YWCA of Banff Programs
Lady Beware
This is a hands-on self defense class for women, which is facilitated by local martial arts expert, Don Lee. Awareness and prevention are keys to your safety. Call the CRC to find out more (small fee may apply).
Wellness Workshops
The YWCA of Banff works in collaboration wtih local helping agencies to provide wellness workshops for Human Resources Departments in the Bow Valley.
Healthy Relationships for Men and Women Group Program
In February 2006, as an integral part of the YWCA of Banff’s family violence prevention programming, the YWCA of Banff began offering the group program: Men and Women in Healthy Relationships. This program was originally developed and delivered as a pilot project to address the need for subsidized family violence prevention and relationship counselling in the Bow Valley. Developed in consultation with various community partners and based on similar programs offered in the Calgary area, this 12-week program was designed to help individuals learn healthier communication skills, create healthier relationships, and change the way they deal with and view relationships.
The YWCA of Banff offers a special thanks to the following collaborative community partners: Alberta Mental Health, Banff Public Health, Banff Family and Community Support Services, Woods Homes, Banff RCMP, Bow Valley Victim Services, Alberta Child and Family Services, Alberta Social Services, Alberta Justice (Probations) and the local AADAC office. Enlisting the support and involvement of a cross section of community stakeholders is important for this program’s sustainability in the long term.
“The group helped me start thinking of new ways to approach relationships and to think more positively toward myself and others.” – Anonymous male participant.
High School Student Workshops – CALM
Each year the YWCA of Banff is invited in by local schools and presents multiple sessions to high school students on domestic violence and on gender roles. The sessions are part of CALM – Career and Life Management a high school course, typically attended in grade 10 or 11, and successful completion is required for high school graduation in Alberta.
Girl’s Circle / Boys Council
Girl’s Circle and Boys’ Council are new programs designed for Banff and Canmore girls and boys aged 9 years old. The programs provide a safe and fun environment for the children to explore the social issues they face in their daily lives with the purpose of developing healthy interpersonal and communication skills.
