Click any of the links:      GirlSpace information sheet        Junior GirlSpace information sheet      GirlSpace Registration Form 2009

THE GIRLSPACE VISION is to be a community leader committed to collaborative partnerships in the provision of accessible prevention, intervention and support programs and services for the enhancement of women's lives.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

♦  This program is funded by the City of Lethbridge Family and Community Support 
    Services (FCSS).

♦  GirlSpace is a national YWCA initiative and is presently expanding to offer   
    programming in other YWCAs across Canada.

♦  Through personal empowerment workshops and education about healthy  
    relationships, GirlSpace is working to reduce the occurrence of future violence 
    against women.

♦  Group leadership opportunities are available to girls once they turn 18.
 

In the girls’ own words…

“I love it here. It's the one thing that keeps me from wanting to turn 18.” “The most amazing people that are always here.  I love the way the leaders care about us and the positive environment.” “I enjoy meeting all the other girls and the fun things we do. The best thing about Girl’s Club is being able to talk about anything- from boys, to socks, to school, to chocolate. Girl’s Club rules!” "I remember the days we laughed so hard we couldn't stand. I remember the days when we cried. I remember how, no matter how difficult my life seemed at the time, I was able walk into that room and put it all behind me, even if it was only for two hours. I remember that every moment I spent in that room was free of the peer pressures and judgments that followed me every day in my classrooms and hallways."

" I learned how to respect myself and the other women around me. I learned to  love myself. I learned to love the person I used to be as well as the person I am growing into. I learned that you can not take care of anyone unless you take care of yourself first. I learned that we all have strengths, and weaknesses, and we need to accept each other for those. I learned that it is okay to cry, it is okay to be hurt, and it is okay to be angry. I also learned that from these emotions come strength. I learned that I am me, and I am okay. I am proud to say that I was a member of the YWCA Girl's Club. I am proud to say that I cried on the day I was too old to attend anymore. I am also proud to say that the YWCA Girl's Club has helped me define who I am and who I want to become. I am blessed with all of the connections and wonderful friends I have made within that building, that room, and in that group. I am also honoured to continue to be in contact with them. I hope, for the sake of girls everywhere, that this group continues far into the future."

In the words of parents and caregivers…

• “I am a single mother and I feel Girl's Club has provided my daughter with opportunities I would not have been able to offer her without your support, so thank you!” 
• “My daughter is continuing to mature into a very independent, intelligent young woman, and I know the time she has spent with Girl's Club has contributed to this.”
• “I think it's great that you get such a cross section of different girls from different areas of the city because it provides a nice mix. Girl's Club is a wonderful way to spend Friday afternoons because of the skills and knowledge the staff has to offer and I would recommend it to any parent. I like that it is run by such a young, energetic staff and that the girls are exposed to a female-oriented environment. It's about time that girls in the city had a program like this!”
  
  Contact Kristin for more information by phone at 329-0088 or by email at  kjarvie@ywcalethbridge.org