Fall 2012 - YWCA Toronto

www.ywcatoronto.orgNOVEMBER 2012Helpingto BuildLIVES freeof violenceINSIDECHANGES AHEAD FOR WOMEN OF DISTINCTIONTHE ART OF NON-VIOLENCE

YWCA TORONTOChief Executive OfficerHeather M. McGregorBoard PresidentRosemary MoodieDirector of Employment & TrainingMarilda TselepisDirector of Finance& Information TechnologyLois FineDirector of Girls’ & FamilyPrograms & Property ServicesSally PalmateerDirector of Shelter & Clinical ServicesRuth CrammondDirector of Human Resources& AdministrationJeannette Manguiat-StoekerDirector of Advocacy & CommunicationsSarah BlackstockMarketing & Communications ManagerLise SchofieldProduction & Design CoordinatorKim QuashieProduction & Design AssistantLucy SterezyloDirector of PhilanthropyLisa LemonSpecial Events, Stewardship& Volunteer ManagerShana HillmanAnnual Giving & Major Gifts ManagerSara Campbell MatesYWCA TORONTO87 Elm StreetToronto ON M5G 0A8www.ywcatoronto.org416.961.8100charitable business#10822 9865 RR0001publication mail agreement#40932523cover image: Ebony Rose, E. Tanyah Smallexhibited at The Art of Non-violence showdonate Todayywcatoronto.orgor Julia Haylock416.961.8101 x352> Heather M. McGregor,Chief Executive OfficerSome days the storiesfrom the frontlines ofYWCA Toronto devastate me.For nearly 20 years, storiesof tremendous violenceand wicked poverty havewrenched my heart. Many ofthe opportunities I have hadto support women coping withtremendous pain and enormousobstacles have left me deeplysaddened. Still, my spirit hasnever been broken and mybelief in the work of YWCAToronto has never wavered.YWCA Toronto helps womenand girls improve their lives,as you will read about in thisissue of Turning Points. The joyand satisfaction of being ableto support women like Anita,who courageously escaped aviolent marriage and rebuilther life, fuel me. Clearly, ourprograms that help women healand reclaim their lives are oftremendous value and have farreachingimpact. It is also clear,however, that we need to bemore than an organization thatprovides services. We need tobe an organization that createsbig change. The problemsare big. The change has to bebigger than ‘one woman at atime.’In a climate of austerity andinsecurity, there is sometimeshesitation to think big – andCEO MESSAGEeven more hesitation to takebig action. At YWCA Torontowe have to grapple with thehard times we live in – withoutbeing overwhelmed by them.We continue to find new waysof providing services thathelp women and girls changetheir lives. We also remaincommitted to engaging in publicpolicy work and advocacyefforts that address thesystemic nature of the difficultissues we face – violence,poverty, discrimination.At YWCA Toronto wehave to grapple withthe hard times we livein – without beingoverwhelmed by them.We invite you to be part ofthinking big and taking bigaction. In this issue of TurningPoints, we invite you toconsider donating to YWCAToronto, supporting a familyat holiday time – and evenconsidering what role feminismhas today.Heather M. McGregor

