YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin

We're excited to share the proposed slate of candidates for YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin's Board of Directors for the 2026/27 term! This diverse group of community leaders brings expertise in law, finance, human resources, social services, business, governance, and community engagement, all united by a commitment to empowering women, youth, and families across our region.

We are grateful to both our returning directors (Helen Button, Natalie Huston, Surbhi Chaturvedi, Rachel Honsinger, Mackenzie Jackson, Tori Taylor, Aurora Alcocer, Melinda Bole, and Sarah Pimlatt) and new nominees who have stepped forward to help guide the future of our organization. New nominees, Denise Philpott, Jade Antone, and Arshia will be presented for approval by the membership at our Annual General Meeting on June 18.

Learn more about the proposed slate: https://ywcaste.ca/2026/06/04/proposed-slate-of-board-of-directors-2026-2027/

WE'RE HIRING!

YWCA is currently seeking School Age Childcare Manager who plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and compliant licensed school age childcare programs across St. Thomas-Elgin. This position oversees program operations, staffing, licensing compliance, quality assurance, and family and community partnerships, while supporting safe, responsive, and engaging environments for children and families.

Applications accepted until June 21. Learn more about this unique role, qualification requirements and how you could contribute to the growth and development of childcare in Elgin County.

Visit for more details >>> https://ywcaste.ca/2026/06/02/school-age-childcare-manager/

PUBLIC NOTICE: please be advised our main office is CLOSED today (Fri, May 29) as our staff participate in a staff development program offsite. Our office will reopen on Mon, June 1 at 9am. Have a lovely weekend!

DID YOU KNOW....through the generosity of local businesses and service groups 2,811 visitors were able to cool off, learn new water safety skills and have fun with family and friends free of charge during our 2025 free swim days.

Sponsoring YWCA's Summer Public Swim at the Outdoor Pool in the is a cost-effective opportunity to support healthy family recreation in our community, while at the same time promoting your business.

Do you own a local business? Consider becoming a Make a Splash Sponsor today! Learn more about sponsorship benefits at https://ywcaste.ca/aquatics/

What's cookin' in St.Thomas for the month of June?

Have you applied for Canadian citizenship?
Do you need help preparing for the test?

Our Settlement Services, YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin would like to invite you to our Citizenship Information Sessions that will begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

The goal of the information sessions is to provide assistance to Permanent Residents who are looking to apply for Canadian citizenship and need help preparing for the citizenship test. Each session will cover different information found in the “Discover Canada” Study Guide. "Discover Canada" is the official study guide from the Government of Canada. Copies of the guide will be available at the session. You can also download the book or listen online.

Together, we will learn:

> Eligibility requirements and required documents for Canadian citizenship
> Overview of the citizenship application process
> Key topics from Discover Canada, including Canadian history, rights and responsibilities, government, and geography
> Practice questions and citizenship test preparation
> Helpful study tips and learning strategies

Session Details:

📅 When: Wednesdays from June 17 to July 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Where: YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, 16 Mary Street West, St. Thomas

If you are interested in joining the Citizenship Information Sessions, you must register. To register, complete our registration form >>> https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=4CWJTOgrh0-zWpYpfBsS_i1elnzYPF9HuhgDXglaZ3ZUOUI0SlFOQzg5QzE0SVNCWUJRTkhGRVE4WC4u&route=shorturl

If you need help registering or have any questions, please Call 519-280-5028 or email [email protected]

Space will be limited. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
You must be a Permanent Resident of Canada to participate in the sessions.

DATE CHANGE: Lifejacket Day is now Sunday, May 24!

Due to the weather forecast, Lifejacket Day at Lake Margaret has been moved to Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Lake Margaret/Jim Waite Park in St. Thomas.

Join the Elgin County Drowning Prevention Coalition for a free, family-friendly afternoon focused on water safety. Families are invited to stop by, meet local community partners, and learn simple, practical ways to stay safe in, on, and around the water. The afternoon will include lifejacket fittings, safe boating tips, lifesaving equipment demonstrations, kids’ activities, prize giveaways, and opportunities to support local drowning prevention initiatives. Doug Tarry Homes is proud to support this important community event alongside the City of St. Thomas, St. Thomas Fire Department, St. Thomas Police Service, and Elgin County Emergency Management Services.

When it comes to water safety, the message is simple: choose it, use it, wear it.

Happy to have Home Tight Air Sealing part of this innovative build!

Thank you so much for your ongoing support to affordable housing in Elgin County! 💙

We are proud to share all 2 and 3 bedroom units have been sponsored to be furnished and we just have 9 - 1 bedroom units available for sponsorship at $5,000 each.

Railway City Rotary members were pleased to present $6000 to the YWCA Tiny Hope project to help furnish a 2 bedroom home. It’s exciting to see the progress of this awesome project. By the end of summer, all 40 homes will be filled. Incredible team work on all levels made this dream come true. Donations are still needed to furnish 2 bedroom homes ( $6000) and 3 bedrooms ( $7000). This includes the appliances and all furnishings, giving families a safe place to live. If you can donate please consider this project to help YWCA reach this goal.

A huge thank you to our YWCA Laughter Squad of over 20 staff and volunteers who brought the design, decor and magic to Spring into Laughter 2026!