YWCA Program Centre535 Hornby Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2E8

Touching LivesBuilding Futures

contact fall / Winter 2012

03184072

Touching LivesBuilding Futures

in tHis issue

YWCa Week WitHoUt

ViolenCe

Recognizing the signs of abuse

MoneY SkillS to MoVe aHeaD

Crabtree Corner launches new financial literacy program

YWCa arBoUr HoUSe

Women leave abusive relationships

WorkinG at tHe YWCa

A good place to work

YWCa eMPloYMent CentreS

Helping jobless youth get ahead

iSMaili Walk for CaUSe We

Care HoUSe

Attracts big crowds

MotHerS WitHoUt leGal

StatUS

Moving forward one step at a time

neW SUPPort for SinGle MoMS

YWCA expands programs to Tri-cities and Surrey

anne BoYle

Making her mark and inspiring others

YWCa HealtH + fitneSS

Centre

Latest fitness trends that will make you sweat!

Please share this issue of ContaCt with a friend

ywcavan.org

ywca vision

achieving women’s equality

ywca Mission

to touch lives and build better futures for women and their families through advocacy and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities.

Photo Credit: louise kelaher

After graduating from McGill University, Lauren arrived in Vancouver from her hometown of Montreal in January, 2012, looking for a change of pace and a change of lifestyle.

Lauren, whose passion is working with youth, was eager to find work in her field and began her job search as soon as she arrived in Vancouver.

“I was doing the traditional going online and applying to jobs,” says the 25-year-old. “I had two or three interviews in the span of three months, but nothing was coming back and I was getting really discouraged.”

Lauren certainly isn’t alone. In Canada,

the rate for unemployed youth stands

at about 15 per cent, just over twice

the national average of 7.2 per cent.

Poor prospects mean almost 200,000 youth jobseekers have left the labour force since the 2008 recession began, and the youth participation rate has tumbled to a 16-month low.

According to TD Economist Francis Fong’s 2012 report, The Plight of Young Workers, in addition to competition within their own age group, youth jobseekers now must compete with older workers looking to re-enter the labour market and those with more experience who lost their job during the recession. Meanwhile, many older Canadians are delaying retirement and preventing job vacancies from occurring.

“Lack of experience, lack of networks, those are also big things,” says Helen Kim, career advisor with YWCA Metro Vancouver’s WorkBC Employment Services Centre – Career Zone Youth Satellite.

The YWCA operates seven WorkBC Employment Services Centres to help connect female and male jobseekers with employment—two of which are specifically targeted at people from 16 to 30 years of age. The employment centres offer jobseekers a range of free services like career workshops, job boards, job search resources and one-to-one career advice.

Concerned over the lack of headway she was making in her job hunt, Lauren sought out advice at the Career Zone Youth Satellite, where she was connected with Helen.

“At first I felt like, why can’t I just do it myself, what’s wrong?” says Lauren. “But then after my first meeting with Helen I thought this was awesome. I need help so I’m going to use these resources.”

As a newcomer to Vancouver, Lauren had few connections in her industry so Helen advised her to conduct information interviews as a way to network and get ahead of the pack.

“I started doing [information interviews] and connecting with people,” says Lauren. “It was

good to start meeting people in the industry and get some advice on where to look for jobs.”

With Helen’s help, Lauren landed a position as a day-camp coordinator with the YMCA. Now she’s interviewing for a full-time permanent position as regional coordinator for a youth summer exchange program.

Helen, who also offers career advice toyoung people on the Vancouver Sun Employment Blog, a YWCA exclusive initiative published by the Vancouver Sun, has some advice for youth jobseekers:

“They say 80 to 90 per cent of jobs are found through networking so if you’re spending 100 per cent of your time online looking for work, you need to re-evaluate your strategy.

“Always pay attention to how you’re looking for work and seek out resources because there are a lot of services that can help!”

For more information on YWCA’s youth employment centres contact Helen Kim at 604 605 4666 / hkim@ywcavan.org or visit ywcajobseeker.org

YWCAVAN.ORG 2

Message from the CEO

YWCA EMPLOYMENT CENTRES

Help Jobless Youth Get Ahead

CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012

According to Statistics Canada, there has

been significant growth in income inequality

in both BC and Canada as a whole over the

last 15 years. Compared to other provinces,

BC was ranked last in 2009, with the largest

gap between the top 20% and the bottom

20% of income earners. To compound this,

Vancouver was ranked the most expensive

city to live in the world, by the Economist

Intelligence Unit. In addition, parents with

young families have less time together, less

household income and insufficient services

to balance work and family life. Naturally,

many BC families have accumulated high

household debt and are under a lot of

pressure in their day-to-day lives.

