Programs and Services
GirlSpace®
Taking Back Girl Talk
Unique from their male counterparts, girls face high rates of sexual violence and a significant decline in mental health as they enter adolescence and young adulthood. GirlSpace® is an after-school program to empower girls to live healthy, safe lives.
GirlSpace® is designed to:
Build Skills
including leadership, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
Increase Awareness
of social issues and share strategies and resources for coping and overcoming them.
Foster Resilience
through autonomy, social connectedness, self-awareness, and self-esteem.
Encourage Collaboration
to develop a gender-specific space in which everyone is respected and feels welcome.
GirlSpace® is generously supported by:
- Canadian Western Bank
- Joyce Foundation
- Stollery Charitable Foundation
Support YWCA’s programs and learn how to
How it works
Each week, participants come together as a group to learn about a topic focused on the specific needs and experiences of girls and young women in Canada. Young women act as both group facilitators and role models, involving the participants in the design of each session.
Topics covered include:
- Healthy Relationships
- Bullying & Harassment
- Influence of the Media
- Self-Esteem
- Body Image
- Digital & Online Safety
- Mental Health
- Physical Health & Nutrition
- Ethnic & Multicultural Awareness
- Healthy Decision-Making
- Violence Against Women –Sexual Assault & Consent
- Substance Use & Addictions
- Sexual Health
- Sexuality & Gender Identity
For older participants only:
- Career Development & Professional Skills
- Financial Matters
- Leadership Skills & Community Engagement
- Civic Engagement & Advocacy
Program details
Who can participate
GirlSpace® is open to anyone who identifies as a girl between the ages of 11-17.
GirlSpace® is a safe space that welcomes and supports all members of the LGBTQS+ community.
Fees
$10/week (20 weeks), subsidies available
Cost will not be a barrier for any participant. Ask about subsidies when you register!
Partners
Locations
Edith Rogers
Junior High School
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
October 2, 2018 to March 5, 2019
Information Night:
September 13, 2018
5 to 7 p.m.
Lillian Osborne
High School
Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
October 4, 2018 to March 7, 2019
Information Night:
September 27, 2018
5 to 7 p.m.
Jasper Place
High School
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
October 3, 2018 to March 6, 2019
Information Night:
September 19, 2018
5 to 7 p.m.
Londonderry Edmonton Public Library
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
*This location is specifically open to newcomer girls. Dates TBD.*
Information Night:
October 4, 2018
5 to 7 p.m.
M.E. LaZerte
High School
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
October 3, 2018 to March 6, 2019
Information Night:
TBD
YWCA Edmonton
Office
Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
October 4, 2018 to February 28, 2019
Information Night:
September 13, 2018
5 to 7 p.m.
“I always thought I was the only girl who felt she wasn’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. Now, I know that I am enough, and I can be anything I want to be. But the best part of GirlSpace®? I met my best friend. We go through the hard times together now.”
— GirlSpace® Participant
How to sign up
Stay in-the-know!
Receive updates and reminders about the 2018-19 program year.
For all other inquiries, email us at girlspace@ywcaedm.org.
Host a GirlSpace® Program
Is your school interested in hosting a GirlSpace® program? Email us at girlspace@ywcaedm.org.
Your SupportMakes a Difference
When you support YWCA Edmonton, you transform the lives of thousands of women and families in need.
