Overview

For over 40 years, YW has been providing safety and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence at our Sheriff King Home crisis shelter, located at 2003 16th Street SE.

Our services are in greater demand than ever before due to multiple compounding factors from the lasting impact of the pandemic, economic downturn, and the persistently high rates of domestic violence in Alberta.

Our intention has long been to redevelop YW Sheriff King Home site, as the previous facility was rapidly approaching the end of its lifecycle. YW Sheriff King Home Redevelopment project began in 2021 and involved the successful opening of the YW Crisis Shelter, Taylor Home affordable housing, and a shared private courtyard, located just steps from the YW Hub facility.

Utilizing the extensive expertise at YW and all three facilities, YW provides a continuum of service centred in dignity and focused on both prevention and intervention. This allows us to better meet the needs of women and children and support them as they take steps to breaking the cycle of abuse.

The availability of housing that is safe, trauma-informed, affordable, and allows women to regain autonomy in their lives falls short of the need, and YW is committed to addressing this issue by creating opportunities to improve the lives of vulnerable women and children.

Meet our Campaign Cabinet

Joanne is an educator, community volunteer and sustainer who works to raise the aspirations, engagement, and quality of life of Albertans and Canadians. Joanne is a long-term Calgarian and has extensive board/committee experiences in public and postsecondary education, social services, and arts & culture. She is recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals and the Calgary Award (Education). 

“Many women and children and families have benefitted from YW’s unwavering commitment, knowledge and experience that lives can be made better. I believe the Calgary community benefits – I believe I benefit – from the YW’s enduring conviction and commitment.” 

Heather is a volunteer with many organizations, a hands-on philanthropist and a freelance arts film producer and communications specialist. She is very happy to be involved with the YW Campaign Cabinet because it will provide increased capacity for women, their kids, and their pets to find safety, healing and peace together after enduring heartbreaking abuse.  

“I’m also a passionate supporter of the Calgary Humane Society and Humane Canada and see this new shelter as a revolutionary collaboration to enable women to flee domestic violence without the fear of leaving their beloved pet behind.” 

Jackie is a native Calgarian with over 30 years’ experience in fundraising and the non-profit sector. She believes creativity, innovation and empathy are key to addressing complex social issues in our community.   

“I’m proud be part of the YW Campaign, supporting the empowerment of women and children and ensuring they thrive in our community.” 

Manjit is an award-winning engineering student turned beer baroness who co-founded Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries, which is now the 10th largest brewery in North America. She is widely recognized for her role on Dragons’ Den for the last 9 seasons investing in Canadian entrepreneurs. Manjit is also Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Queens Own Rifles, one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, AXIS Calgary Influential Woman in Business award recipient, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year (Prairies) and Queens Platinum Jubilee, among many other accolades.  

“Our city prospers when we have the programs and services to support our most vulnerable. This campaign is a game-changer, taking all the wisdoms that YW Calgary has gathered over the decades and building programs that meet women and children fleeing domestic violence in new and innovative ways.” 

Chima is the Vice President of Government Relations for Shaw Communications after nearly eight years as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the City of Calgary. In 2011, he was appointed as Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) by the Government of Alberta for his work in the legal profession, received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Canada in 2012, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the Arts.  

“The YW has provided shelter for women and children during the most challenging times in their lives.  This new facility will help women, and their children, who are fleeing domestic violence get a fresh start.  I joined this campaign because I believe that our city needs to be safe for everyone.” 

In addition to being a passionate supporter of social impact initiatives, Jana is a tech executive, consultant and active member of the Calgary startup community who was part of the early days and maturation of iStockphoto, Benevity and StellarAlgo and a startup advisor with 321 Growth Academy.  She currently volunteers as a Board member of TELUS Spark Science Centre and as a member of the Platform Advisory Committee.   

“After previously serving as a Board member of YW for six years, I’m excited to be back in the fold at YW and eager to see the impact that we will make both on providing much needed emergency shelter services to women and their families as well as education and advocacy to help guide longer-lasting and life-changing results so all Calgarians can thrive.” 

Stella was an executive in the energy industry and subsequently served as a director on over 20 boards in the energy, science, engineering, and finance sectors. As co-founder and principal of Governance West Inc. from 1996 to 2008, Stella worked with over 200 clients providing consulting services to boards of directors of a broad range of organizations. Throughout her career, where she was frequently trailblazing for women, she supported women in their efforts to achieve their dreams.  

“YW Calgary’s focus on giving women and children in abusive relationships hope and dignity is a cause I can support wholeheartedly.”  

Connect with us

YW is committed to providing ongoing updates and engagement opportunities throughout the project. Stay connected by signing up for newsletter using the form below.

You can also connect directly at any time by phone at 587.228.8663 emailing YWDevelopment@ywcalgary.ca.