A lot of changes, a record attendance for an inaugural gala, and a great year overall at the YWCA Lethbridge & District.
Changes included a whole new senior leadership team, which helped to implement a lot of changes and updates that will better serve both staff and clients at the YWCA.
Cat Champagne, Director of External Relations with YWCA, says there were some successful events, like the inaugural YWCA Gala, successful programming and staff wins.
“Overall, 2023 was a good year for us, it’s a lot of learning with having a whole new leadership team to kind of figure out what’s working, what’s not working, and building off of that.”
Some of the highs this year include the Women of Distinction Event, which is the biggest recognition and appreciation event. It gives a change to recognize all the incredible women that are in the community and the work that they’ve done. Another high was the inaugural YWCA Gala, which was the most successful and most attended event in YWCA history.
Some of the lows for the year include closing the women’s residence program, which was sad for staff and clients to not have that program, however Champagne says that program was taken over by Lethbridge Housing Authority, and the YWCA can now focus on domestic violence shelter and other services.
Another low for Champagne was the climate, especially when the YWCA relies on donations, sponsorships, and things like that.
“This economic climate is tough, but I think everyone was feeling that same thing,” says Champagne.
As for what to improve for 2024, Champagne says the YWCA is working on more community involvement and getting back out in the community, attending more events and supporting the other social services agencies.
“A lot of changes at the YWCA, which always seems to be happening, and we’re always really happy to have that community support and advocates in the community that are always championing the work we’re doing and helping us to grow and put that impact where it’s most needed for the clients that we serve,” says Champagne.