This is of great concern to the YWCA and I

am pleased to join the BC Business Council’s

Advisory Council for Shared Prosperity

where we will provide insight within the

BC Agenda initiative which aims to establish

greater connectivity between the province’s

economic developments and the interests

and opportunities of its residents.

We will also continue our work with UBC

Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP)

to profile the impacts of poor work-life

balance and encourage policy changes that

support young families, such as universal

child care, flex-time for employees and

employers and extending parental leave

from 12 to 18 months, generally reserving the

extra six months for dads (with exceptions

for lone parents and same-sex couples).

To start off the school year we were

pleased to expand our Youth Education

Programs in Surrey and launch Boys 4 Real

for boys, a YWCA after-school program to

complement That’s Just Me, the existing

girls’ program that launched in the spring.

Both programs help youth navigate

through the difficult choices they face as

they transition to high school through

mentorship, group discussions and

community service learning projects.

This fall, YWCAs across the country

connected with people in more than 90

countries to mark Week Without Violence,

a week-long public awareness initiative

urging people to take action on ending

violence against women. Our focus was to

educate people on the signs of violence and

urge them to take action when they see

inappropriate behaviour taking place.

Through a poster campaign, social media

outreach and a series of public service

announcements, we highlighted some of the

lesser known signs of abuse, such as

harassing text messages, controlling

behaviour and forced isolation. Read more

about Week Without Violence in this issue.

Finally, I’d like to thank each and every one

of you. Delivery of our programs and services

would not be possible without the dedication

of our employees and volunteers, and the

generosity of our donors, government and

community partners.

Sincerely,

Janet AustinCEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver

Christina Kendall (left)

and Helen Kim.

3 CONTACT WINTER 2012

CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012

Money Skills to Move Ahead

“Budgeting is a conversation that comes

up when folks live with little money,”

says Karen McNabb. As a housing

support worker at Crabtree Housing

in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown

Eastside, Karen has seen the financial

barriers that low-income women must

face every day. Barriers like not feeling

comfortable walking into a bank to

set up an account, or having limited

knowledge of housing subsidy options

or shopping on an extremely low budget

means they have less opportunity to

move ahead financially.

Karen has also seen how residents

move forward when they learn the skills

to manage their money. Last year, the

financial expert who came in as part of

the Crabtree Peer Mentorship program

drew rave reviews. One mentor, a former

resident, saved enough to buy a used

car after only one year.

DRAWING FROM THEIR OWN

EXPERIENCE, THE MENTORS SAID

THAT FINANCIAL LITERACY IS AN

IMPORTANT SKILL FOR RESIDENTS

TO HAVE WHEN IT COMES TIME TO

MOVE OUT.

Now, as part of a new program at

Crabtree Corner, Karen has been trained

to deliver the YWCA Financial Literacy

Program. This program has been custom

designed to meet the specific financial

literacy needs of Crabtree clients and

former clients.

The Financial Literacy Program helps

residents like Marcie move ahead in life.

Aside from learning practical skills to

manage her finances, taking part in the

literacy program is an important step

(among other expectations like taking

part in drug treatment and parenting

programs) toward regaining custody

of her child.

Another participant, Ann, was amazed

at where she spends her money just

from looking at her receipts for a week.

She enjoyed talking about banks and

accessing an account, and shared her

experience with a local savings institute

that caters to folks living in the

Downtown Eastside. She told Karen,

“I can’t wait until the next class.”

Karen’s workshops cover basic banking,

debt, savings, RESPs, income tax and

wise consumerism. She also brings in

expert advice from the likes of the Credit

Counseling Society of BC and provides

one-to-one financial support and

referrals to community resources.

Crabtree Housing provides short-term

housing where residents get support

to recover from addictions while gaining

parenting and life skills. The Financial

Literacy Program is made possible with

generous support over two years from

the TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund,

managed by Social and Enterprise

Development Innovations (SEDI).

For more information contact

Pip Smith at 604 895 5766 /

psmith@ywcavan.org

In October, 1987—the year that Pat McLean was hired as front desk clerk—the YWCA Hotel was still adjusting to its first-ever reservation computer (before that bookings were completed by hand). Phones had only been installed in the rooms the year before—an upgrade for Expo ’86.

Back then McLean was re-entering the workforce after raising her daughter. Twenty-five years later, she is one of YWCA Metro Vancouver’s longest-standing employees.

Why has she remained with the YWCA all these years? “Because it’s a darn good place to work!” says McLean, who will retire in 2014.

