YWCA National Emergency Survivor Support Fund helped 20 women with over $20,000 in grants in 6 month period.
As we approach the new year, I’ve been asked to reflect on our experiences at the Community YWCA of Muskoka this past year, and what will come ahead.
Working in the charitable sector is both challenging and incredibly meaningful — we have a very flexible work environment that can also feel unstable and is always changing. We have a saying that we need to be as resilient as the people we serve. In December, we say goodbye to one staff member retiring and another moving to a more permanent position in the community. I truly hope we can all hire the people we need to deliver the quality and range of services our communities in Muskoka need to thrive.
Just over two years ago, we moved the YWCA downtown in Bracebridge — as restrictions eased, we were able to open up our space again and we’ve seen a steadily rising stream of people coming in our doors and calling to find out about what services we offer, as well as join in hybrid programs and in-person workshops. Some just want to connect, some are looking to get involved, some are newly retired, and more and more — we’re meeting people who moved to Muskoka during the pandemic.
We have been building partnerships again and in a new way — a team of YWCA staff and volunteers worked alongside Muskoka Pride’s volunteers to organize Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event in person. It was so exciting to see members from the GSAs of Huntsville and Gravenhurst High sharing their knowledge of LGBTQ2S+ rights with the community.
We were able to get back into schools to deliver Girlz Unplugged, Boys Quest and Youth-Co-Unite, a newer high school program for youth of all genders. We’ve had young people coming in after school for groups in the classroom. We are seeing the impact of social isolation on the development and mental health, particularly with young people.
In July, YWCA Canada launched the National Emergency Survivor Support Fund and in just six months, locally, we have helped 20 women and their children with $20,000 in grants to leave intimate partner violence. This work involves navigating referrals with other agencies and community tables like the Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition and the district homelessness prevention team and building better systems to help someone take critical steps to safety.
November saw the inaugural Hate Free Muskoka Symposium. It took several months of planning with members from the District of Muskoka’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism advisory group and the YWCA team. Close to 80 people came to this first event. The speakers captured our attention and prompted rich dialogue immediately. This is truly important work for us to continue to keep doing and stay in the public eye.
In 2023, with a new strategic plan, YWCA Muskoka looks forward to building relationships, cultivating economic resilience, promoting mental health and well-being, and preventing gender-based violence. The new year will see groups of Girlz Unplugged, Quest, Women in Business, Getting Ahead, and add workshops like Money Mind Set and Accelerator, a project to help parents access Canada Learning Bonds. We will continue to match women and families living on low income with volunteers through Circles Muskoka. We hope to see you at in-person fundraisers like She Talks Muskoka and Walk a Mile.
Thank you for cheering us on.
Hannah Lin, Executive Director YWCA Muskoka – MuskokaRegion.com – Tuesday, December 20, 2022