YWCA Prince Albert
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YWCA Prince Albert began as a group of women in 1911 who recognized a need for services for women and girls and each pitched in twenty dollars to get them started. They bought a home on 9th Street East and YWCA Prince Albert officially opened its doors on December 12th, 1912. In the first year of operations, the YWCA welcomed 419 travelers.
In 1920, YWCA Prince Albert briefly disbanded due to financial difficulties but was revived through the generosity of the Kiwanis Club.
Throughout the years YWCA Prince Albert ran a variety of programs for girls including life skills like cooking, sewing, gardening, and life on the farm, to daily summer camps for young girls that had crafts, games, hikes, campfires, and more.
By 2001 YWCA Prince Albert was facing challenges with only two locations and thirteen employees to provide support and run operations. The thrift store closed, but changes were on the horizon.
In 2003, Donna Brooks became the Executive Director (later Chief Executive Officer) of YWCA Prince Albert. What followed has been more than two decades of growth, tackling challenges, and expanding programs and services to fill gaps in the community.
Rendalyn Home for young mothers and their babies opened, giving youth the chance to secure their future even while being a parent.
The Community Connection Centre (first called the Regional Newcomer Centre) helps newcomers to the community and Canada with free services and support.
Settlement Services serves Government Assisted Refugees to help them make a new life in Prince Albert.
Our House opened as a crisis shelter for men and women, later transitioning to a crisis shelter for women, as well as mental health and addictions housing for all genders.
Terrance Place and Harmony Home provide shelter and a home-like environment for youth in the care of the Ministry of Social Services.
Phoenix Place supports youth transitioning out of care to build their life skills and become independent before starting adult life on their own.
Homeward Bound Windsor moves homeless individuals rapidly into housing before helping them overcome mental health and addictions challenges to build their independence.
Homeward Bound Oakdale operates as transitional support for individuals moving through challenging life changes.
Kindred Spirit helps keep families together by providing housing and support for parents who have lost their children to care or are at risk of losing their children to care.
YWCA Prince Albert’s newest project is a twenty-unit affordable housing complex to support the needs of low-income individuals in safe, secure, bachelor and one-bedroom units.
Today, YWCA Prince Albert stands as a beacon of hope for many, providing essential services, support, and advocacy for the vulnerable, no matter their gender. YWCA Prince Albert adapts with the times, integrating culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed approaches, and taking a strong and official stance towards Truth and Reconciliation.
With over 230 employees and twelve locations across Prince Albert, YWCA Prince Albert has established itself as a trustworthy community partner to many government and non-government funders and organizations.
To find out more about YWCA Prince Albert, visit ywcaprincealbert.ca.