“THE PAY IS DECENT, THE BENEFITS ARE

GOOD AND THERE’S GOOD PEOPLE THAT

WORK HERE. THE VALUES ARE REALLY

GOOD TOO—I REALLY LIKE THAT.”

According to the results of a January, 2012 Employee Opinion Survey, McLean’s sentiments are shared by most YWCA employees. With an 89% response rate and participation from every program and department, the survey shows that 98.4% of respondents are proud to work for the YWCA. Other highlights include an overall engagement rate of 95.8%.

For information on employment opportunities at YWCA Metro Vancouver, please contact Alshley Elchuck at 604 895 5855 / aelchuck@ywcavan.org, or visit our job board at ywcavan.org/YWCAjobboard/Job_Postings/118

WORKING at the YWCA

Jennifer pictured a better life when she moved to Canada in 2009 with her husband and daughter. But soon after they arrived, her husband started to abuse her—financially and emotionally.

“I had a great career in computer engineering that I wanted to continue here, but my husband wouldn’t let me,” says Jennifer. “He wanted me to find any job and give him all my earnings.”

Soon, the verbal abuse also started and it broke Jennifer’s heart when her daughter tried to protect her. Having no one to turn to, she began to feel depressed and isolated. “I was not happy but I needed to stay in this marriage for my daughter,” says Jennifer. After two years of abuse, Jennifer had enough and filed for divorce.

On the recommendation of a social worker, Jennifer and her daughter moved into a first-stage transition house where she could only stay for one month. With her social worker’s support, Jennifer applied for the recently opened YWCA Arbour House and was accepted. “I was really lucky! I think I was the second tenant who moved into the house,” says Jennifer.

YWCA ARBOUR HOUSE IS A NEW

SECOND-STAGE TRANSITION HOUSE IN

SURREY THAT PROVIDES A SAFE REFUGE

FOR SINGLE MOTHERS WHO HAVE

EXPERIENCED ABUSE.

Single mothers can be referred to this eight-unit apartment from other transition houses and are welcome to stay up to nine months. They also receive emotional support, advocacy on their behalf with government and community

organizations, court accompaniment and referrals to social and community services.

“When women move in, my job is to help them,” says Irene McLellan, the coordinator at YWCA Arbour House. “If they need to find work, go back to school or apply for income assistance, I’ll help them. Whatever can help them to move forward and become more independent.”

Jennifer is now studying for her Grade 12 English equivalent and then plans to take the necessary courses to help her resume her career.

“I’m really grateful for what the YWCA has done for me. Being a single mom is really hard but with the YWCA’s support, I can move forward and have better and brighter future for myself and my daughter.”

To learn how you can support YWCA Arbour House or for more information please contact Irene McLellan at 604 597 4952 / imclellan@ywcavan.org

Irene McLellan, coordinator at YWCA Arbour House

Building a Brighter Future at YWCA Arbour House

YWCA Hotel Guest Services Representative,

Pat McLean

CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012

YWCAVAN.ORG 4

Week Without Violence When Shin met her husband she was sure it was the real thing.

“It was all about the love,” says Shin, whose name has been changed to ensure her safety. “I thought I had finally found someone, and all my hope and dreams were put into that.”

Shin moved to Canada to pursue the relationship and was soon married and living with her husband and his immediate family.

Adjusting to her new life, Shin dismissed her husband’s increasingly controlling behaviours—like insisting that she call him every hour to report what she was doing and only allowing her to leave the house in the company of his mother—as all a part of “what love is”.

“Saying love is blind is so true for me,” says Shin. “I saw the signs, but kept saying to myself, ‘Everything is for a good cause—it’s for my family.’”

During their near decade of marriage Shin and her husband had two children together. Meanwhile, the abuse continued. Shin was forbidden to make friends and was verbally abused by her husband and other members of his family.

“He and his mother and father constantly put me down,” she says. “It came to a breaking point after my second child. I felt threatened—for my safety and my own sanity. I started looking for resources and a shelter.”

Understanding the Forms of Abuse

Shin’s experience is not unique—on any given day in Canada, more than 3,000 women (along with their 2,500 children) are living in emergency shelters to escape abuse.

It is for women like Shin that Canadians stand together with people in over 90 countries to mark YWCA’s Week Without Violence, an annual campaign that occurs each October and seeks to end violence against women.

This year, YWCA Metro Vancouver’s campaign, Signs of Violence, focused on learning the signs of violence through a poster campaign, public service announcements and ongoing social media outreach encouraging people to recognize the signs of abuse and be active bystanders when they see inappropriate behaviour.

