YWCA St. John's
National SPRE Accelerator 2025
Mission
YWCA St. John’s envisions a feminist future, where communities are empowered and liberated from systemic oppression. Their mission is to advance gender equity through advocacy and justice-doing programs and services. As a pillar of the gender-equity community since 1925, YWCA St. John’s provides services, supports and advocacy in the areas of economic security and employment, leadership development, and empowerment of newcomers, youth and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Their programs address the material, social and economic needs in the community to advance gender equity. They have carved a vital place for intersectional feminism in action, delivering innovative programming to address gaps in services, honouring diverse community voices. This approach has resulted in one-of-a-kind programs such as LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Peer Support and Mentorship, Financial Empowerment, and a provincial childcare systems change project focused on accessible childcare for racialized and equity-deserving women and gender diverse people. They are guided by a “nothing about us without us” philosophy.
Project
YWCA St. John’s interest in housing aims to provide housing for women and gender-diverse people, prioritizing newcomer and single households led by women. They propose to develop a housing model that includes a regulated nonprofit childcare centre, addressing two cross-cutting systemic barriers impacting gender equity. Culturally responsive housing development does more than provide homes. The project directly responds to needs expressed by newcomers, thus addressing social inclusion and community engagement. Further, a childcare centre supports innovative and sustainable business practices in the building’s design and operational model.
In the Accelerator, they will
Strengthen board knowledge and engagement, strengthen staff knowledge, ensure a plan and options post-consultant work, and strengthen government relations to ensure the project continues to gain support.