When YW Calgary launched a book in 2010, detailing the first 100 years of its history in the city, it was a milestone for the organization that seeks to empower women.

That book’s success spurred a desire for the YW to add another chapter for the next 10 years—but a little thing called the global pandemic hit in 2020 and those plans had to be, to turn a phrase, shelved.

Instead, the YW created a 15-year update book entitled Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives, which is both a history of the charity and of Calgary.

Sue Tomney, CEO of YW Calgary, said that history is not only integral to the work that the YW is doing today, but also for the future work that the charity will perform over the next century.

“To mark this milestone of 115 years and have a book that we can look to and learn from that history and continue to evolve, is is super important to us, and it’s been a labor of love, and it’s a great celebration to have it finished,” she said.

“If you think back the last 15 years, not only the work that YW has done, but there was a lot going on. We had the flood, we had a global pandemic, and then we had the work that the Y was doing, selling our old building, building a new one. It’s been a busy 15 years.”

Tomney said having a record of one’s own history allows that same history to work as a guide.

“When I’m thinking what was happening, then what do I need to go back to? Again, there’s just something to be said for that feel of history in your hand,” she said.

That reflection came up in Tomney’s speech to YW staff and supporters, where she said that history allows them to look back and learn, and to be more accountable to future generations.

“With deep respect for the women who shaped its early decades, the organization’s legacy is one of perseverance, care and support built with dedication by individuals who responded to the needs of their time. And yet, as time has moved on, the organization has come to recognize that its history is complex,” she said.

“Many of the programs, partnerships and institutional approaches established during YWCA’s first century were informed by prevailing philosophies that did not serve everyone equally. YWCA of Calgary does not seek to erase its history nor excuse it; the organization acknowledges that some of its past actions, no matter how well intentioned at the time, contributed to pain and suffering.”

Tomney said the new book and the lessons therein allowed for the YW to be smarter, wiser, stronger, and better for the women of Calgary.

“If you look at the last 15 years, I think it tells a real story of resilience. When we think about the flood, you think about the pandemic, and it tells the story of how YW responded, but it’s as much talking about how Calgary responded,” she said.

“So, I really feel like, not only do you learn about the work that we do, but it’s also a piece that talks about, as I said, the wonderful resilience of Calgarians and how we persevere and move on and continue to thrive.”

Creating Cornerstones and Transforming Lives will be available through the YW Calgary website, with plans to also get it into the collections of local libraries.