Feeling safe, being treated with respect, being made aware of choices, feeling a sense of belonging, and being actively involved with their community – these are all things women who use the Women’s Centre say about their experiences.
The Women’s Centre is a powerful community that embraces diversity and is willing to tackle the tough issues that need to be addressed to ensure that we live in a world that is more fair and just. It makes a difference in the lives of women and in the shape of the broader community.
The work of the Women’s Centre is divided into three core areas:
1. Work for change:
In 2012, the Centre worked hard to increase knowledge on women’s issues both in the Centre and in the community, sharing research and information with staff, volunteers, community allies and municipal and provincial decision makers. Planning also started on the Spring 2013 women’s gathering.
2. Get assistance:
In order to manage overload, the Centre cut some of the referrals it does and now spends more time working with each person, focusing on providing direct assistance such as access to food and personal supplies, legal advice clinics, income tax filing, computers and phones and so much more.
3. Connect with others:
The Centre worked hard to build connections in the community, and in organizing celebrations such as Stampede lunch and two major International Women’s Day projects with great community partners.
Additionally, at the Board level, a review of all policies were completed. The Board also made the decision, after a long search, to move into a new office space in Summer 2013.
Finally, major three-year reviews with core funders, United Way of Calgary and City of Calgary FCSS, were completed last year.
It has been a busy year with many exciting changes. We look forward to the next!
-Denise Young, Women’s Centre Board of Directors
To see more photos from the event, click here.