By: Dakota Kidby
Day four as the Communications Coordinator at the YWCA of Calgary and I just have to share my experiences so far. Fresh out of school and bursting with exciting ideas, I am eager to make my mark on the communications world.
In the emotional rollercoaster that is job searching, one of the prospects that outshone the rest was this role and the YWCA. After weeks of daily Indeed.com browsing, I sat one morning with my coffee in disbelief that I might have a chance to work with an organization I was passionate about.
With personal connections to social service programs and organization, I realized just how much I wanted to be a part of an organization that impacts women and the community so deeply. After being offered the position, I realized that this was exactly where I belonged and how incredibly lucky I was to be involved.
During these first four days, I have had the pleasure of seeing the inner workings of one of the longest serving social agencies in Calgary and learned that the YWCA offers so much more than a place to stay. I was introduced to countless stories of brave women and their families as well as the space and people that support them each day.
Two experiences stand out, and made me even more proud to work here. The first relates to the resilience of the YWCA. Seeing the devastation that took place during the 2013 flood, left me feeling empty inside. Looking out onto the barren gym where the former “Fitness on 5th centre hosted hockey, basketball and roller derby, I was in disbelief that this was no longer available. It was then that my manager noted this area is now used to provide safe winter shelter for women who might otherwise need to find less appropriate housing to prevent freezing during the cold winter. It’s this resilience that demonstrated to me the YWCA’s ability to adapt.
The second was seeing first hand, the honesty and acceptance that the YWCA provides their clients. I’ve seen luxurious five star restaurants and hotels that fail to recognize their clients’ needs.
After touring the YWCA Sheriff King Home emergency shelter for women and their children who are fleeing family violence, I witnessed recognition of human beings and respect for individuals. The YWCA not only provides women a warm and safe place to heal from trauma, it also sees them for who they are; hopeful individuals with unique needs.
My respect and passion for this organization has grown exponentially in just four days. I look forward to contributing to the work the YWCA does; they are truly a leader in the community.