While many associate abuse with physical or sexual violence, it can take numerous forms, such as verbal, psychological and emotional abuse, stalking and criminal harassment, spiritual and financial abuse and other forms of control.

Name calling, threats to harm the children, destruction of property, monitoring communications and forbidding a partner’s access to the family income all constitute abuse.

According to Lisa Rupert, Associate Director of Housing with YWCA Metro Vancouver, the common thread among all forms of abuse is not the act of violence itself, but the abuser’s desire to exercise coercive control over the abused.

“When someone on the street calls you a name,” explains Rupert, “it can be hurtful, but it’s when it’s in a power over situation that it is particularly damaging.

According to Rupert, recognizing the subtler forms of abuse involves paying attention to controlling behaviours.

“If they want to know where you are at all times, if they want to control what you wear, what you eat, who you talk to—that’s not a sign that abuse will come, it actually is abuse.”

Clean, Safe & Affordable Housing

Shin met Rupert while she and her two children were living in first-stage transition housing. Rupert connected Shin and her children with housing at Munroe House, one of YWCA Metro Vancouver’s second-stage housing projects, where women who have experienced abuse, along with their children, can live for up to nine months while they look for permanent housing.

Shin spent nine months at Munroe House before securing a permanent home through BC Housing. With counselling and support Shin was able to put her life back together, securing full-time work in a management role. She shares custody of her children with her ex-husband and fights “one battle at a time”.

“It’s a struggle, but I do hope that I can teach my children what is right, and give them the chance to live a civilized life,” she says. “I have a daughter myself and to see that she is never in a situation like this, and to teach my son to treat everybody fairly and respectfully.”

Lisa Rupert, YWCA Associate Director of Housing (left) and Hirome Case, YWCA Munroe House Support Worker.

YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Signs of Violence poster campaign.

An integral part of Week Without Violence is to explore diverse ways to end violence against women. For Rupert, no solution can be found without the inclusion and support of men.

“Women have been working on this issue for decades and men need to become engaged in creating change,” she explains. “Men and women should talk to their friends or family members when they see men engaging in inappropriate behaviour—I think that’s a really positive step because it’s a powerful social force.”

Equally, says Rupert, it must be economically feasible for women to leave abusive partners and access

adequate shelter, food and clothing—something YWCA Metro Vancouver helps to address through housing and support services for women and their families.

Another key aspect is transforming the way our society speaks about women.

“If you have a culture that speaks about women respectfully, that says women are equal to men, the message is sent,” says Rupert. “At its core, abuse is all about power over. Men who believe their partners are their equals don’t abuse them.”

To learn more about Week Without Violence visit ywcavan.org/wwv

Taking Action on

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

To support YWCA Munroe House or for information on YWCA programs and services for women leaving abusive

relationships please contact Lisa Rupert at lrupert@ywcavan.org / 604 734 5722

CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012

5 CONTACT WINTER 2012

YWCA Alder Gardens entrance.

YWCA Alder Gardens on 71st Avenue in Surrey.

YWCA Alder Gardens’ opening ceremony. (Left to right) Dave S. Hayer, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, Nathaniel and Alexandra, tenants from YWCA Alder Gardens, Janet Austin, CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Social Development and MLA for Surrey Panorama, Nina Grewal, MP for Fleetwood-Kells, Acting Mayor Mary Martin, City of Surrey, and Councillor Judy Villeneuve, City of Surrey.

Supportive Housing in Surrey: YWCA Alder Gardens The development and opening of YWCA Alder Gardens would not have

been possible without the generous support of the Province of British

Columbia—Provincial Homelessness Initiative, City of Surrey, Government

of Canada—Homelessness Partnering Strategy and YWCA donors.

As part of the YWCA’s Mothers without Legal Status project, we have been working hard to raise awareness on the policy gaps that leave these women in limbo. A key recommendation has been to provide these women with access to income assistance. This past June, we were pleased to make a joint announcement with Premier Christy Clark’s office about new legislation making it possible for mothers without legal status to receive income assistance. Access to income assistance will give women and children the opportunity to live free from abuse and make plans for a successful transition to economic independence.

Support from the CommunityRecently, CBC Go Public featured the struggle of Heidi Roggero, a mother without legal status living in

Vancouver. Upon hearing of this, Vancouver Lawyer Catherine Sas wanted to help. “When I read it, it

just screamed out for attention. Heidi was suffering from a lot of misinformation,” said Sas. Sas offered

her legal services to Heidi and was able to get a work permit within two weeks, allowing her to support

herself and her children. Since then, Catherine has galvanized support from the BC Branch of the

Canadian Bar Association and a number of immigration lawyers have offered their pro bono legal

services to mothers without legal status referred from the YWCA.

