocal: IPV-related deaths are overwhelmingly preventable.” It’s clear that we must act now. We echo many of the recommendations in the Death Review Panel’s report. BC needs a clear, measurable strategy to address not just intimate partner violence, but all gender-based violence. Increasing public awareness is also critical to reducing stigma and increasing support for survivors. We also continue to call for all of Dr. Kim Stanton’s recommendations to be implemented. Each woman killed by an intimate partner is more than a statistic. They are a family member, a friend, a colleague and a valuable member of our community. We remember them and we honour them. Read our own economic research on gender-based violence at ywcabc.org/CostofGBV (link in bio)

This Mother’s Day, your support goes twice as far for moms and kids in our community. Thanks to a generous match by Lawrie Ferguson in honour of Joan Ferguson, every gift will be doubled to support single mom-led families when it matters most. Moms are strong, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone. Join us in building a community of care as strong as a mom. Donate today to double your impact: ywcabc.org/mothers-day (Link in bio)