YWCA Calgary

Review of the YWCA of Calgary

(June 2005 – December 2008)

The YWCA of Calgary has embarked on building a new strategic direction which involves clarifying its position within the array of Calgary community services, reviewing current program structures, and making recommendations on program integration.  The review process includes interviews, focus groups and other meetings with YWCA stakeholders and staff and will culminate in recommendations for internal changes required. In 2006 the review moved into a new “Accountability Review” phase.  This portion of the work included a review of accountability practices in all YWCA programs, identification of areas of priority for accountability development and program renewal, developing logic models and outcome evaluation frameworks for each program and producing outcome evaluation reports. As each program renewal and evaluation is completed, reports are written, including data analysis and recommendations for program changes.

Evaluation of the Speaking for Themselves Program

(April 2005 – April 2007)

Speaking for Themselves children’s lawyer project represents a partnership between the Children’s Legal and Educational Resource Centre (CLERC) and YWCA Sheriff King Home Children’s Clinical Services.  The vision of this project is to enhance the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of children exposed to domestic abuse by providing them with an opportunity to have their voices heard in high conflict custody and access cases. The evaluation is comprised of both process and summative components and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches.