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Vision / Mission / Values

Vision


A world in which girls, women and gender-diverse people thrive in a safe and

equitable society.


Mission


YWCA Muskoka champions positive change for girls, women and gender diverse

people through education, leadership and advocacy.*


Values


  • Collaboration – We actively work with community partners to challenge our assumptions and further common goals.
  • Dignity – We treat people as they wish to be treated, respect their choices, and encourage their human development.
  • Inclusion, Diversity and Equity – We will embrace the diversity of all peoples. We will be open-minded and curious, with a goal of deepening our understanding and compassion. 
  • Celebrating Women – We celebrate women, their achievements and their aspirations for a better world. 


YW Pillars


The YW 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 the YWMuskoka 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 refers to women and girls, and is inclusive of Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse people.


Watch the 2023 YWCA Muskoka video here.  Video Credit: Sawmill Creative

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