YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin

10/11/2026

Are you an informed voter in ?

Check out the Elgin St. Thomas Coalition to End Poverty 2026 Candidate Guide. Select your region and learn more about candidates in your area.

The next municipal election will be held on Monday, October 26.
Use your vote for what matters most!

Get informed >>> https://povertycoalition.ca/get-to-know-your-candidates/

10/10/2026

Our Community Is Warming Hearts!

The generosity of our community during this month's call for donations for our YWCA Community Coat Drive, presented by , Hometown St. Thomas Magazine / Boomers & Beyond ELGIN Magazine, and Royal Containers, has been truly outstanding!

We are incredibly grateful to the local businesses, organizations, community groups, and individuals who stepped forward to support this year’s drive. Your kindness and generosity remind us of the incredible things we can accomplish when we come together for a shared purpose.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Community Partners:

94.1 myFM
Business After 5
Canadale Nurseries
Canadian Tire St.Thomas
CASO Station
Early Learning Centres — Aspen, Dalewood, Aylmer & Orchard Park
Geerlinks Home Hardware
Goodwill/ClothingWorks
Masco
Milestones Children's Centre - Assumption & St.Thomas
Myrtle
Nurse Next Door
Port Stanley Festival Theatre
Royal Containers
Royal LePage Triland Realty
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
St. Thomas Fire Department
St. Thomas Police Service
Taco House Co.
The Perk
Wendy's

To our residents throughout St. Thomas and Elgin County, THANK YOU! Your generosity, compassion, and willingness to support your neighbours show, once again, what an incredible city we have. We are so proud to be part of a community that continually steps up to care for one another.

We don't have a final count just yet but we have no doubt that we've reached our goal and beyond of collecting 800 coats.

If you are in need of a winter coat or accessories, join us Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24 from 9am - 4pm to browse our collection. No charge. All Elgin County residents welcome. (Hosted at YWCA - 16 Mary St West)
Learn more: https://ywcaste.ca/ywca-community-coat-drive/

10/10/2026

TERRACE LODGE SWIM FAMILIES:

Unfortunately, due to Terrace Lodge pool closure for unexpected maintenance, the start of swimming lessons and aqua movement programs there will be delayed for the fall session.

Please be advised that all aquatic programs at Terrace Lodge ONLY are cancelled next week (October 13-15, 2026 inclusive). Aquatic programs at Terrace Lodge are expected to begin on Tuesday October 20, 2026 at scheduled program times with the weekly sessions extended accordingly. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Families will be notified by YWCA staff. If you have any questions regarding cancellation of sessions please refer to our Fall Aquatics Program Guide & Schedule >>>https://ywcaste.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Fall-2026-Aquatic-Program-Guide-Schedule.pdf

10/09/2026

World Homelessness Day Walk

We are proud to walk alongside our fellow social service agency members within the Housing Stability Alliance today in honour of World Homelessness Day (Oct 10).

Together, we walked from the Lives Lost Monument to Elevated Park, raising awareness of homelessness, honouring those impacted, and standing united in our shared commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home.

We see every day how access to safe, stable housing impacts health, well-being, and opportunity. Behind every housing challenge is a person, a family, and a story deserving of compassion, dignity, and support.

Today’s walk was a powerful reminder that addressing homelessness takes all of us. By coming together, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to advocate for change, we can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to find stability, belonging, and hope.

Everyone deserves a place to call home.

10/09/2026

Join us! All are welcome!

10/09/2026

Do you have your ticket?
Don't miss out on this amazing networking event for service providers. Tickets available until Wed, Oct 14 at 4pm. Get yours today! https://ywcaste.ca/stelip-events/

📢 Registration Now Open: Walk With Me 2026 Service Provider Networking Event
Join us for the 15th annual Walk With Me event, bringing together front-line service providers from across St. Thomas-Elgin to exchange ideas, strengthen referral networks, and collaborate on solutions that address barriers in our communities.
The event includes a PD session, “Walking Alongside: Culturally Grounded Practice with Immigrant Clients”, presented by Dr. Samoon Tasmim, and a service provider showcase.
📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
📍 St. Thomas Seniors Centre, 225 Chestnut St., St. Thomas
🔗 Register here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/walk-with-me-stelip
📧 Questions? Email: [email protected]

10/09/2026

Supporting Newcomer Families in Our Schools!

Do you have children attending school in the or ?

Our Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program is here to help newcomer families understand and navigate the Canadian school system.

Our SWIS Worker can help with:
📚 Registering children for school
🏫 Understanding the Canadian school system
👋 School orientation and tours
📅 School schedules, routines and procedures
💻 Parent and Student Portals
💳 School Cash Online
🚌 School transportation and bus registration
📄 Understanding report cards and teacher comments
🎓 High school credits, course selection and graduation requirements

Have questions or need support? Connect with our SWIS Worker, Janette Wall.
📞 226-926-8124
📧 [email protected]
📝 Complete the consent form and our SWIS worker will connect with you:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=4CWJTOgrh0-zWpYpfBsS_uNJ6nm4kY9OvcSFjVpQWmxUQUFYNzhVQ1lCTVRLNDRMTVc3QUVWTDlMUi4u&utm_source=chatgpt.com

Learn more: https://ywcaste.ca/settlement-workers-in-schools-swis-program/

10/09/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the team at Doug Tarry Homes for returning as a Platinum Sponsor of our Keep A Roof Over Their Heads campaign!

Your generous support helps strengthen housing stability and connect individuals and families with the resources they need to build a brighter, more secure future.

Together, we’re helping create safe places to call home, opening doors to new opportunities, and reminding our community members that they are never alone.

Thank you, Doug Tarry Homes, for standing with YWCA and helping make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve!

Learn more about how you can make a difference today >>> https://ywcaste.ca/keep-a-roof-over-their-heads/

10/08/2026

Thank you to the St. Thomas Railway City Rotary Club for hosting an incredible Taco House Co Taco Night for our Hope Crossing residents! From delicious food and fun activities to laughter and connection, you helped create a memorable evening filled with community spirit and joy.

Thank you for helping our residents feel welcomed, valued, and connected to a community that cares. We’re so grateful for your kindness and generosity!