Your Impact Snapshot: 2026 So Far
It’s been a busy year and, so far, one thing is clear: community needs continue to grow, and thanks to your support, YWCA Edmonton is there to respond.
Across our programs and services, we are seeing increasing demand for accessible mental health supports, interventions for those experiencing domestic violence, opportunities for children and youth to thrive, and services that help individuals with disabilities and their families live with greater independence and connection.
Because of the generosity of donors like YOU, YWCA Edmonton is working to meet our community’s evolving needs.
Behind every example of impact you’ll read about below is a person, a family, or a child whose life has been changed by a community that cares.
Thank you for helping create safer, more equitable, and more connected futures throughout our community. Together, we’re making a difference.
With gratitude,
Rachel Foley, CEO
Monthly Highlights
January
YWCA Edmonton announces its inaugural Artist in Residence, Amy Dixon. The Artist in Residence program supports and elevates women artists and advances our work advocating for gender equity.
February
Elders in Residence, Harry and Elsie Watchmaker, visit YWCA Edmonton to offer ceremony and blessings to continue the year in a good way.
March
Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, joins YWCA Edmonton and the SkirtsAfire Festival to mark five years of The Shoe Project in Edmonton.
April
Rachel Foley joins YWCA Edmonton as its new Chief Executive Officer on April 20. “YWCA Edmonton has a powerful legacy of supporting women and families in our community,” Rachel says. “I look forward to building on that work together.”
May
After receiving a record 55 nominations, YWCA Edmonton honours six remarkable local changemakers at the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards. In addition, over $100,000 is raised in support of the Welcome Home Project!
June
Artist Samantha Williams-Chapelsky celebrates opening night of her exhibit She Was Called, part of The Peck Visual Arts Program YWCA Series.
July
Despite the summer rain, Disability Services Individuals and their families gathered with YWCA Edmonton staff and support workers at the Joy Club Summer BBQ.
August
The Integrated Domestic Violence Response Team (IDVRT) — a partnership between YWCA Edmonton, enCompass Community Safety, and Edmonton Police Service — receives a $900,000 grant from the Government of Alberta.
Helping Kids Belong, Explore & Thrive
In March, the Trade Up YOUth Retreat hosted at Camp Yowochas offered families of kids a Spring Break option that went beyond screens and schedules. Youth got a chance to roll up their sleeves, try new skills, and explore future career pathways in skilled trades and practical careers. Campers built confidence, learned to problem-solve, and discovered new interests alongside peers
This summer, Camp Yowochas welcomed 913 campers to the shores of Lake Wabamun, proving demand for accessible summer recreation and learning continues to grow. The camp experience helps children build confidence, independence, friendships, and a connection to nature.
As costs rise, donor support helps keep camp affordable for families and ensures more children can participate through our Campership Subsidy program. Thanks to support from donors to our Aim for Adventure Campaign, families with financial barriers were given equitable opportunity to send their children to camp and experience the magic of camp; where kids get to build their sense of belonging, work as a team, and have a safe space to practice their leadership/test their boundaries.
Looking Ahead
This fall, thanks to a grant from the Government of Alberta’s Every Kid Can Play program, camp activities equipment will be refreshed in preparation for the 2027 season, helping ensure safe, reliable programming for future campers.
Building Connection and Independence
YWCA Edmonton’s Disability Services was founded to support caregivers — especially mothers — who faced barriers to employment, financial security, and independence while providing caring for their children living with disabilities.
Children experiencing neurodevelopmental, physical, sensory, and medical conditions — such as autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities — require specialized, multi-disciplinary therapies that often involve multi-year waitlists to access. Connecting with a YWCA Edmonton Family Behavioural Consultant can be the first step toward accessing school accommodations, therapies, and specialized supports. Consultants help determine why behaviours are happening and how the family can adapt to them in daily life. These services are vital to keeping children from falling behind in their growth and development, and stabilizing overall family wellbeing.
Thanks to the support of YWCA Edmonton funders and donors, support helps reduce barriers and connect children — and families — with the services they need to thrive.
In addition, our Joy Club benefits both Individuals and their caregivers — creating opportunities for social connection, community participation, and personal growth, while also providing caregivers with valuable respite and peace of mind. Thanks to the support of YWCA donors and funders, monthly Joy Club events foster a strong sense of belonging for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
YWCA Edmonton continues to pursue grants, donations, and partnerships that improve equitable access to behavioural assessments and inclusive community programs.
Supporting Safety, Healing & Justice
When individuals and families experience domestic violence, timely support can be life-changing. High-risk survivors often simultaneously face housing, legal, financial, and safety challenges.
The Integrated Domestic Violence Response Team (IDVRT) — a multi-organization collaboration between YWCA Edmonton, enCompass Community Safety Agency, and Edmonton Police Service — provides counselling, advocacy, safety planning, and system navigation to survivors when they need it most.
Since IDVRT’s 2025 pilot year, the success through IDVRT’s integrated support has significantly increased and is expected to continue to increase as the initiative gains additional counselling capacity.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to a recent grant from the Government of Alberta, YWCA Edmonton and its IDVRT partners will continue working to remove barriers and grow access to critical supports for women and children escaping violence. Future plans include expanding access to legal navigation services, helping survivors better understand their rights and navigate complex justice processes.
Thank you for making our work possible!
Your donation is more than a financial contribution. It’s an investment in brighter futures and a powerful force for positive change. With your ongoing support, we can continue to build equity, opportunity, and choice by creating safer, stronger communities for all.