For more information on the Mothers Without Legal Status Project please contact Lisa Rupert at

604 734 5722 / lrupert@ywcavan.org

The YWCA Metro Vancouver gratefully acknowledges The Law Foundation of British Columbia for

funding the publication of the Mothers Without Legal Status report.

MOTHERS WITHOUT LEGAL STATUS IN CANADA

MOVING FORWARD ONE STEP AT A TIMEWhen a mother is without permanent legal status in Canada, she and her children

have nothing to live on. These women cannot work, cannot apply for a Canada

Child Tax Benefit, cannot afford childcare and have trouble gaining access to

healthcare. And the alternative is even worse—leaving Canada without their

children, which most of these women simply won’t do.

Lawyer Catherine Sas

This policy change removes a significant barrier for many of these mothers to access services that were out of reach previously, such as healthcare and childcare. However, there is still much that needs to be done, both provincially and federally.

“Part of our focus now is to advocate for changes on the federal level that fast-track the applications for Permanent Resident Status on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds for women in these situations, so that they can stabilize their lives and their children’s lives quickly, and be able to work quickly,” said Lisa Rupert, Associate Director of Housing at YWCA Metro Vancouver.

New Support for Single Moms across Metro Vancouver This fall, YWCA Metro Vancouver

expanded its Single Mothers’ Support

Services into Maple Ridge, the Tri-Cities

and the Fraser Valley, including Surrey.

This is welcome news for Sarah, who,

alone and three months pregnant, started

with Baby and Me in 2011, a new group

for single new moms— based on the

success of the YWCA Single Mothers’

Support Groups.

Without Baby and Me, Sarah says,

“I don’t know how I would have made

it through. I was terrified of having a kid;

being around babies really helped me

get ready.”

Back then Sarah was living in downtown

Vancouver and holding down a good

job. But 12 days before her son was born,

Sarah’s dad passed away, and she moved

back to the family home in Aldergrove to

be with her mom.

Today Sarah, with her five-month-old

son Solomon, drives up to an hour

and half into Vancouver to be with

her group, her lifeline, she calls it. “I’ve

really come to lean on the single moms,

they offer so much good advice,” she

says. “It just feels less daunting to have

someplace to go every week, and ask

for help and collectively get together

and make help happen.”

Sarah notes there are a lot families

who’ve moved out to the Fraser Valley

to raise their children. “It would be

nice to have a group out here instead

of downtown, you get to know people

locally.”

This view is reflected in YWCA’s extensive

environmental scan from early 2012,

which found that single mothers’ support

groups would fill crucial service gaps in

Abbotsford, Langley, Maple Ridge, Surrey

and the Tri-Cities.

To learn more about YWCA Single

Mothers’ Support Services contact Janice

Lee at 604 895 5802 / jlee@ywcavan.org

or visit ywcavan.org/singlemothers

YWCA Metro Vancouver is grateful

to the unique partnership between

Coast Capital Savings, Envision Financial

and Vancity for fully funding the

expanded services.

CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012

YWCAVAN.ORG 6

Learn the Latest Fitness Trends at the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre

Working out at the YWCA Health + Fitness

Centre has never been more fun and

effective! Group fitness classes are expanding

and thriving while small group training is

challenging and results driven. Fitness apps,

social media and innovative technology are

keeping people motivated and offer ongoing

support through multiple workout options.

Here are some of the latest trends in fitness

—and you’ll find them here at the YWCA

Health + Fitness Centre.

So you think you can dance?

In the fitness studio – everyone can!

Zumba, Bollywood, Dance Fit and Ballet

Fit are some of our most popular classes.

Members, both male and female, are

getting their groove on, moving and

shaking and feeling great. Whether you

want to get into the Latin flair with Zumba

or channel your inner ballerina with

Ballet Fit, the classes are social, fun and

invigorating. The energy in the studio is

more like a dance party than a workout.

Dancing for fitness is definitely a feel-good

workout!

Boot camp

Boot camp classes and small group training

are challenging and rewarding because

they include metabolic conditioning that

concurrently challenges your cardiovascular

system and muscles. You may recognize

the trademarked programs like CrossFit,

Tabata and P90X —they train with this

method. The principal method, HIIT —

high-intensity interval training is a tough

workout where everyone is an athlete

training for power and strength. These

workouts improve performance, balance,

agility, strength, and flexibility. Train with

a variety of equipment including ladders,

cones, hurdles, bosu balls, rebounders,

medicine balls, TRX and more. Results are

to be expected and these workouts offer

a sense of competition and play.

There is an app for that!

