Empowering Change: Launching WCYR’s 2024 #HelpKeepHerSafe Campaign
In 2024, the Women's Centre of York Region (WCYR) continues its unwavering commitment to supporting women who face gender-based violence and socioeconomic barriers such as poverty. Our #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign is not just a hashtag; it's a movement, a promise, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the women we serve.
Last year, WCYR made a significant impact, serving more than 700 women, each with their own journey towards healing and success. This year, we aim to broaden our reach and deepen our impact with the #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign. Alongside supporting our free services including our counselling, economic development, financial literacy, life skills and mental health programming, the campaign also addresses immediate needs such as:
Transportation Assistance: Ensuring women can safely access services and basic needs. In 2023, WCYR distributed 311 free transit fares totaling $1207 in transportation assistance.
Grocery Cards: Alleviating food insecurity. WCYR allocated $5,620 in grocery gift cards in 2023.
Employment Support: Offering assistance to remove barriers to employment, such as clothing, transportation, and technology. In 2023, we provided $2,800 in clothing gift cards for women to purchase interview clothing.
Childcare: Allowing mothers to focus on their personal development while their children are cared for.
Technology Support: Offering Chromebooks to bridge the digital divide and open doors to education and employment.
"I understand how to spend money and what for. Necessity vs wants vs investment like education and taking out a loan to go back to school. Thank you for the fantastic program.” - 2023 Financial Empowerment participant
In 2023, community partners and donors who supported the campaign enabled us to make a significant impact!
Making Changes life-skills and mental health program served 300 women and ran 34 groups.
Enterprising Careers exploration program served 109 women, delivered 15 group cycles and provided 11 career-related seminars.
Financial Empowerment budgeting and financial management program served 121 women, delivered 15 group cycles, and provided 7 financial seminars.
The WCYR Counselling team supported 235 women and provided 1518 hours of counselling in both individual and transitional counselling.
The First Step Program served 97 women, supporting them in accessing our programs, navigating social services, and providing economic readiness support.
Winter Warmth provided 157 women and children with $15,615.00 in gift cards to purchase food, toys and winter clothing for the holidays and colder months.
“I was in an abusive relationship, and this course made me realize that I do not deserve this. I did not feel worthy and I do now. I am on my way to a better me.” - 2023 Making Changes participant
Why we need your help today:
In September 2023, as reports of intimate partner violence surged, gender-based violence was declared an epidemic in York Region alongside 94 other municipalities. Concurrently, Ontario witnessed a staggering 62 femicides that year, contributing to the national crisis where femicide occurred every 48 hours in Canada.
Shockingly, 94 – 99% of survivors who experienced intimate partner violence endured financial abuse, while 86% of survivors were ordered to quit work, which led to further isolation and financial dependence. Many women are left with long-term economic consequences such as debt, poor credit, lost jobs and diminished self-esteem, affecting their ability to work.
This harrowing reality intertwines with the mental health challenges faced by women in our community. With instances of domestic violence escalating by 30% and mental health significantly declining, the need for comprehensive support services is undeniable.
WCYR's programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals facing diverse barriers that intersect with their experiences of gender-based violence by adopting a trauma-informed, intersectional approach to ensure participants are listened to, supported and assisted in overcoming obstacles to success and freedom from abuse. Our programs fill a critical gap by not only providing participants with the opportunity to learn and practice vital life skills but also by increasing their self-esteem within an empowering environment.
You can help!
“I attended your Enterprising Career sessions last year and I am excited to tell you I found a job that was exactly what I was looking for. My new job is providing writing feedback to university students and business people. It utilizes my degree in English and I am really enjoying it. It is also flexible hours and remote which is what I need at this time. I just wanted to thank you for your help and for giving me the confidence to find a job that I am trained for, but also that I enjoy. I was nervous about starting over at 50, but the program helped me feel not so alone and gave me the confidence I needed.” – Enterprising Careers Program Participant.
The #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign is more than just a call for donations; it’s a call to action. By supporting WCYR, you're not just giving aid; you’re giving hope, opportunity, and empowerment. With your help, we can serve more women, reach women in isolation, reduce barriers such as childcare or transportation, and provide additional programming to set women up for success.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of women in York Region. Together, we can help keep her safe, supported, and successful.
To donate to the #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign online, please visit our campaign page here. Your support can transform lives and create a ripple effect of positive change in our community.
If you are a business looking to make a difference in our community, please contact Allison Hermann, Director of Development, to discuss a tailored partnership today.
“I needed help, but I didn't know who to turn to. I lost my job at the beginning of the pandemic, and I was forced into isolation with a partner whom I feared. Without the autonomy of an income, I had nowhere to go. I felt hopeless and scared. After seeing an ad on social media for employment support, I called the Women’s Centre of York Region. That one call changed my life. I had hopes and dreams that I felt I could not achieve. Through the process of counselling I began to realize that I could achieve my dreams, rather it was the emotional abuse from my partner that was holding me back. I began to work on myself and felt empowered to set my own boundaries and take charge of my life. While it was a very difficult time, the staff at the Women’s Centre helped me through each step. I was able to leave my relationship and find a safe place to live. I was given a laptop to join the Enterprising Careers Program and I began to explore new career options and ways I could follow my dreams. I was looking for a new job but instead, I found myself.” – Counselling & Enterprising Careers Participant.