ADVOCACY | TURNING POINTSAlively crowd gathered recently inNancy’s auditorium at the YWCAElm Centre to hear three dynamicspeakers address the question:“Does feminism matter?”The discussion was led by Pamela Palmater,Haideh Moghissi and Ann Decter. Palmater, aMi’kmaq lawyer and the Director of IndigenousStudies at Ryerson, argued that too oftenmainstream feminism fails to acknowledgethe horrendous realities faced by Indigenouswomen, and is more focussed on the plight ofmainstream, middle-class women. And yet, shealso said feminism has improved women’s lives;she implored feminists to listen carefully toIndigenous women and actively confront theconsequences of colonialism.A 2011 Trudeau fellow and a professor in theDepartments of Equity and Women’s Studiesat York University, Haideh Moghissi insistedfeminism has a long and rich history throughoutthe Middle East – and that it has had, andcontinues to have, a central role in improvingthe lives of women and girls.> Haideh Moghissi, Professor, Departments of Equity andWomen’s Studies, York UniversityAnn Decter, Director of Advocacy and PublicPolicy at YWCA Canada, provided an overviewof the achievements of feminism over the pastcentury. Decter suggested that while thereis not a single women’s movement in Canadatoday, feminism has been integrated into muchof our society.Wrapping up the night, a group of smart,inspiring members of the YWCA Girls’ Centredeclared feminism does matter and that theyare both keen to learn from older generationsof feminists and to share their ideas and newways of approaching the struggle for equalityand justice.TELL US:HOW HAS FEMINISMIMPACTED YOUR LIFE?Visit YWCA Toronto on Facebook(facebook.com/ywcatoronto) and enteryour answer now. If we tweet youranswer, you will win a YWCA Toronto“Be a Feminist Superhero” t-shirt!Feminismthroughthe ages1890sThe first YWCAEmploymentBureau was formedto assist womenin finding work.YWCA Torontotaught women“non-traditional”trades includingphonography,stenography andtyping.1950sYWCA Torontolaunched the‘Take-A-Break’program to helpsingle mothersby providingchildcare whilethey participatedin classes or socialprogramming.WoodlawnResidence, aresidence forsingle women, wascompleted in 1957.1980sThe YWCAestablished a prochoiceposition andspoke out aboutviolence againstwomen. The YWCAcampaigned toensure women’sequality wasprotected in thenew CanadianCharter of Rightsand Freedoms.2000sYWCA TorontoestablishedCanada’s onlyfull-time Girls’Centre. The Centreprovides girls with asafe and supportivespace in which theydevelop leadershipskills and grapplewith the difficultissues they face.

Helping to BUILD LIVESFREE OF VIOLENCE“Women’s capacity anddetermination to healis astonishing.”He yelled at and insulted her for years before he became physically violent.“I didn’t recognize the emotional abuse,” explains Anita. But when theabuse became physical there was no avoiding it. Still, Anita hoped he wouldchange; the violence just intensified. After their second child was born, whenthe violence was an almost daily occurrence, Anita realized she had to escape.She fled to Ottawa with her children, got arestraining order and filed for divorce. Hefought the divorce and his behaviour escalatedagain to violence, forcing Anita to go to thepolice. He was charged with 22 counts ofassault. Many family and mutual friends stilldon’t believe her claims.Anita recently made a deal with her ex-husbandto withdraw her victim impact statement inexchange for full custody of the children. Likeany mother, Anita prioritizes her children’sinterests. Still, although he has pled guiltyto domestic violence, she wishes she coulddo more to protect her children – and holdher abuser accountable. The irony of havingto withdraw her victim impact statement isprofound, given the tremendous impact theyears of abuse had on Anita.“It was YWCA Toronto’s Breakthroughprogram that helped me move forward inleaps and bounds,” says Anita. Breakthroughis a free support group for women who haveexperienced violence. “I thought Breakthroughwas going to focus on the violence itself,” saysAnita. “But what it really did was empower usto look forward. I rebuilt my self-confidenceafter years of being treated like I wasworthless. I was able to take control of my life.This allowed me to make the right decision forthe sake of my children and for my sake.”Breakthrough is one of many programsYWCA Toronto offers to women who haveexperienced violence. Additionally, YWCAToronto offers shelters for women and childrenescaping violence, parenting programs forwomen who have experienced domestic abuse,counselling services and interest-free loans towomen leaving abusive homes.“Women’s capacity and determination to heal isastonishing,” says Sarah Blackstock, Director ofAdvocacy & Communications.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | TURNING POINTSfleeing violence to find safe housing andincome security.After a span of violence this summer, theOntario Government announced it wouldbe establishing a Youth Action Plan. YWCAToronto is proud to be part of a coalitioncalling for community-based solutions.> Wearable Truths, an expressive arts project created forwomen in YWCA Toronto Breakthrough program“What is equally inspiring is how manywomen who have experienced violencebecome involved in work to end genderbasedviolence. This is what motivates YWCAToronto not just to help women heal fromviolence, but to work for the eradication ofgender-based violence.”Much of what goes on at YWCA Toronto’sGirls’ Centre, for example, is aboutempowering girls and helping themunderstand what healthy relationships lookand feel like. “Violence against women andgirls is so prevalent in mainstream and socialmedia. Girls are bombarded with highlysexualized, degrading images of women as wellas depictions of relationships in which violenceis sexy,” says Sara Ramnarine, a programmerat the YWCA Girls’ Centre. “Girls’ ownexperience of social media often leaves themfeeling confused about their authentic selfand the social persona they need to adoptto attract and sustain relationships withpartners.”However, as YWCA CEO Heather McGregorexplains, YWCA Toronto brings a uniqueperspective to the table. “Usually when wediscuss youth violence and the need for youthprogramming, we are actually referring tomale violence and programming for youngmen. The ways in which the girls, who areoften in relationships with the boys who arein trouble, are impacted by the violence arerarely considered. We need gender-specificprogramming that addresses the differentexperiences and needs of young men andwomen.”As McGregor puts it, “If the YWCA reallywants to improve the lives of women and girls,we have to be providing services and engagingin the work that will make our servicesincreasingly unnecessary.”“Ending gender-based violence requires usto create a culture in which women and girlsare empowered, respected and equal. And itrequires public policy that considers women’slived experience, which often includesviolence,” says Blackstock.At a policy level, YWCA Toronto is very active.For example, YWCA Toronto played a role inthe development of the Province of Ontario’sfirst-ever Sexual Violence Action Plan andhas been working to achieve social assistancereform that enhances the capacity of women> YWCA Toronto Girls’ Centre member

