YW Thrift boutique

A New Chapter for YW Career Services

After many years serving the Kitchener-Waterloo community, the YW Thrift Boutique will close its doors to the public on August 13, 2026 with our lease ending August 31.

This isn’t a step back from social enterprise — it’s a shift in focus. Moving forward, YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo is putting our full energy into what we do best: trauma-informed programming for the women, families, and gender diverse people we serve.

And there’s good news alongside this change. We’re partnering with Retail Therapy, a Kitchener-based thrift and resale organization that shares our commitment to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence. Participants in our YESS training program will continue to gain hands-on employment experience — now alongside a partner who deeply understands why this work matters.

The store is closing. Our mission is not.

We’re so grateful to everyone who has shopped, donated, and volunteered with us over the years.

Come say hello and continue shopping with purpose at Retail Therapy, 1668 King St. E., Kitchener.

Thank you for being part of our story.