Our Programs
250-480-4006 ext. 206 | programs@womeninneed.ca
WIN didn’t begin as a brand; it began as a response to real needs in our community. People needed clothing, household goods, and support during crisis, change, and rebuilding. They also needed dignity, choice, and a place where they could be welcomed without being judged or rushed.
WIN programs support women, trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people during times of crisis, change, and rebuilding. The goal is dignity, stability, and connection.
At WIN, we recognizes the fluidity of gender and as such our programs are open to self-identifying women, trans, non-binary and Two-Spirit people who identify with the intention of WIN’s programs.
“I truly could not have created this little home for my kids and I without WIN’s help. Now we have a cozy apartment with comfy beds and a sweet little couch. My kids are delighted with everything — especially the little stuffed animals that you included.”
WIN doesn’t ask people to prove their need or to express gratitude; it creates space for dignity, choice, safety, and connection. The impact is real, but it's often quiet. This framework helps make impact easier to understand, without asking people to prove their need, perform gratitude, or experience care as a transaction.
In 2025, WIN delivered 55 New Start Packages providing program participants with everything they needed to set up their new home after leaving a transition house or crisis situation. This program is intended to support program participants impacted by gender-based violence. The total value of goods provided was $63,915.
$87,456 WIN Gift Certificates were provided to our program participants in 2025, empowering them to freely shop for the items they needed.
Last year, $1575 was provided to support two Indigenous Students to pursue education in social work at UVIC.
In 2025, 981 Program Participants were supported in transitioning out of crisis by providing them with relevant referrals to local organizations and/or access to resources. The total value of goods provided through this program was $4516.
Last year, $39,391 is the value of Gifts in Kind provided to local community organizations to use in their programs.
Jennifer’s Story
Jennifer’s story represents the courageous journey that many women take every year in leaving violence behind and embarking on a new path of self-sufficiency and wellness.
Carrying her daughter, and only the clothes they were wearing, Jennifer made the brave decision to leave. She found a safe haven at a transition house. There she was given a WIN Gift Certificate, which she used at a WIN store to choose some clothing and toys.
After a period of respite, Jennifer found housing and the transition house counsellor referred her to the WIN New Start Program. Through this program, she received furniture, beds, linens, and other household items that made her house feel like a home.
When we checked in with her, we learned that as a newly single parent, Jennifer’s food budget was stretched thin despite working two jobs. Through the Crisis and Referral Program, WIN provided her with Food Gift Certificates to help fill her short-term need.
In talking with WIN’s Program Coordinator, Jennifer shared that she was one course short finishing her degree. She applied to the WIN Self Sufficiency Program and received a bursary that enabled her to complete her last course.
Today, Jennifer now has a better paying job in the healthcare field and found balance for her and her daughter. She talks about feeling supported by her community and proud of her ability to accomplish her goals.
Jennifer is a character who represents over 3000 people supported by the Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative every year, thanks to the generosity of the community.
Get in Touch
Fill out this form to contact our Program Coordinator. If you prefer, please call 250-480-4006 ext. 206 or email programs@womeninneed.ca
Have you or your organization participated in our programs? We would love to hear your feedback. Feel free to send us a message or quote in the box provided.