It seems tuning into technology can

improve your fitness results. Find

support, get workout programs and

ideas, and track your nutrition too. Here

at the Health + Fitness Centre you can

record your workout data from the

LifeFitness treadmills, bikes or ellipticals

on a memory stick and set up a profile at

virtualtrainer.lifefitness.com to keep track

of your workouts and your success. Be

connected and be fit!

For more information on the YWCA Health

+ Fitness Centre contact Jill Munro at

604 895 5853 / jmunro@ywcavan.org

On September 23rd, more than 1,000 people came out to support Ismaili Walk 2012 for YWCA Cause We Care House in the first of a three year partnership. The Walk raised $250,000 (gross) towards the building of safe, affordable housing for women and children living in the Downtown Eastside/Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver.

The event was such a tremendous success; even the weather was an enthusiastic supporter. Event participants enjoyed an afternoon of live music and entertainment, excellent ethnic food and exotic treats as well as many family and kids’ activities.

We look forward to two more years of partnering with the Ismaili Council for BC on Ismaili Walk 2013 and 2014!

For more information about the Ismaili Walk , please visit ismailiwalk.org. To support YWCA Cause We Care House please contact Bobbi Sarai at 604 895 5780 / bsarai@ywcavan.org

Ismaili Walk for Cause We Care House Attracts Big Crowds

The Cause We Care Foundation

Brick x Brick event at the

Equinox Gallery raised more

than $100,000 in support of

YWCA Cause We Care House.

President of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia, Samira Alibhai presents a $25,000 check to the YWCA.

Global TV host and Ismaili Walk MC, Claire Newell, commands the crowd at this year’s event.

Anne Boyle knows what it

means to leave a legacy. As a

YWCA Board Member, Inner

Circle Member and Legacy Circle

Member, Anne has been involved

with the YWCA for 35 years and is

currently serving her fourth year

on the YWCA Board of Directors.

Anne’s passion for volunteerism runs in the family. Her eldest daughter, an engineering student at Queen’s University, volunteers with Engineers Without Borders and serves on their Queen’s Board. She also has just returned from a summer volunteering at a university in Vietnam. Her second daughter, who has just started at Concordia University in Montreal, has volunteered for the past five summers with kids and their single moms at Keats Camp, a summer camp located on Keats Island. Anne’s 13 year old son, in between sports, school and part-time work, volunteers to help with his school’s Christmas hamper program.

Given Anne and her family’s commitment to giving back, it came as no surprise to

them at dinner one night, when Anne shared that she had included a gift to YWCA Metro Vancouver in her will. She told them she wanted to ensure that the provision of affordable housing for single moms and the support programs for women and their families will carry on after she is gone. It concerns Anne greatly that British Columbia’s child poverty rate is among the highest in Canada and that it even exists in our country. It is Anne’s hope that she can inspire more YWCA supporters to think about making legacy gifts. To that end, she recently offered her lovely home as a place for a Legacy Circle garden party to honor long-time YWCA supporters and Legacy Circle Members. Legacy Circle Members are those who have already made bequests to the YWCA in their wills.

The group heard about new YWCA programs, including one for seniors seeking career guidance as well as one for front line employees working with elders who may be suffering abuse.

Since retiring from her busy professional life, Anne has certified as a Master Gardener. In between all of her other volunteer and Board work that is!

YWCA Metro Vancouver is very fortunate that Anne has bequeathed a percentage of her estate to help carry on the important work she believes so strongly in and advocates so well for.

For more information about the Legacy Circle, please contact Celia Campos at 604 895 5810 / ccampos@ywcavan.org or JoAnne Fahr at 604 895 5829 / jfahr@ywcavan.org

CONTACT FALL / WINTER 2012

Interested in Leaving a Bequest to the YWCA?Here is a sample of a codicil to a will in the event that

you do not want to update your will just yet but want

to leave a bequest to YWCA Metro Vancouver. Thank

you for considering this!

THIS IS A CODICIL to the last Will of me,

__________________________________ (Name),

______________________________ (Occupation)

of ________________________, British Columbia,

which last Will (“my Will”) is dated the ____ day of

_______________________________, __________.

1. I hereby add the following clause to in that part of

my Will which deals with specific gifts and bequests:

Charitable Bequest

To pay to the Young Women’s Christian Association

located in Vancouver, BC, the sum of $____________.

2. In all other respects I confirm my Will.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have to this Codicil to my

Will subscribed my name below this ______ day of

_________________________________, __________.

SIGNED, SEALED AND DECLARED by

________________________, (the “Testator”) as a

Codicil to the Testator’s last Will in the presence of us,

both present at the same time, who at the Testator’s

request, in the Testator’s presence and in the presence

of each other have here unto subscribed our names

as witnesses.

