YWCA Celebrates 125th anniversary with vintage photo shoot

(Updated)

The YWCA in Hamilton is celebrating 125 years of service tonight.

And right now, people are enjoying a turkey dinner at the MacNab location. It’s the culmination of a long day of celebration that began with the YWCA residents paying tribute to the organization’s legacy of help. Residents say the facility has given them a second chance at life.

The YWCA in Hamilton became a photo studio to allow residents to recreate images from a time when women sought shelter at the ‘Y’ under different circumstances,

Denise Doyle, CEO, YWCA Hamilton: “Most of the women at that time were primarily women who were getting into their first jobs they were new to Hamilton and they were looking for a place to call home.”

Over the last five years, the ‘Y’ has helped about 750 women. They come to escape domestic violence, homelessness, and addiction. The Y’s transitional living program helps the women get the support they need.

Elizabeth Ellis, resident: “Needed food, we need shelter, just like we did sixty years ago.”

Betty Ann, resident: “Build up my strengths so that I can go back out there, so I can live on my own and know what to do differently this time.”

These photos are meant to show that, no matter the decade, there’s always someone reaching out for help.

Denise Doyle: “Just because we didn’t have a program before, doesn’t mean there wasn’t a need. We need to help women and we need to show the community that there is needs out there.”

And it is appreciated.

Betty Ann: “I have to say yes, thank you, because it’s helping me to better myself. There’s a closeness here that you don’t get in normal places.”

Denise Doyle: “They wanted Hamiltonians to know what YWCA is doing to supply them with the necessary supports.”

The transitional living program helps women rebuild themselves so they can give back to the community. But for today, they’re giving back to themselves, with the star treatment.

Elizabeth Ellis: “It feels like I’m a princess and it’s very hard for me because I’m always the giver,

I never take time for myself and this gives me that time – knowing that I’m going to look very beautiful when I’m finished.”