Executive Director's Message
Welcome
to the YWCA Edmonton website. We hope that, through the information
you find on this website, you will gain an understanding that
our organization focuses on the needs of women and their families.
We have a true sense of pride that, since 1907, the YWCA Edmonton
has been responding to the changing needs of women in this community
and we continue to be very innovative in the types of services
that we provide.
The YWCA Edmonton strives to be a catalyst for creating equity
in society for women and for improving the quality of life for
individual women and their families in Edmonton. To these ends,
we work in close partnership with other non-profit organizations
and we work hard to listen to what women in the community are
telling us about their needs.
Whether you are a potential donor, volunteer or employee, a
nominator for the Tribute to Women of Distinction Awards Gala,
a long time supporter, a person seeking service or information,
or even a current donor, we hope that you’ll find our
website a useful source of information. We encourage you to
get in touch to see what makes the YWCA Edmonton a woman focused
organization, a family-friendly and humanistic workplace, and
an agency that is making a difference for women and their families
in Edmonton.
We know that there is still a need for individuals and organizations,
like the YWCA, to build awareness on the question of equality
for women. In Edmonton, like everywhere in Canada, there continues
to be violence against women and girls and there continues to
be other barriers (such as lack of safe, affordable childcare
and housing) to women achieving financial security and economic
independence. Locally and across Canada, YWCAs are working in
their respective communities to effect changes in systems and
awareness that will lend themselves to improved status and quality
of life for women. On the international scene, YWCAs are operating
in 109 countries with over 25 million members – the largest
women’s membership based organization in the world. Globally,
YWCA employees are working in conflict zones and in countries
struggling for peace and security to ensure that the needs of
women and their families are met.
The vast number of social injustices that exist can be overwhelming.
But if every person said, “I can make a difference”,
then collectively we can create positive change in our communities.
I invite each of you to make a difference by first choosing
an issue and educating yourself. Then, find an organization
that tries to effect change in that area and volunteer your
time to helping influence change in your community.
You can make a difference.
Freda Badry
Executive Director
YWCA Edmonton
