Self Sufficiency Program

250-480-4006 ext. 206 | programs@womeninneed.ca | connect with our program coordinator

Self sufficiency and wellness are the cornerstones of a free and fulfilled life, and something that everyone deserves. We support women, trans, non-binary and Two-Spirit people to make healthy choices and pursue opportunities that will have a significant impact on their ability to move forward along their journey towards self-sufficiency and wellness.

We do this by providing bursaries to our Self Sufficiency program participants so they can take their next steps along their journey towards financial independence and wellness, such as:
-Taking a training course
-Pursuing further education
-Beginning or further developing a small business.
-Finding ways to solve practical barriers to financial independence such as accessing technology, purchasing specialized equipment or PPE, learning a particular skill, or getting some support with childcare or transportation.
-Supporting someone to take care of their health and wellness such as purchasing prescription glasses, or accessing counselling.

This program is intended to be flexible and responsive to the unique journeys of our program participants.

STRONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:

We have developed many strong community partnerships and we make referrals to other existing educational programs in the community including Bridges, Community Micro Lending and the Burnside Gorge Family Self Sufficiency Program. This way we ensure that we are meeting the needs of our program participants and filling gaps rather than duplicating existing programs.

How to Apply:

Applications to this program are currently closed. We will post on this page when we are next accepting applications to this program.

In their words…

"It is one thing to have dreams, but feeling supported and accountable to the generosity of donors in actualizing those dreams is immeasurable. I am very grateful to the people from WIN for supporting my journey to financial self sufficiency."

"The WIN Self-Sufficiency Program provides women in Victoria the opportunity to steady their legs. The services and resources make it possible to stand, even in complex and painful circumstances. WIN's support assists women in practical ways that are directed by the women themselves. Solutions and support are successful because the expert is in charge of choosing them."

"I have never felt so much worth in myself than when I started receiving the support through WIN. Winning this bursary has really boosted that worth that I do matter, and not only are my goals achievable, but they are important and have value. I have value as a woman."