change aheadfor women ofdistinctionPHILANTHROPY | TURNING POINTSn May 16, 2012, we celebrated the 32ndannual YWCA Women of DistinctionAwards. Together, with over 1,500 professionals,community and business leaders, volunteersand program participants, we recognized sevenwomen who are improving the lives of womenand girls.The event was an amazing success and guestsleft inspired by the recipients and energizedby a performance by Juno Award winningsinger Kellylee Evans. Best of all, we raised over$775,000 to support over 30 YWCA programsacross Toronto.The question then becomes how to make the2013 Women of Distinction Awards event evenbigger and better.Our organizing committee has been hard atwork since the summer to do just that. In theprocess we have talked to a lot of people,including attendees, sponsors and recipientsto find out their favourite parts of the Womenof Distinction Awards event and what theymost wanted. We listened. We heard youvalued networking with colleagues, so we haveextended the cocktail hour and will be movingit to a larger space that will be set up loungestyle so you have more time to socialize and getto know the recipients and alumnae. We heardthat you were hungry for more interesting foodoptions, so we are in the process of workingwith some of Toronto’s hottest women chefs todesign some exciting new menu items. We willalso see a return of the red carpet and moreentertainment thanever before.STAY TUNEDFOR FUTUREANNOUNCEMENTSBECAUSE WE HaVEGOT BIG PLANSIN STORE!Most of all, we areexcited to shine aspotlight on anotheramazing group ofwomen.SAVE THE DATE!THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW!416.961.8101 x360 | ywcatoronto.orgDuring this season of giving we hopewe can count on your support.To be eligible for a 2012 charitable tax receipt, makeyour gift online, by phone (416.961.8101 x352),or by mail (postmarked by December 31).DONATE at ywcatoronto.org andreceive your receipt immediately by email.TaxYear EndReminder

