What started as a drop-in resource centre to support vulnerable women in the Winnipeg community 40 years ago has grown into a full-fledged organization offering a safe place for women, running programs, and offering transitional housing for women suffering from grief and domestic violence in the North End of Winnipeg. NEWC was established in 1984 and is the longest-running women’s resource centre in Winnipeg’s inner city.
The North End Women Centre offers community support through its drop-in resource centre, helping around 100 walk-ins a day and offering snacks and supplies to help women with harm reduction, hygiene, etc. NEWC also offers free counselling services along with healing and wellness programs and settlement services for newcomers. Family advocates provided by NEWC help vulnerable women navigate the child welfare system (CFS). NEWC has been instrumental in helping the unsheltered with transitional housing support. It also offers volunteer opportunities, student placements, and summer programs, allowing caregivers and their children opportunities to make crafts and enjoy some summer fun together. One of NEWC’s social enterprises, Up Shoppe, accepts donated clothing and household items, reselling them at affordable prices to support the centre.
With the premise that everyone should be able to treat themselves on Valentine’s Day, a group of friends came together in 2015 to make this belief a reality, collecting donations to ensure that financial barriers wouldn’t stand in the way of self-care. Their efforts led to the first ever Galentine’s Day, with movies, candy, and gifts delivered to a local women’s resource centre. This small act of kindness has since grown into an annual event, now run by volunteers in partnership with the North End Women’s Centre. Since 2017, Galentine’s has been celebrated on Feb 13 each year and has evolved from gift deliveries to in-person experiences, offering free lunches, gift bags, and self-care services like haircuts and makeovers. With the generosity of the Winnipeg community, the annual event has so far raised over $33,000 to support this initiative, bringing joy and care to women in the North End.
NEWC relies on short-term grants, fundraising, and individual donations to continue its services. Those looking to support the centre can donate through Canada Helps and through cash or cheque directly at the Centre (394 Selkirk Ave).
Source: CHVN Radio