Our Mission Established for over 100 years, the mission of the YWCA of Banff is empowering women, girls and our community through leadership development, advocacy and the provision of relevant programming and services. The YWCA of Banff works with women, children and men to make positive changes to break the pattern of violence and find recovery and wellness. Our priorities are working to end violence against women and girls; social advocacy for the rights of women and girls; advancing the leadership development of women and girls in our organization and community; poverty reduction through affordable housing options; financial sustainability through social enterprise.The YWCA of Banff provides counseling services, shelter services for women and children fleeing domestic violence and works within local schools to encourage healthy relationships from a young age. When women and children live in fear, it impacts our entire community.Our other area of focus is Affordable Housing. Lack of affordable housing in the Bow Valley is a social and economic issue that affects everyone in the community. The YWCA of Banff is one of the few facilities in the area offering permanent residence for men and women who work in the local service industry.