"Liberated relationships are one of the ways we actually create abundant justice, the understanding that there is enough attention, care, resource, and connection for all of us to access belonging, to be in our dignity, and to be safe in community."
~ adrienne maree brown
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Provincial budget falls short of supporting gender equality
COVID-19 has exposed how decades of underfunding in housing, income security, child care, mental health and decent work conditions have left gaping holes in our social safety net and the support systems for women, girls and gender-diverse people — particularly individuals fleeing violence, on low and fixed incomes, with precarious immigration status, or with disabilities. With the November 5 budget announcement, the provincial government missed the mark and a significant opportunity to address systemic inequities and barriers to safety and well-being.
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Photo | Markus Spiske_unsplash |
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YWCA Toronto’s Early Learning Centre (ELC) reopened its doors in July after closing due to COVID-19. Since opening, it has continued to build capacity, says Karen Hipson, ELC Manager: “Today, we have successfully opened all five of our program rooms for a total of 29 spots out of 62. Our enrolment continues to be low as families are just not ready to return. Some families are successfully working from home while others have decided it is just not the right time yet.”
We are closely following all the health and safety guidelines set by the City and Province. ELC staff is working extra hard to plan and implement a quality program that promotes physical distancing and ensures an environment that feels safe and secure. “It has been a lot of work for the staff as they maneuver to plan and implement a program within the guidelines,” says Karen.
YWCA Toronto continues to advocate for a universal child care system that treats workers with dignity and ensures the highest level of care for children.
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Celebrate this challenging holiday season with a donation in support of women and girls most affected by COVID-19.
Consider a donation to the Adopt-A-Family Fund that provides gift cards to women and their families who are facing multiple challenges: COVID-19, violence in their homes, job losses and food insecurity. Your donation allows families to celebrate the holidays by helping buy gifts, clothing and food.
This year’s holiday season will be very different than years past. You may not be able to spend time with the people you love – but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate them. Honour your loved ones by making a donation in their name to YWCA Toronto in lieu of a holiday gift. Your generous gift will support women and girls in communities most impacted by COVID-19.
Thank you so much and happy holidays!
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Photo | Courtesy of Trans Pulse Canada
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“Overwhelmingly, racialized respondents reported high levels of discrimination, violence and assault, as well as anticipated and actual negative experiences with police and the legal system.”
Earlier this month saw the release of the second Trans PULSE report, which highlights the state of health and well-being for racialized trans and non-binary people living in Canada. Take some time to read the report and share the results.
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Photo | Courtesy of Toronto Foundation |
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The Toronto Foundation’s new Fallout Report reveals the true cost of COVID-19 and the disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities across the city such as racialized people, seniors, and women.
As highlighted in the report, “Racialized Canadians, younger Canadians, and those with disabilities are struggling the most with making ends meet.”
Find out more and create an action plan to make a change in your community today!
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Photo | Courtesy of Daily Bread Food Bank |
“By June, food bank visits in Toronto had increased by 22% compared to the year prior, and by August that number had grown by a staggering 51%.”
The Daily Bread Food Bank and North York Harvest Food Bank released their annual "Who's Hungry" report. The report underscores the impact of COVID-19 on food security in Toronto and includes action items all of us can participate in to make the city a safer place for residents experiencing food insecurity.
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Today, on Trans Day of Remembrance, we remember all trans and gender-diverse people lost to transphobic violence. Trans people are more likely to experience discrimination in employment and housing, and violence at home, in public, and in medical settings. Today, we recommit to supporting the lives and rights of trans people in our communities and to standing up against oppression wherever we see it.
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YWCA Toronto operates in communities that stand on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to share peacefully and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.
Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the home to many Indigenous people and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this territory as we strive to build a more equitable and just city for all residents.
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