Name

Address

Occupation

Name

Address

Occupation

7 CONTACT WINTER 2012

Anne Boyle: Making Her Mark and Inspiring Others

Give Hope. Inspire a Dream.Since we opened our doors in 1897, YWCA Metro Vancouver has touched the lives of thousands of women and families. We couldn’t have done it—we can’t do it—without you. Thank you for your support.

Name

Address

Phone

E-mail

Name(s) to appear in recognition listings

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535 Hornby StreetVancouver, BC V6C 2E8

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contact fall / Winter 2012

ywcavan.org 8

2011/2012 YWCA Board of Directors Contact Newsletter

Visit ywcavan.org/subscribe to:

• Subscribe or unsubscribe to Contact• request an electronic version• Change your address

OR provide mailing label and mail to:

YWCa ContaCt 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2e8

for more information about YWCa Metro Vancouver or this newsletter:

tel 604 895 5850

enquire@ywcavan.org

ywcavan.org

✁

YWCA Metro Vancouver is a registered charity providing a range of integrated services for women and their families, and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From early learning and care to housing, health and fitness, employment services and leadership, YWCA Metro Vancouver touches lives in our communities. ywcavan.org

Healthy Choices for Youth

chaiR Karen GilmoreVice chaiR Sherry Tryssenaar tReasuReR Nancy A. Self secRetaRy Anne Boyle

Gina Arsens Wanda CosturosKaren HoffmannEvaleen Jaager Roy

Lisa KershawDebbie Nagle Dr. Kim van der Woerd

BOaRdmemBeRs

editOR Chantelle KrishwRiteRs Puspa Affandi Amy Juschka Julie Cheng Sandy Reimer JoAnne Fahr Maia Gibb

design suewarddesign.comPRinting VanPress

How You Can Support the YWCA

Donations

there are many ways to financially support the work of the YWCa. Donors may choose to give cash, securities or gifts-in-kind. a variety of convenient payment options are available. tel 604 895 5850 donations@ywcavan.org

rooftop fooD garDen

Volunteers plant and harvest organic vegetables, fruit and herbs on the rooftop of the downtown YWCa Program Centre, supplying fresh produce for meal programs in the Downtown eastside. tel 604 895 5792

Meeting rooMs

the YWCa offers 11 meeting rooms in two convenient downtown locations, available seven days a week. rooms accommodate two to 100 people and are clean, bright and affordable. all revenues from meeting room rentals support YWCa community programs. Program Centre at 535 Hornby Street tel 604 895 5800. YWCa Hotel at 733 Beatty Street tel 604 895 5840

volunteer

one-time and long-term volunteer positions exist within each program. there are also volunteer opportunities for professionals to use their career skills. tel 604 895 5774

HigH scHool MentorsHip prograM Partners high school youth with professional women. Mentors provide support and guidance regarding education and future career choices. tel 604 895 5802

welcoMe to My life™ a fun and interactive program at selected schools in Metro Vancouver to help Grade 7 girls with their transition to high school. this after-school program is offered in partnership with the Vancouver School Board and the UBC learning exchange. tel 604 895 5779

tHat’s Just Mean after-school program offered at selected elementary schools in Surrey to help Grade 7 girls with their transition to high school. That’s Just Me is presented by YWCa Metro Vancouver in partnership with the Surrey School District. tel 604 895 5845

Boys 4 real™ a parallel program to Welcome to My Life™ and That’s Just Me, designed to meet the needs of Grade 7 boys. Both programs encourage healthy living, healthy decision making, and mutual respect in relationships. tel 604 895 5779

caMp fun girl this week-long summer day camp aims to empower girls ages nine to 13 years in addressing the issues they face as they become teenagers. tel 604 895 5844

aBoriginal MentorsHip prograMaims to empower aboriginal teen girls ages 13-18 through an arts- and culture-based group mentoring relationship; provides life skills and connects them with positive adult aboriginal role models. tel 604 895 5798

woMen of Distinction Since 1984, this award program has honoured, encouraged and recognized outstanding women and workplaces in our community. tel 604 895 5768

Celebrating Women Who Inspire

A Safe Haven in the Downtown EastsidecraBtree corner faMily resource centre

Provides a healthy and secure environment for women and their families in the Downtown eastside. Services include early learning and care, transitional housing, hot meal programs, single mothers’ support groups, and parenting support. 533 east Hastings Street. tel 604 216 1650

