YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin

09/11/2026

Back to school season is here! As your children settle into their new routines, new classrooms and meet new friends we invite you to consider our Fall Youth Programs to help your children build confidence, learn new skills and safety tips.

Check out our Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Courses and Home Alone Stay Safe!

Upcoming Babysitting Courses:
September 26 – YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin (register by Sept 14)
October 24 – Belmont Public Library (register by Oct 9)
November 14 – Dutton Public Library (register by Oct 30)
https://ywcaste.ca/red-cross-babysitting/

Upcoming Home Alone - Stay Safe! Courses:
October 17 – YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin (register by Oct 2)
November 21 – Aylmer Community Services (register by Nov 6)
https://ywcaste.ca/red-cross-stay-safe/

Spaces fill up fast! Don't delay!

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Today we had the honour of joining , the City of St. Thomas and members of the community to proclaim the start of Welcoming Week.

Welcoming Week is an annual opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate newcomers, build connections, and strengthen a welcoming, caring, and affirming St. Thomas and Elgin County.

Part of a broader national and international initiative, Welcoming Week recognizes the contributions of immigrants and newcomers while promoting inclusion, belonging, and stronger communities for all.

From September 10-19 across the county you will see events and activities reflecting ”Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect.”

Learn more about what's happening in your neighbourhood at https://ywcaste.ca/stelip-events-welcoming-week/

09/09/2026

Proud members Jeannine, Elizabeth and Ann of visited us on the first day of back to school to make this wonderful donation of $200 towards our Healthy Snack Program. We are so grateful for this contribution as we return to classrooms across 10 schools throughout St.Thomas-Elgin.

Community support such as this is made possible through responsible gaming with Jackpot Time .

09/08/2026

WE'RE HIRING! Seeking Program Assistant for Mitchell Hepburn Public School Before & After School Program.

If you are interested in becoming an Early Childhood Educator, we can help you! We can assist you in choosing the right post-secondary pathway to reach your goal, provide placement opportunities, and offer you valuable trainings and workshop opportunities to prepare you for your field!

Job type: Part-time
Wage range: $18.59-$22.14 per hour
Expected hours: 25 per week
Location: Mitchell Hepburn Public School

Applications accepted until Sept 15 >>> Apply Today! https://ywcaste.ca/2026/08/21/program-assistant-childcare-educator/

09/07/2026

SHARE THE WARMTH. STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY.

The YWCA Community Coat Drive presented by Hustle & Heart 94.1 myFM , Hometown St. Thomas Magazine / Boomers & Beyond ELGIN Magazine and Royal Containers is officially underway!

From Sept 7 to Oct 2, we’re collecting new and gently used winter coats and accessories for children, youth, and adults throughout St.Thomas and Elgin County and we need your help!

Last year, we welcomed 578 visitors and distribute 667 coats and this year, we’re aiming even higher - 800 coats and winter items!

You can help by donating:
❄ Winter coats
❄ Mittens & gloves
❄ Scarves
❄ Hats & toques
❄ New socks

Look for a YWCA Community Coat Drive collection box at participating Community Partner locations and help make sure our neighbours can face the colder months with warmth and dignity.

Check out our full list of Community Partner Drop-Off Locations at https://ywcaste.ca/ywca-community-coat-drive/

09/07/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: please be advised our offices will be CLOSED for Labour Day. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow when we open at 9am. Have a great day!

09/06/2026

Supporting workers will require more than wellness initiatives or organizational actions. Structural changes are needed to funding models, mental health programs, research initiatives and more. The Labour Force Strategy outlines actions that will lead to supports for workers, better service for survivors and long-lasting sustainability for the sector, for as long as GBV continues to exist.

When the foundation of workers is rooted in a supportive environment communities see the lasting impact and everyone experiences growth.

To learn more, read the Labour Force Strategy at https://endingviolencecanada.org/stronger-workers-stronger-survivors/