YW Calgary Celebrates 115 Years with New Historical Release
YW Calgary is celebrating 115 years of empowering women in the city, marking the milestone with the launch of an updated history book, "Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives," at the historic Lougheed House. This latest edition highlights the organization’s significant achievements over the past 15 years, including notable land sales and the establishment of new community spaces designed to support women and families.
The choice of Lougheed House for the launch carries historical weight, as the National Historic Site itself has a legacy of supporting women, having served as a training centre for young women and a women's military barracks in its past. This connection underscores a century-long commitment in Calgary to female empowerment. YW Calgary CEO Sue Tomney emphasized that the book celebrates the collective effort of the community in establishing a safer, more equitable Calgary.
In recent years, YW Calgary has continued to make a tangible impact, positively affecting over 7,800 individuals through its programs in 2023, a 28% increase from the previous year. Their work includes the opening of a new, pet-friendly crisis shelter, which has doubled capacity for women and children fleeing domestic violence, alongside programs focusing on mental health, healthy relationships, and economic prosperity. As Calgary continues to grapple with issues like affordable housing and the ongoing need for domestic violence support, YW Calgary’s dedication through innovative programs and partnerships remains vital to the city’s well-being.