Safe, Affordable HousingHotel

in Downtown Vancouver, the YWCa Hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation to all travellers. also provides longer term housing to residents and temporary accommodations to women needing immediate shelter. 733 Beatty Street. tel 604 895 5830 ywcahotel.com

seMlin garDens

located in Vancouver, Semlin Gardens is a housing community that caters to single mothers participating in YWCa programs. tel 604 879 5796

fraser garDens

located in langley, fraser Gardens is a housing community for single moms with a communal garden, play area and common room. tel 604 514 1255

craBtree Housing

transitional housing for pregnant women and new mothers who are suffering from substance abuse issues. tel 604 216 1662

Munroe House

a second-stage transition house for women who have recently experienced abuse in their intimate relationship, and for their children. Support and art/play therapy are available for children ages three to 18 who have witnessed or experienced abuse. tel 604 734 5722

alDer garDens

located in Surrey, alder Gardens is a housing community that caters to low-income single mothers and their children and link community services in a supportive housing model. tel 604 597 7984

arBour House

Similar to Munroe House, this is a second-stage transition house that provides a peaceful refuge where women who have experienced abuse in an intimate relationship, and their children, can feel safe and protected. tel 604 597 4952

coMo lake garDens

located in Coquitlam, this is a new housing community for single moms and their children. tel 604 936 5665

HealtH + fitness centre a co-ed fitness facility in Downtown Vancouver featuring an ozone purified pool, the latest in cardio/weight equipment and innovative programming. 535 Hornby Street. tel 604 895 5777 ywcahealthandfitness.com

Find Balance through Health + Fitness

Connecting People to EmploymentUnder the new employment Program of BC, YWCa provides WorkBC employment support and services on the north Shore, Vancouver West and Vancouver South communities. Jobseekers will have access to:

• Job search resources• Personal employment planning• Workshops and training• Specialized services

nortH sHore

WorkBC employment Services Centre (north Shore) #310 – 260 West esplanade ave, north Vancouver tel 604 988 3766

WorkBC employment Services Centre (north Shore Youth) #318 – 260 West esplanade ave, north Vancouver tel 604 988 3766

vancouver west

WorkBC employment Services Centre (West Side) #300 – 2150 West Broadway tel 604 688 4666

WorkBC employment Services Centre (Career Zone Youth), 1260 Granville Street tel 604 605 4666

vancouver soutH

WorkBC employment Services Centre (Vancouver South)5th floor, 5750 oak Street tel 604 263 5005

connect to success

Connects women entering or re-entering skilled or professional careers with mentors. Women meet one-to-one with mentors for six months to receive guidance and advice to help kick-start their careers. tel 604 895 5858

JoB options

8-10 week employment programs for adult and senior jobseekers.

Vancouver, 535 Hornby Street tel 604 988 3766

north Vancouver, 310-260 West esplanade avenue tel 604 988 3766 ext 243

squamish, Squamish adventure Centre 38551 loggers lane tel 1 877 518 2200

Support for Families in NeedcoMMunity action on elDer aBuse proJectthe project will focus on prevention, detection, and response strategies using appropriate community resources for elder abuse awareness. tel 604 895 5819

single MotHers’ services information, resources and support are offered to women parenting alone. in addition to workshops and special events, single mothers can attend professionally facilitated community groups offered weekly in partnership with local neighbourhood houses and family places. tel 604 895 5802

legal eDucatorProvides one-to-one information and workshops for YWCa clients on a wide range of legal issues. tel 604 734 5517 ext 2235

presents of peace Donate to Presents of Peace during the holidays and have a lasting a impact on the lives of low income, women-led families who need support year-round. tel 604 895 5783

tHrift sHopDonated clothing, housewares, books and jewellery are sold to raise funds for community programs. additionally, YWCa clients are eligible for vouchers that allow them to obtain clothing and household items for their families at no cost. 4399 Main Street (Main and 28th avenue). tel 604 675 9996

A Healthy Start for Childrencitygate early learning anD care

for children ages three to five, Citygate specializes in working with children to develop social, motor and interpersonal skills and to prepare them for school. 1192 Quebec Street. tel 604 687 1150

craBtree corner early learning anD care

offers short-term care for children ages six weeks to six years in the Downtown eastside. 533 east Hastings Street. tel 604 216 1650

leslie DiaMonD early learning anD care

located in Downtown Vancouver, leslie Diamond provides care for children ages six weeks to three years. 535 Hornby Street. tel 604 895 5816

eMMa’s early learning anD care

for children ages six weeks to three years, with a focus on supporting young mothers. Children have a safe, stimulating learning environment while mothers receive academic and personal support through tupper Young Parent Services. 3839 Carolina Street. tel 604 879 1121