YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Finalizes Historic Name Change to Match Organization’s Longstanding Dedication to Inclusivity

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Earlier this month, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg took a very important step to ensure its longstanding dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is reflected in all aspects of the organization.

Effective immediately, the organization’s legal name has been changed from Young Men’s & Young Women’s Christian Association of Winnipeg to YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. This change eliminates any acronyms from the name along with any reference to gender, age or religion.

“The Y is a welcoming place for all and although we rarely use our full legal name it’s still important that it reflects the true purpose of the organization,” said Cordella Friesen, President & CEO of YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg. “YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is an organization that promotes and celebrates diversity and we believe this change is significant for the diverse communities we serve every day.”

The name change is part of the organization’s recently released 2024-27 Strategic Plan, developed by YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Board of Directors over the past year. The plan reflects a bold vision for the organization and expanded roles in youth leadership development, community services, child care and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion within the community.

“Our vision is to be the heartbeat of community,” said Friesen. “One of the Y’s greatest strengths has been its ability to adapt to the needs of the time, which is why we’ve been around for almost 145 years here in Manitoba. We see the challenges so many people are facing in the community and we know the Y can be a big part of the solution.”

YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan was developed in consultation with close to one hundred key stakeholders and defines strategic priorities for the organization, which includes the $15 Million Heart of the City redevelopment plan for the Downtown YMCA-YWCA.

“Downtown Winnipeg is a great example of the Y bringing diverse communities together,” said Friesen. “The Downtown Y has served the downtown community for over 110 years and we know we’re needed now more than ever.”