WOMEN'S CENTRE OF YORK REGION
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Mission Statement
Our mission is using a strengths-based, trauma-informed feminist approach, we provide opportunities, support and resources to all persons who identify as women on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
About This Cause
We all create ripples daily. At Women’s Centre of York Region (WCYR) we witness those ripples every day on our clients and in our community. We know that when we help a woman regain self-esteem and control in her life, the impact goes far beyond her. Her children, workplace and community family feel the positive ripple and in turn create their own – her daughter does better at school with a full stomach and an eager mind. Her employer benefits from her focused effects in the workplace. Her community benefits from her renewed participation. Our ability to start that first ripple begins with support and financial contributions from individual and corporate donors. ABOUT US: Since 1977, WYCR has offered a safe place where women can get the support to build self-esteem, the tools to develop a plan of action, and the opportunity to build the skills they need to help themselves and their families. We assist women from all backgrounds and cultures in York Region in building confidence and skills, helping them transition from hopelessness to possibility. Women’s Centre of York Region’s vision is for all women thriving personally, socially, and economically. WHO WE SERVE: Your mom, sister, daughter, aunt, friend, neighbour or co-worker might need our services. Any woman 18+ in need has access to our programs regardless of their location, income, etc., all women are welcome and will be supported. By the numbers, the women who come to WCYR have reported: Average age of our client is 44 65% are mothers and 21% are single mothers with children under the age of 18 58% report challenges with their emotional and/or mental health 50% report financial stress 40% are low income (by York Region standards) and 40% are a receipt of social assistance, often as a result of life changes when they left an abusive relationship 29% are dependent on family or spouses to make ends meet 27% are dealing with emotional abuse 22% report social isolation “WCYR is a safe place to talk about my insecurities and not be ridiculed and learn how to take my power back and how to stand up and communicate with people” – Program Participant OUR APPROACH WCYR takes a preventative, multi-dimensional approach to assist women to move away from poverty and domestic violence toward a sustainable livelihood. Our programs are not a band-aid solution; we provide evidence-based skill-building programs using the Canadian Women's Foundation's Sustainable Livelihood Framework as our theory of change. We operate with a feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist framework; a holistic ensure a client-centred approach to interventions and care, are taken at each step of the women’s journey. We meet each woman right where she is and provide services at her pace. OUR PROGRAMS COUNSELLING Transitional and Housing Support Counselling provides women with both emotional and practical support to ensure they (and their children) leave an abusive relationship safely. We assist women exposed to physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, spiritual and/or financial abuse (from partners, significant others and could include caregivers or another immediate family/household members). Women coming to WCYR seeking Transitional Support Housing Counselling are at high risk for violence and the need for support is immediate. Further to what the Canadian Women’s Foundation reports, we know that if we can ensure women can leave safely and with stable housing supports arranged, they are less likely to fall down the slippery slope to poverty. Thus, we address the needs of women who face barriers these barriers to leaving – food supports and access to legal, housing, and financial supports. Individual Counselling is for women who experienced violence, domestic or otherwise, helping them regain confidence and work towards a sustainable livelihood, free from abuse. GROUP PROGRAMMING Enterprising Careers is a career exploration program that can help you prepare for and find rewarding employment opportunities. We help you take the first steps to become “job-ready” by showing how to access your current skills, make informed decisions about career paths, and perhaps considering going back to school. We offer individual support alongside group sessions where you can explore your inner self and feel empowered to make life and career decisions. Learn from other women just like you, and about community resources that are available to support you along your journey. Financial Empowerment is a six-week women's group that teaches financial literacy. Topics during the six weeks include budgeting, lowering and managing expenses, credit scores and reports, debt management, saving and investing, fraud protection and creating a financial plan. Participants complete the course with a financial goal and an action plan to reach their goals. Additionally, a completion certificate and grocery assistance in the form of grocery gift cards are provided upon completion to kick-start their budget. Making Changes serves marginalized low- and moderate-income women 18+ from across York Region who are at different stages on the Sustainable Livelihood continuum. Most women seeking our help have experienced abuse (physical, emotional or financial or a combination), have limited income, have low participation rates in the labour market, are unemployed or experience other barriers that make it difficult for them to contribute to their communities and live their lives to full potential. Many women are sole-support mothers, trying to ensure they have the means to provide for their families or are newcomers to our Region. Our services are offered at no charge; making them accessible to all women. Women's Centre of York Region helps women facing various barriers develop the skills required to move out of poverty toward prosperity. Without the necessary skill-building tools, the cycle of violence and poverty will never end for the woman or her children. When you help a woman at WCYR, you are also helping stop the cycle of violence as she will be able to demonstrate healthy examples - about what healthy relationships look like, how to respect others and have others respect you, how to find a career they're passionate about and how to properly and independently, manage finances. You too can help stop the cycle and Help Keep Her Safe.