Our Mission

Our mission and vision, is to help women and children live in safe and equitable communities free from abuse and break the cycle of domestic abuse, is supported by our six core values: feminist∕women-centred, collaborative, dedicated to excellence, empowerment, safety, and integrity, while using an evidence-based and intersectional approach.

About Kelowna Women's Shelter

Since 1980, the Central Okanagan Emergency Shelter Society (operated publicly as the Kelowna Women’s Shelter - KWS) has offered safe emergency accommodation and essentials for women, and those that identify as women, and their children fleeing domestic abuse. Extending from Oyama to Peachland, we provide ongoing individual and group domestic abuse support, planning and transportation assistance, advocacy and outreach, and preventive education programs for women, children, and youth. In addition to our already existing programs and support, we are opening our new West Kelowna location in the fall of 2023, which will offer safe accommodation in 32 self-contained Second Stage units and 10 Transition House units for women and their children, with accompanying wrap around services, such as, case management support, safety planning, systems navigation, parenting supports and financial literacy to further support women and children taking steps to safety and independence. All Kelowna Women’s Shelter services, programs, and supports are free, confidential, and available 24∕7.

Our programs and services include:

- Transition House

- 2nd Stage Housing

- PEACE Program for Children 

- Outreach

- KWS Thrift Store

- Volunteer Program and community education and awareness about Domestic Abuse