Adopt-a-FamilyBECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVESSOMETHING SPECIAL DURINGTHE HOLIDAYS.BANG & OLUFSENYORKVILLE RUNThe holiday season is justaround the corner. For many ofthe families we work with, theholidays are a struggle.Make an easy, online donationor choose a gift from our newAdopt a Family gift catalogueby December 7 and let us do the rest. We willpurchase the gift cards and special items on yourbehalf. You will receive a thank you note from afamily you are helping as well as a tax receipt foryour much needed contribution.You can make this holiday a timewhen a mom can feel proud togive her kids (and herself!) aspecial gift that brings a smileto everyone’s face.ywcatoronto.org/adopt$53,000 RAISEDRaising over $53,000 for YWCAToronto women’s shelters, thisyear’s Bang & Olufsen Yorkville Runwas bigger and better than ever.The racers arrived full ofenthusiasm, from newbies joiningus for the first time, to the winnerof the race, professional racer andBoston Marathon winner WesleyKorir. Everyone’s efforts helpYWCA Toronto continue to providea safe haven for women.Join us next year for the Bang &Olufsen Yorkville Run and feel theenergy and excitement of doingsomething good for women in ourGTA.PHILANTHROPY | TURNING POINTSTHE ART OFNON-VIOLENCEYWCA Toronto’s Beatrice House isa residential program and an earlychildhood development centre forwomen and children who are homelessor at-risk of homelessness. Up to 27families at a time make their home atBeatrice House. During women’s staythey receive support to set goals andmove towards achieving them.On October 17, The Art of Non-violence,a special event produced by BeatriceHouse, was presented at the YWCAElm Centre. The residents and staffcame together to create a one-of-akindart exhibit and poetry readingevent that spoke to an unwaveringcommitment to non-violence. As partof YWCA Toronto’s contribution to theannual Week Without Violence, theexhibit was a thoughtful and creativeexpression of the process of recoveryand the joy of fearlessly expressingoneself. Featuring photographs,drawings, paintings and poetry,The Art of Non-violence articulateda shared vision of a better future forall women.OCT 15-21, 2012This event was part of anational initiative to helperadicate violence fromhomes, schools, workplacesand our neighbourhoods.

Yes, I’d like to donate to YWCA Toronto!I would like to make a one-time donation of:$25 $40 $75 Other $ I have enclosed my cheque, payable to YWCA Toronto.I prefer to use my credit card.Visa MasterCard AmexCard # Exp. /SignatureI have remembered YWCA Toronto in my will.I would like information about rememberingYWCA Toronto in my will.I would like to donate monthly to theFresh Start Monthly Giving Plan with a gift of:$10 $15 $25 Other $Starting in (month)I will pay by pre-authorized payment and have encloseda cheque marked void. Today’s dateI prefer to use my credit card.Visa MasterCard AmexCard # Exp. /Signature* I understand my monthly donation will be made on the 15th of each month.NameAddress Unit # City Province Postal CodeEmailPhone NumberThis charitable donation is made on behalf of:an individuala businessI understand that I can revoke or make changes to this authorizationat any time in writing or by calling the Philanthropy Department at416.961.8100 with 30 days notice. I have certain recourse rights if anydonation does not comply with this agreement (ie. I have the right toreceive reimbursement for any debt that is not authorized or is notconsistent with this pre-authorized payment agreement). To obtaina sample cancellation form, or for more information on my right tocancel a pre-authorized payment agreement or my recourse rights,I may contact my financial institution or visit www.cdnpay.ca.OUR PRIVACY COMMITMENT TO YOUYWCA Toronto respects your privacy, protects your personalinformation and adheres to all privacy-related legislatedrequirements. We will keep you informed and up-to-date onevents, programs and opportunities to support YWCA Toronto.On occasion, YWCA may allow like-minded organizations towrite to our supporters. If at any time you wish to be removedfrom our list or prefer your information not to be shared, pleasecall 416.961.8101 x352.SEND TO:YWCA Toronto | 87 Elm Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A8RETURN undeliverable Canadian addresses toYWCA Toronto | 87 Elm Street Toronto, ON M5G 0A8Follow us40932523RECEIVE YWCA Turning Points newsletter by email.REGISTER with Julia Haylock at jhaylock@ywcatoronto.org.