Poverty

The YWCA believes, in a city as prosperous as Calgary, we have the power to prevent poverty.

Statistics show that, after separation, women experience a 23% loss in family income, and even those with stable jobs can have a hard time making ends meet, especially if they are single mothers.

Recent immigrants to Canada are another vulnerable group, often because they lack Canadian work experience or English language skills. Even if they were professionals or skilled workers in their home countries, many immigrants end up taking low-paying jobs just to survive.

The YWCA is committed to empowering women and new immigrants with the skills they need to break free from poverty. Through the Vermilion/YWCA Skills Training Centre, women train for a career in construction trades and our Learn English services and programs offer the language and cultural skills necessary for working in Canada.