YWCA St. John’s 

Address: 291 Water Street, Suite 302, St. John’s, NL A1C 1B9 

Mandate:

To educate the community about particular issues affecting girls and women; to create opportunities for girls and women to learn, achieve and participate; to ensure our work is grounded in the real life issues affecting girls and women; to advance social change through public engagement and use our voice to call for social justice 

Target Population:

Women, girls, and gender-diverse folks of all ages.

Highlights of Programs/Services Offered:

Youth Programs: 

Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP): 

YWCA’s Young Women’s Leadership Program aims to equip young women and non-binary youth with the required tools to exercise their leadership abilities with peers in their communities. Throughout the two-day training, participants will have the chance to build on their leadership skills, network with like-minded peers, and gain insight and confidence in their leadership abilities. 

The Collective: 

The Purpose of the Collective is to further the YWCA’s mission and social justice-oriented goals through events and initiatives centered around peer networking, mentoring, and leadership development. Membership is open to all young women and non-binary youth between the ages of 18-30. 

Power of Being You: 

An empowerment-based, violence prevention conference for youth. This conference is typically held in partnership with a local school and supports youth from ages 12 to 15 to build confidence in their leadership and critical thinking skills through the development of a stronger sense of self-awareness and awareness of others. 

Employment Programs:  

LAUNCH: 

• A 19 week employment program for young women and gender diverse youth experiencing multiple barriers to employment. Eligibility includes:
  • Currently out of school, unemployed, or underemployed (working less than 20 hours/week) 
  • Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or someone who has been granted refugee status in Canada 
  • Able to attend programming for 30 hours a week, online or in-person (St. John’s, NL and surrounding areas).  
• The program includes:
  • PAID employability skills training (7 to 8 weeks) 
  • PAID 12 week work experience in a field of interest 

Connextions:

• A 19 week employment program for newcomer women and gender diverse folks 18+ experiencing multiple barriers to employment. All immigration statuses are welcome. This program includes:
  • PAID employability skills training (7 weeks) 
  • PAID 12 week work placement in a field of interest 

2SLGBTQIA+ Services: 

Fostering Collaboration of Services for 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador: Peer support group and mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ newcomers.  

Other: 

Women of Distinction Awards: 

WOD Awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of women and give them a platform to share their stories in a way that empowers, inspires and motivates others to learn, achieve and participate. Nominations may be made by any member of the public.