Everyone - including you - deserves a life free from violence and homelessness. Many people right here in our community lack both safety and shelter. The YWCA of Banff believes every person has a right to these basic needs and we work diligently to meet them. The work of the YWCA of Banff focuses on tackling these two tough issues – domestic violence and the lack of affordable housing. For nearly 100 years, the organization has been providing resources for women and their children fleeing family violence and access to SAFE affordable housing for low income residents. The work of the YWCA of Banff saves lives!

The YWCA of Banff assists women and their families fleeing domestic violence by providing safe resources. The organization also works diligently to prevent family violence through programs like Healthy Relationship Group Program for Men and Women, Girl’s Circle, Boy’s Council, Lady Beware, Week Without Violence, Red Rose Button Campaign, The Local Lowdown,International Women’s Day and the Mentoring Luncheon. In addition to this, the YWCA of Banff provides relationship and supportive counselling. To deal with the issue of the lack of affordable housing, the YWCA of Banff has built 42 new rooms of permanent, affordable housing to serve both genders living in the Bow Valley community. The organization also provides immediate poverty relief through emergency accommodation, food, and clothing.

What are you going to do about it?

When the community as a whole stands up for a reduction in violence, lives are saved. When we commit to programming that helps reduce family violence, residents living and working in the community improve their ability to cultivate healthy interpersonal relationships. This improves intimate relationships with adults and increases the safety and security of children in the community. Furthermore, when we help reduce family violence through our programs there is great potential to reduce bullying and aggressive behaviour that children, coming from an unstable home environment, can demonstrate. Individuals with healthy relationship and communication skills will have the ability to foster healthy working relationships in business environments. Ultimately, anti-violence programming and support has the potential to positively impact every community member and helps to build a stronger and healthier community.

The YWCA of Banff is committed to helping reduce the statistics that surround domestic violence and affordable housing. Both domestic violence and lack of affordable housing are social and economic issues that affect everyone in the community. You can do something about this. You can help stop it.

Call 403-760-3200 for more information.