These
three terms were used in the November 9, 1963 issue of the Lethbridge Herald to describe the ‘types’ of women and girls who had been
utilizing the YWCA’s lodging accommodations. The article
referencing these “disturbed” tenants titled “Delegates Express Concern YWCA’s
Concept is Being Hurt,” discussed the endangerment of the YWCA’s reputation
brought on by the unwanted visitors.
 | ||
| The "troubled" tenants made the Lethbridge Herald on November 9, 1963. |
The issue
of the “troubled” visitors was first raised at the YWCA’s 70th
Annual Meeting in Toronto. The Herald
article covers the delegates concern over what parents in their communities may
think about the questionable tenants temporarily residing at the place that is
supposed to act as “a home away from home for young daughters.”
The
article continues to outline the concerns of the YWCA delegates such as, the
decreasing age of their tenants, the increasing frequency that these “troubled”
women were seeking shelter at the “Y”, and the “problem of the teenage mother.”
The article and the YWCA’s meeting topic, while revealing the discrimination
against the unwanted tenants, illuminates the YWCA’s focus on strengthening
their community. For example, when investigating teen mothers the “Y” was
concerned with how they could include these young women into the community, as
they were outcast by their peers and too young for other parent groups.
 |
| The original YWCA building on 8th Street South was demolished in the early 1980s to make room for a new YWCA building. The new YWCA building is still in use today. Galt Archives - 19752203012 |
The
YWCA’s focus on community (no matter how idealized it may have been) was
celebrated by the City of Lethbridge frequently since its opening in 1949.
Many times during the 1950s the City designated an entire week to celebrate the
YWCA’s commitment to community. The Lethbridge Herald covered the proclamation
of National YWCA week by the Mayor in 1957 and 1959.
The
YWCA’s commitment to the community continues today through their many programs
targeting women and girls issues in Lethbridge. Most recently the YWCA has
started a project that will promote student safety on university and college
campuses. The YWCA will be working closely with the Women’s Centre at the
University of Lethbridge and will be soliciting student input at the U
of L to develop a plan to prevent violence against women on campus.
This YWCA received $195,892 in November, 2012 from the federal ministry of the
Status of Women to fund this project. You can find more information about the YWCA's current programs here.
By Karissa Patton
By Karissa Patton
Karissa
Patton is a fourth-year History major at the University of Lethbridge who is
interested in Southern Alberta Women’s History. This spring she is the archives
assistant social media contributor for the Galt Museum & Archives, earning
Applied Studies credit while sharing stories uncovered in the archives
