Keeping Her Safe, Supporting Her Future: WCYR's 2025-2026 Year in Review

Behind every statistic is a woman striving for a safer, more hopeful future. For some, that means finding the courage to seek support; for others, it’s taking steps toward independence or building a more stable life for their children. In 2025-2026, the Women's Centre of York Region (WCYR) supported 1,192 individuals and reached 7,206 community members across York Region. Those numbers are not just figures—they are lives changed, families strengthened, and futures reclaimed. Each one reflects a journey of courage, resilience, and the unwavering support of a community that believes anything is possible.

Counselling That Makes Room for Healing

Women who come to WCYR bring their own strengths, experiences, and goals—often while navigating challenges such as violence, housing insecurity, financial hardship, caregiving responsibilities, and complex systems. Our counselling program recognizes that healing looks different for everyone and unfolds at its own pace. This year, 312 participants accessed counselling in a supportive environment where their choices, experiences, and individual journeys were met with dignity, respect, and care.

One participant described what that support meant to her: "The counselling sessions provided me with a greater sense of self-love and self-respect. To stand up to those around me who do not respect my boundaries and let go of the guilt that I was taught to associate with saying no."

Making Changes for Women

Healing and growth flourish alongside others who understand. Through WCYR’s Making Changes program, 488 participants strengthened life skills, built confidence, and formed meaningful connections—reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. For women navigating trauma, major life transitions, violence, or financial hardship, the program offers a supportive community where strengths are recognized, new possibilities are explored, and steps toward personal goals are celebrated. With its holistic approach, Making Changes acknowledges the deep connection between emotional well-being, employment readiness, and life stability—empowering participants to work toward greater independence and a brighter, more secure future.

"I feel more empowered, happy and relieved," one participant shared. "I am no longer scared to stand up for myself."

Economic Security as a Path to Independence

Financial stability can open the door to greater independence, choice and freedom, especially for women navigating economic abuse or other barriers to safety and security. Through WCYR’s Investing in Women’s Futures program, 431 participants took steps toward employment, education and greater economic security. Financial Empowerment helped participants strengthen their financial knowledge and make informed decisions about budgeting, credit, debt and benefits, while Exploring Careers supported women in recognizing their strengths and setting goals for education, training and employment. Together, these programs help women build the skills, confidence and financial foundation to pursue new opportunities and shape a future on their own terms.

One participant said WCYR "provided me with tangible tips on how I can manage my money," and that the program "allowed me to feel as though I can gain control of my financial situation and save enough to prepare for my future." Another shared: "Through this program I was able to gain a better understanding of myself and recognize which of my values and skills are important."

Housing Support

Safe, stable housing provides the foundation women need to rebuild a sense of security, regain independence, and plan for the future. This year, 84 participants received housing support through WCYR as they navigated complex challenges and explored pathways to greater stability. Having a safe place to call home creates space to focus on personal well-being, support children, pursue employment or education, and make empowered decisions about what comes next. We continue to strengthen and expand our housing support, recognizing that access to a stable home opens the door to greater choice, opportunity, and hope.

Support That Reaches Beyond Our Doors

When traumatic events shake a community, timely, local support is essential. Through the Traumatic Incident Response Protocol (TIRP), WCYR and its partners—Routes Connecting Communities, York Regional Police, and York Region—reached 6,024 community members in Newmarket, Georgina, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan. In the aftermath of shootings, stabbings, and other crises, TIRP connected residents with trauma-informed support, safety planning, referrals, and vital community resources when they needed them most.

Youth Prevention Programs

Prevention begins by equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to build healthy, respectful relationships. WCYR’s youth programs explore topics like healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and self-esteem—helping young people recognize their rights, make informed choices, and develop skills that support long-term safety and well-being. By bringing these programs directly into schools and shelters, we reach youth who might otherwise face barriers to accessing support. These early opportunities for learning and connection lay the groundwork for safer relationships and stronger, more resilient communities.

Making Changes for Men

This year, we also launched men's groups focused on relationship patterns, emotional regulation and accountability. Engaging men and boys is an important part of broader efforts to prevent gender-based and intimate partner violence. We also enhanced our seniors programming to address elder abuse, including abuse within intimate partner relationships.

Celebrating Women Who Lead

In May 2026, WCYR hosted its second annual Celebrate HER gala, uniting donors, partners, community leaders, staff, and volunteers to honour the strength, resilience, and leadership of women across York Region. The evening raised $37,000 to support WCYR’s programs and services—helping women overcome barriers, build independence, and create brighter futures. As the gala continues to grow, it is becoming a cherished tradition, transforming community connection into lasting change.

In October 2026, WCYR launched Women Leading Change, our inaugural magazine celebrating ten inspiring women leaders whose work is making a difference across York Region. Their stories highlight the power of leadership, determination, and community to create meaningful change. The publication also advances WCYR’s mission through #HelpKeepHerSafe, our annual awareness and fundraising campaign, which addresses gender-based violence and supports women and families facing barriers to safety, stability, and independence. By celebrating women’s achievements while raising awareness of the challenges others continue to face, Women Leading Change reflects WCYR’s commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more equitable community for all women.

Winter Warmth: Comfort for the Winter Season

As the cold months settle in and the holidays draw near, many women and children in our community face a very different season—one marked by struggle rather than celebration. For families living in poverty or escaping abuse, even the basics, like warm clothing, groceries, and small gifts, can feel out of reach. In 2025, thanks to generous donors and community partners, Winter Warmth provided over $22,000 in grocery and retail gift cards, warm winter clothing, and holiday gifts to approximately 175 women and children.

More than just meeting basic needs, Winter Warmth offers families the dignity of choice and a reminder that they are not alone during the harshest time of year.

One participant shared,

"The jacket I got from the program is one of my most cherished items. It helped me get to and from work on the bus. I remember telling my counsellor how thankful I was, and it brought me to tears. I had just left an abusive marriage, and my ex had kept all of my belongings and refused to return them. That jacket was so much more than just a jacket."

Thank You

Behind every program, every connection, and every step forward is a community that cares. We are grateful to our funders, donors, partners, local businesses, volunteers, and everyone who stood alongside WCYR this year. Your generosity, commitment, and belief in our mission make a lasting difference in the lives of women and families across York Region.

Together, we are creating spaces where women feel supported, opportunities to build brighter futures, and pathways to greater safety, stability, and independence. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us build a community where every woman can feel safe, recognize her strengths, and shape her future with confidence and hope.

Our Commitment for the Year Ahead

Every woman who comes to WCYR brings her own strengths and dreams. With support, she can move toward greater safety, stability, and independence.

In the year ahead, we’re focused on strengthening counselling, expanding youth prevention, enhancing support for seniors, and growing Celebrate HER. Each step moves us closer to a community where all women live with dignity, safety, and hope.

Your gift helps make this possible. Thank you for standing with WCYR and the women of York Region. Together, we’re building a brighter future.

Your gift today helps keep her safe and supported: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/15763