Tru is located at 24 Churchill Cres.  Phone Number: 519-207-4878 for more info.

Thank you TRU!!

The Model of Hope Home Journey is as follows;

Sunday April 14th from 11-1 at Cold Stone Creamy for the Kick Off where 10% of all sales will benefit the campaign.  Tru Hot Yoga will also be putting on a benefit class in support of the Keep A Roof Campaign on this date at 11am

Monday April 15 and Tuesday April 16 at Elgin Mall  9-5

Wednesday April 17 at Pizza Hut from 12 until 2

Friday April 19th at Wendy’s from 11-2 with .25 from every combo sold on Friday April 19th to benefit the Keep A Roof Campaign

Sunday April 21st Cold Stone Creamy where 10% of all sales will benefit the campaign

Monday April 22 and Tuesday April 23 at Elgin Mall  9-5

Thursday April 25th at Superstore from 10-3

For more information about out Keep A Roof Campaign, including how to become involved, donate, or learn more click here.

March 1, 2013 marks the nation’s first Day of Big Change. This is a Canada-wide day of action dedicated to empowering young women by celebrating their achievements and inspiring engagement. The day will be marked by random events held by different communities all over Canada.  This movement falls just before March 8^th, International Women’s Day, a time known for embracing the advancement of women.

YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin’s Y Act Up is taking the lead role for our community’s Day of Big Change. Newly formed, Y Act Up is an all-female group of youth dedicated to creating social change in the community of St. Thomas-Elgin. We are going to be celebrating the first ever Day of Big Change in our community by “being the change and paying it forward.”

Committee members will be “Paying it Forward” and delivering care packages to local agencies that serve individuals in need. The focus is on supporting women’s economic security in Elgin County by not only providing them with a care package but also information about economic awareness and the importance of equality and security.

“We are learning that economic security for women is really important.  In Elgin County, if not working, men are 23% more able to use savings and investments to access money than women. Women are using credit, loans or relying on a partner.  Women need their independence. This can mean the difference between freedom and safety;” remarks Michelle Gilbert, 22, Y Act Up member.

Y Act Up chose the topic of Economic Equality based on community need. The YWCA is taking the lead on the “Pathways to Prosperity” project, promoting economic security for women in St.Thomas and Elgin County.

“Financial and economic awareness for female youth is imperative. Girls need to be more aware of the impact of their education level on their earning potential, be aware of positive and negative sources of debt, be aware of politics, and strive for equality with men.  According to Stats Canada, 2006, Women are still only making approximately 71% of what men earn.  We have a long way to go, but we are committed to making change;” Gilbert concludes.

For more information about the Pathways to Prosperity Project or Y Act Up, please contact Lindsay Rice, at (519) 631-9800 ext.25

Stay tuned to our twitter @YWCAStThomas for updates!!!

“Cafe of the Senses”, a coffee house, poetry and art show February 7th from 7-10 p.m; organized by Y Act Up.*  We are featuring visual art and performers with a focus on making sure all women can have a strong voice in their community. Holly Painter, a well known spoken word artist from London, will be performing a few of her pieces for us during the night. Visit Holly Painter’s Facebook Page, find her on Twitter or visit her blog.

We would love to have any youth ages 16-29 with an interest in poetry, drama, singing, or acoustic music come out and perform. As well, any artists that are willing to put their artwork on display will be greatly appreciated.

If there are any youth interested in displaying their art or performing please have them RSVP to Jackie Anger at j.anger.ywca@gmail.com. All visual art pieces must be submitted to the YWCA by January 31st. All pieces must be clearly labelled with name and contact information. Performers will not be charged admission however, a small monetary donation to the YWCA would be appreciated. Posters for class circulation will be included. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Doors open at 6:30, starts at 7pm.  Admission prices are $3 in advance or with a canned food item for our housing programs, or $5 at the door. Get tickets in advance. Space is limited.

Click here to see our Cafe of the Senses Poster.

Y Act Up is a YWCA, all female, volunteer based, youth run advocacy group that is dedicated to making a positive change in the community.

Contact Jackie Anger for More information at j.anger.ywca@gmail.com or (519) 631-9800 ext.34

ywcaencore is a FREE 8-week program designed specifically for women who have experience breast cancer at any time in their lives.  Incorporating gentle exercises, relaxation techniques, information and support, it i safe, fun and therapeutic.

The exercise program has been designed by medical specialists to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment.  Gentle, but effective exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility while the warm water in the hydrotherapy sessions relieve affected muscles.  The classes provide an opportunity for women to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Participation is free, is by enrollment only, and medical approval is required.

New session runs January 21-March 18 (Closed Family Day).

To find out if ywcaencore is right for you, click here.

Contact the YWCA at (519) 631-9800 to register or for more information.