YWCA Muskoka champions positive change for girls, women and gender diverse people through education, leadership and advocacy.

YWCA Muskoka is built on four robust and interdependent pillars. Programs and services connected to any single pillar are designed to support the other pillars as well so that we convey a consistent message of hope, security, and dignity for all.

Building Relationships

YWCA Muskoka is a proud and integral part of a global YWCA movement. We know we don’t do this work in isolation and are stronger for the intersections - YWCA Muskoka is recognized as an active and innovative member association of YWCA Canada and a go-to organization within the regional community. As a Community YWCA, we work collaboratively on grassroots action locally and contribute to the advocacy efforts of our national office.

Cultivating Economic Resilience

Since the beginning we have focused on self-employment training for women living in a rural area with few sustainable employment opportunities. Over the past 10 years, we have broadened to include community-based poverty reduction initiatives, fraud prevention and financial literacy, as women in our community have been disproportionately affected. This is still a really powerful educational focus area for addressing gender based violence.

Preventing Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence and Human trafficking are growing concerns in Muskoka. Alongside Muskoka’s shelter agencies and crisis responders, YWCA Muskoka maintains a strong presence as a prevention-focused service provider. We advocate and reach audiences through Girlz Unplugged, Quest programs, women’s programs and community-based events. The December 6th Fund, established in 2010 and one of our key safety measures for those in danger, has evolved to include NESS fund grants and also provides system navigation support.

Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing

If we hope to achieve holistic wellbeing for all, we need a new systems approach that models the future we want to live in. Our programs must help participants to build healthy relationships, mental and emotional health and interdependence. We must develop our expertise in creating safer spaces and programs that lift people up. Our staff and volunteers must feel valued and inspired to stretch their understanding of diversity, intersectionality and anti-colonial practices. As YWCA Muskoka moves closer to achieving its collective goals, it will do so with attention to prioritizing care, finding balance, developing confidence and competence, and respecting individual aspirations.

YWCA Muskoka is a community charitable organization that serves women and girls of Muskoka in central north Ontario. Uniquely a 'YW without Walls', we take an affirmative learning approach and reach out to over 1200 participants with programs and services each year in a large rural region.  YWCA Muskoka is proud to be one of 29 Member Associations affiliated with YWCA Canada.