CFLSA

A Great Place to be

An underused space fill of dead grass, weeds, and old playground equipment has become an inviting and interesting lush green space with colourful new playground equipment, a playhouse, rumbling waterfall, bright flowers, and park benches. With a grant from the Lethbridge Community Foundation, as well as donations and hours of volunteer work from others, the side yard at the YWCA has been transformed into a serenity garden. "It took two years of dreaming, planning and building," said Diana Sim, Partnerships Manager. "The children and adults alike just love it. It is so great to see the smiles on all their faces. The garden has gone far beyond what I ever imagined."

"It may not seem like much, but that serenity garden has made a real difference for the people we serve." The space is now used by the children in the drop-in daycare, and the school children have planted a vegetable garden. "Their teacher finds it a great teaching tool." Clients enjoy a quiet visit in the shade and residents have a place for communal barbecues and socials. "Everyone takes pride in it and the garden has literally added a room to their home."

The YWCA serves about 23,000 people a year and provides an amazing array of services, including a daycare, neighbourhood play program, health and fitness centre, youth programs, safe shelter for women and children, women's residence, and crisis line.