Supporting self-identified women for four-and-a-half decades, the Women's Centre of York Region continues to help individuals move toward a sustainable livelihood by providing unique programs and services.
Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed feminist approach, WCYR provides support and resources to all women on their journey toward empowerment.
“We try to address as many barriers as possible and believe that the more tools we are able to provide to women for positive change, the better,” said Liora Sobel, executive director of Women’s Centre of York Region.
These services include, but are not limited to, one-on-one counselling, skill development for life changes, financial empowerment and career-building programs.
“We do what we do because in order to address gender-based violence, we need a trauma-informed perspective. Women need support and someone to provide a trauma-informed and holistic approach,” said Sobel.
In 2021, WCYR kicked off its #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign with the goal of meeting the needs of women in the community experiencing violence or living in poverty.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, when domestic violence heightened, we asked the community to help us with items for women as everything went virtual and some did not have access to technology,” said Allison Hermann, director of development at the Women’s Centre of York Region.
From the teams’ efforts and community support, the #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign raised more than $5,000 in grocery gift cards, $24,064 toward winter clothing and toys for 166 women and children, launched a new community resource hub with updated digital referral pathways, launched a member portal that allows women to access online service tools and provided 30 Chromebooks ensuring women had accessible technology for their programs
Coming out of the pandemic, WCYR's continued the #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign with the goal of advocating and helping women regain their economic and social security that encourages sustainable livelihood.
“As long as women and children are being victimized, we are here and wish for the day no individual needs us anymore. Until that day comes, we will be here and show up for these women that need our support,” said Sobel.
“We have gratitude for the support we receive. With that support, we have been able to change so many lives over the years,” said Sobel.
To celebrate the organization’s admirable advocacy and effective programs, join WCYR on Oct. 27, 2022 as they bring together community partners, donors, volunteers and clients to celebrate the organization’s successes and milestones.
To attend the 45th anniversary celebration, please click here to purchase tickets and learn more about the event.
To make a donation to #HelpKeepHerSafe, click here.
To learn more about programs and services provided by Women's Centre of York Region, visit here.
You can also visit Women's Centre of York Region on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for more information.