YWCA Banff

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Banff, AB
YWCA Banff

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Shaping a safe and inclusive Bow Valley that empowers women and their families for a better future.

24-Hour Support Line: 403-760-3200

Available Services at YWCA Banff:

• Emergency Shelter – shelter spaces for people of any gender fleeing domestic or sexual violence

• Domestic and Sexual Violence Outreach – supportive counselling and information for anyone who has experienced or been impacted by domestic or sexual violence

• Project Home – short-term housing options with crisis support for Bow Valley residents

• Affordable Housing Residence – longer-term permanent residence
YWCA Contact Information:

10/09/2026

🎟️ TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

7 women. 7 pairs of shoes. 7 incredible stories. 👠✨

Join us for an unforgettable live performance as women from the Bow Valley share their powerful journeys of coming to Canada, al told through the lens of a pair of shoes.

After weeks of mentorship with writing and performance professionals Helen Rolfe and Nan Hughes, these inspiring storytellers are ready to bring their voices to the stage!

📍 Performances & Locations:
• Opera House (Canmore): Nov 4 & Nov 6 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Whyte Museum (Banff): Nov 28 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🎟️ Don’t miss this moving evening of storytelling. Grab your tickets today at the link in bio or visit:

👉 https://ywcabanff.ca/programs-services/the-shoe-project/

10/08/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Pursuit Community Champion Award Nominee: Lana Wells ✨
⁠
Lana Wells is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, and founder and director of Shift, a research hub focused on stopping sexual and domestic violence before it starts. She has worked with other local leaders to launch the Made in Alberta Rural and Small Town Collaborative, where she partnered with YWCA Banff to research the unique conditions that shape violence and prevention in the Bow Valley. Lana aims to create safer, more equitable communities.

Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

10/07/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Margaret Stephens Emerging Leader Award Nominee: Naashkii Soler ✨
⁠
Naashkii Soler is a fourth-year student studying a joint honours degree in Indigenous Studies and Political Studies at Queen's University. She is Anishinaabe from the Ojibways of Onigaming in Northwestern Ontario, but proudly grew up in Canmore, Alberta. Naashkii created an Indigenous fee waiver for the membership of the Queen's University Outdoors Club, opening the door for more Indigenous students to join and spend healing time on the land. She has dedicated significant time to public speaking and raising awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S+) epidemic, including helping organize and lead initiatives like the Red Dress Walk.

Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now at the link in bio!

10/06/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Pursuit Community Champion Award Nominee: Mich Lam ✨
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Mich Lam is a community builder, graphic designer, and Executive Director of Canmore Pride. They have called the Bow Valley home for over seven years and are passionate about creating spaces where people can show up as themselves and find community. Mich joined Canmore Pride in 2024, as volunteer Board Chair before moving into the Executive Director role in 2026. Whether it’s organizing disability panel discussions, two-spirit drag shows, or trans femme board game nights, Mich uplifts marginalized voices including women, Indigenous people, youth, people with disabilities, and gender diverse and transgender individuals.

Join us at the Change Makers Awards this Friday, October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

10/05/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Margaret Stephens Emerging Leader Award Nominee: Jessica Oliver ✨
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Jessica Oliver moved to Lake Louise four years ago and supports environmental sustainability at one of Canada’s most popular and iconic ecosystems. As Environmental Systems Manager at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Jessica leads the Sustainability Committee, manages environmental monitoring and reporting, and works across departments to turn sustainability goals into practical action. Jessica educates and empowers the Chateau’s 800-person staff on wildlife, ecosystems and waste reduction—helping them, in turn, educate millions of visitors per year.
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Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

10/02/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Pursuit Community Champion Award Nominee: Michelle Backhouse ✨
⁠
Michelle Backhouse is a community leader who has called the Bow Valley home since 2012. As Executive Director of the Bow Valley Food Alliance, she has provided fresh-food boxes and community meals for residents, including low-income and older women, people with mobility challenges, and Elders. She creates opportunities for connection with Indigenous community members and knowledge keepers in Mînî Thnî, supporting spaces where stories and traditions are honoured. As a Town of Banff Councillor, she models inclusive leadership, affirming that women’s voices, skills, and perspectives are essential at decision-making tables.

Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

10/01/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Business Trailblazer Award Nominee: Vanessa Joosten ✨

Vanessa Joosten is the proud owner of Back At It Sports & Wellness Clinics, a Bow Valley sports and wellness business with three clinics, over 40 practitioners and a client base of more than 8,000 locals. Vanessa's trauma-informed and inclusive approach creates a welcoming healthcare space where people of different abilities, backgrounds, and identities, including LGBTQIA2S+ community members, feel safe and supported. Most of her team and clients are women, and she creates meaningful opportunities for women to work, lead, build confidence, and thrive.

Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

09/30/2026

Every Child Matters. 🧡

Today, YWCA Banff honours residential school Survivors, the children who never came home, and their families and communities.
This month, our staff gathered with Elders in our community to sew ribbon skirts and bead these orange shirts. Each was made by a different pair of hands. Together, they remind us that reconciliation is work we do together.

We acknowledge that Banff is located on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, and Tsuut'ina Nations, the Stoney Nakoda Nations of Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney, and the Métis people of Alberta.

Reconciliation is ongoing work. We're building it into our Higher Ground housing project, the Women's Circle, the Harmony Project, and our violence prevention education.
We're still learning, and we're committed to listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices.

Support is available 24/7: 1-866-925-4419 (Residential School Crisis Line).

09/29/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Margaret Stephens Emerging Leader Award Nominee: Quay Queens ✨
⁠
Led by Bow Valley locals Ken Barber, Faith Nickel, Brier Gyles, Amelia Weber, and Johanna Brent, Quay Queens creates an inclusive community for women and LGBTQIA2S+ riders to get into skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Norquay. Together, they ride, hike, climb, skate, and help people find community outside.

By hosting events and workshops, Quay Queens creates space for women and gender-diverse people to step outside their comfort zone and try hard things in an environment that feels safe and supportive.
⁠
Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

09/25/2026

Meet the Change Makers Nominees!
Pursuit Community Champion Award Nominee: Jodi Gammad ✨
⁠
Jodi Gammad is a is a q***r, first-generation Filipina immigrant who moved from the Philippines to Mînîhrpa (Banff) in 2020. She leads Sama-Sama Bow Valley, a peer-led support group creating safer and braver spaces for people of Filipino heritage to connect, celebrate culture, and find a sense of belonging. Jodi also serves on the board of Banff Pride and works as Program Director at Banff Canmore Foundation. Jodi strives to challenge barriers while creating the conditions for people to thrive and shape the communities they call home.
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Join us at the Change Makers Awards on October 16, 2026, for an evening of impact, connection, and celebration. Tickets are on sale now: https://ywcabanff.ca/events/change-makers/

Address

102 Spray Avenue
Banff, AB
T1L1A6

Telephone

+14037623560

Website

http://ywcabanff.ca/, https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/hopefortheholidays2025

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