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
- Junior League of Edmonton
- TELUS
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 LGBTQ2S+ community.
Fees
$10/week (20 weeks), subsidies available
No charge for Newcomer Program
Cost will not be a barrier for any participant. Ask about subsidies when you register!
Partners
Locations
Balwin School
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
*Newcomers welcome*
October 17, 2019 to March 2020
Edith Rogers
Junior High School
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
October 15, 2019 to March 2020
M.E. LaZerte
High School
High School
Mondays during Flexblock 2
*This location is open only to M.E. LaZerte students*
October 14 & 16, 2019 to March 2020
Al Rashid Mosque
Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
*All Are Welcome to Attend*
December 5, 2019 to May 7, 2020
Centre High School
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
October 15, 2019 to March 2020
J.D. Bracco
Junior High School
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
*Newcomers welcome*
October 15, 2019 to March 2020
Major-General
Griesbach School
Thursdays from 2:15 to 4:00 p.m.
October 17, 2019 to March 2020
YWCA Edmonton
Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
October 17, 2019 to March 2020
Eastglen High School
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
*This location is specifically open to newcomer girls.*
October 16, 2019 to March 2020
Jasper Place
High School
Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
October 16, 2019 to March 2020
McNally High School
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mondays during Flexblock 2
November 2019 to March 2020
“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 2019-2020 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.
