YWCA Halifax Renewal

YWCA Renewal Project

In 2003 the YWCA began an ambitious journey that would ignite the most dramatic period of change experienced by the organization in 75 years.

Supported by United Way, the ‘YWCA Renewal’ project aimed to fundamentally shift the YWCA to achieve a financially sound organization that was significantly advancing its mission. The YWCA Renewal Project included the development of:

• A comprehensive and ambitious strategic plan including guiding principles developed with broad stakeholder input,
• A thorough decision-making process to best use and leverage real property assets to advance mission

With sound strategic directions in place, the YWCA expanded programs exponentially in just two years - doubling the areas of service from fitness, residence, and childcare to include the delivery of employment, health promotion, and youth programs. Program growth was substantial because the YWCA focused programs that advanced its mission, and served families and women and young women at critical turning points in their lives. In addition, the YWCA conducted outreach to underserved areas through partnering with existing organizations. As a result, the new programs developed met a demonstrated community need, were based on a community outreach model, and would be delivered at multiple community-specific locations from Halifax and Cherrybrook to Spryfield, from Dartmouth to Sackville. It was recognized that the YWCA-owned building located on Barrington Street was underutilized and was increasingly a drain on the financial health of the organization.

For example, in 2001-2003, building and operational costs jumped by $79,000 – mostly as a result of dramatic increases in oil and insurance expenses. In 1999 a facility audit concluded that $1,234,300 was required to upgrade the building’s architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems by 2010 ($1.7 million by 2020). The YWCA board of directors realized that the future of the building needed to be addressed in order for the YWCA to achieve financial sustainability.

In the fall of 2004, the Halifax YWCA issued a request for proposals for the redevelopment, lease or sale of the building to public, private and non-profit organizations. Four expressions of interest were received, and over a period of several months the YWCA examined the best options for the organization. In August 2005, an agreement of purchase and sale was confirmed, and the YWCA implemented its change process that had been in development over several months.

Evolution: Renewal Taking Root

As part of the YWCA Renewal planning process, existing and planned programs and services were measured against guiding principles and fit with mission. The YWCA decided to divest itself of the fitness facilities, tourist accommodations, and student accommodations. The YWCA’s family and children’s programs, youth development, health promotion, and housing for formerly homeless women were evolved and transitioned to thrive in multiple program-specific locations.

With the sale of the building the YWCA eliminated its undesirable debt, leveraged assets to advance its mission, and fundamentally reorganized to ensure the delivery of effective programs that the community needs most.

As of November 10, 2005 the YWCA child care centre moved to Fort Massey United Church, a short distance from the original program location on Barrington Street. In addition to the program space, the location offers a full service kitchen and a gymnasium. This program location is a temporary location for two years while the YWCA reviews options for and confirms a permanent location for the centre.

Late in 2005 the YWCA head office is located at Bayer’s Road Shopping Centre. This location is easily accessible by bus, has plenty of free parking, and in centrally located within the Halifax area and our diverse program-specific locations. We are co-located with Mental Health Services, Addictions, and the Healthy Minds Cooperative to form a ‘Community Wellness Centre’. We are sharing space and resources, and collaborating to better serve our community.

Most importantly, since the sale of the former YWCA building in December 2005, YWCA programs have grown exponentially to better serve families, and women and young women at critical turning points in their lives. We are making a significant difference in the lives of those who need us the most.

We are deeply indebted to the work of YWCA volunteers and staff who made this dynamic transformation possible. On behalf of the community we serve – thank you.