About us

 
 

Women’s Centre of York Region (WCYR) started in 1977 under the business name of J&J Women’s Counselling. Aim for Change became the name of the services offered in the community.

In 1981, the organization received charitable status and in 1999, the organization officially changed its name to the Women’s Centre of York Region.

Our Vision:

Women thriving socially, emotionally, and economically

Our Mission:

Using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, feminist approach, we provide opportunities, support, and resources to women on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment

Our Values:

At the Women’s Centre of York Region, we are guided by the following values in all the work we do:

  • Inclusivity: We break down barriers and equalize the power imbalances to create a culture of respect and support that focuses on the individual needs of staff, volunteers, and people participating in our activities

  • Collaboration: We achieve great things by working together, embracing change and seeking possibilities

  • Innovation: We encourage learning, exploration, and creativity in those we support and ourselves

  • Empowerment: We support, trust, and empower staff, volunteers and people participating in our activities to develop the confidence in their individual talents and capabilities

WCYR recognizes and acknowledges that we operate on the traditional territories of the Wendat, Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. We acknowledge them as the original custodians of this land and recognize their enduring relationship with it. We commit to conducting business built on a foundation of trust and respect and acknowledge our shared responsibility to resect and care for these lands.

WCYR also acknowledges that not all people came to these lands as migrants and settlers, and not all people came here voluntarily. Some people of African descent came to North America involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands through the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery. We also acknowledge those of us who came here forcibly, and pay tribute to ancestors of African origin and descent..