Programs at The W

SHYFT

Learn More

SHYFT

SHYFT is a 12 to 15-week program for youth ages 8 to 12. SHYFT is offered in a mixed-gender environment and separately to cis and trans girls, non-binary and two-spirit youth.

SHYFT is rooted in our confidence in youth’s abilities to change the world around them. This program provides opportunity for discussion and action, by allowing participants to make sense of what they are experiencing externally and feeling internally. This program covers topics like body image, self-esteem, media and pop culture literacy, gossip, social justice and action.

The goal of SHYFT is to foster critical thinking skills and provide outlets for participants to create their own social-justice based media-arts projects. The program has proven not only to positively affect those who participate, but their amazing projects have been shared with and impacted the entire community.

In the past, participants have collaborated to make social change through graffiti art, self-love space take-overs, post card campaigns and video projects. 

Register for SHYFT

Participant

My Story →
"SHYFT is open. I don't hold things back now. I'm more expressive than I was in the beginning. I am usually a really shy person and I find it hard to talk to new people. That's changed for me." - Male-identified participant, age 11

Participant

My Story →
"I learned that it's okay that I am quiet. I learned that I have really great things to share sometimes and I should do that more. I also realize now that just because I am quiet doesn't mean that you should underestimate me." - Participant, age 11

Participant

My Story →
"I like that here I can trust people. I don't always feel safe in class to share what I really think or feel. Here with other girls in the space we made, I know I can." - Participant, age 10

Participant

My Story →
"This group was a place where I can say feelings without being judged." - Male-identified participant 10

Are you an educator interested in bringing SHYFT to your school?

To learn more about the benefits of having SHYFT programming in your school, please contact thew@ywcacambridge.ca

SHYFT is funded by the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation.  

Other Programs

YWCA Cambridge Provides Supportive, Inclusive And Participant-Led Programs For Cis And Trans Women And Girls, Non-Binary And Two-Spirit Individuals.

TechGyrls

In this unique program, participants have the opportunity to explore, design, create and share all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! Absolutely no skill or knowledge level is necessary to participate.

STEM Mentoring

Rooted in the belief that girls cannot be what they cannot see, STEM Mentoring is about more than just building girls interest in skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), it’s about building strong, healthy relationships with other girls and mentors (who just so happen to be amazing women working in our community in the STEM field)!

Safe Sisters

Rooted in the philosophy of holistic safety, Safe Sisters encourages participants to make healthy choices in all areas of their lives, empowering them to take an active role in creating safe environments for themselves.

Get In Touch

Have a Question Or Need Assistance?

If you have a question about YWCA Cambridge, our programs or events, or simply want to get involved, please give us a call or send us an email.

Contact Us

Address: 55 Dickson Street, Cambridge, Ontario, N1R 7A5

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays & holidays: closed

Tel: (519) 267-6444 
Main Email: info@ywcacambridge.ca

W Programming Email: thew@ywcacambridge.ca

Shades’s Mills Camp Email: camp@ywcacambridge.ca

WIGG Email: wigg@ywcacambridge.ca

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