SOUTH OKANAGAN WOMEN IN NEED SOCIETY

Registered Name: SOUTH OKANAGAN WOMEN IN NEED SOCIETY

Business No: 129987665RR0001

Our services are provided to individuals who have experienced, or who are at risk of experiencing violence or abuse in the South Okanagan.

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about

About SOWINS

Our programs and services provide shelter, safety and support by helping individuals recognize, understand and overcome the impacts of abuse. Our services are provided to individuals who have experienced, or who are at risk of experiencing violence or abuse in the South Okanagan (from Summerland to Osoyoos and from Naramata to Keremeos).

Established in 1981, SOWINS (South Okanagan Women in Need Society) is a Federally Registered Charity #12998 7665 RR0001 and Incorporated BC Society #S-16224.

SOWINS is governed by a volunteer board of six to 10 community members. An Executive Director oversees the staff of 60+ individuals. Staff is comprised of part-time, full-time and casual positions, at three Penticton locations locations throughout the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

We are a compassionate group dedicated to the vision of a society where all individuals have the ability to make choices to live a safe and healthy life. Collaborative and co-creative for the benefit our clients and community, we partner with peer agencies, work on response and policy development committees, and provide educational information about abuse to the general community.

Vision

A community without violence and abuse.

Mission

SOWINS provides safe, accessible, person-centred support and preventative interventions to individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence and abuse. SOWINS also provides community education to strengthen the safety net for our community.

Value Statements

We are accountable: Our services maintain the highest standards of ethical practices and demonstrate integrity in our engagement with our clients, our community, and our supporters.

We are person-centred: Each person’s journey is unique – each person matters. We promote self-determination, choice, and celebrate their resiliency.

We strive for excellence: Our services and supports are guided by best practices, are trauma-informed, strengths based and visionary. We believe in continuous learning.

We celebrate diversity and inclusion: We work to ensure our services reflect the diversity of our community’s needs, are equity based, and our staff and volunteers represent where we live and who we serve.

We are optimistic and future focused: Our work is vital – we inspire change, both individually and societally.

Office / Mailing Address

SOWINS (South Okanagan Women in Need Society)#102-1027 Westminster Avenue West, Penticton, B.C. V2A 1L4

What people are saying

When you think of the Transition House, think of my family. Me, a 6 year old girl, my 4 year old sister in pigtails and my caring mom. The Transition House helped us in more ways than just giving us a place to stay. They helped us emotionally as well. Today we are all successful, happy and ALIVE.

An adult woman who had been at our Transition House as a child

supporter wall

Judith K donated $20.00!
You are a critical lifeline for vulnerable women and their children.
Stefan and Carol C donated $50.00!
THANKS FOR THE GREAT WORK THAT YOU DO

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REGISTERED CHARITY ADDRESS

#102 - 1027 Westminster Ave W

PENTICTON, BC, V2A 1L4

Visit our website

Our Impact

overview

About us

Our programs and services provide shelter, safety and support by helping individuals recognize, understand, and overcome the impacts of abuse. Our services are provided to individuals who have experienced, or who are at risk of experiencing violence or abuse in the South Okanagan (from Summerland to Osoyoos and from Naramata to Keremeos).

We are a compassionate group dedicated to the vision of a society where all individuals have the ability to make choices to live a safe and healthy life. Collaborative and co-creative for the benefit of our clients and community, we partner with peer agencies, work on response and policy development committees, and provide educational information about abuse to the general community.

Our results

1638

# of overnight stays for children in 2023More than 1,638 overnight stays for children at the SOWINS Transition House in 2023

2000+

Over 2000 crisis calls answered in 2023A 24-hour Crisis Line provides support for women who are experiencing or at risk of abuse. Staff are often the first point of contact for individuals who are seeking help, support, and information.

20,000 +

More than 20,000 life saving supplies handed out in 2023The Mobile Outreach Van connects with some of our most vulnerable in the community. It supports individuals experiencing complex barriers to health and social well-being

Though we have had many successes each year assisting women and families with a new beginning, there is still work to do in the South Okanagan to ensure that everyone fleeing abuse has access to help.

With the support of our community and local businesses, we successfully exceeded our goal and raised over $59,000 to fund programs and services for those leaving a life of violence and abuse.

Have a Heart Radiothon 2024With the support of our community and local businesses, we successfully exceeded our goal and raised over $59,000 to fund programs and services for those leaving a life of violence and abuse.

The Share the Spirit campaign raised more than $240,000 for our programs and services, sponsored over 100 families in need for the holidays, and provided 30 backpacks to unhoused individuals.

Share the Spirit of Giving 2023The Share the Spirit campaign raised more than $240,000 for our programs and services, sponsored over 100 families in need for the holidays, and provided 30 backpacks to unhoused individuals.

With the help of our community, SOWINS 2023 Walk to End Abuse successfully raised $50,000 for programs and services that support women, youth, and children in our community.

Walk to End Abuse 2023With the help of our community, SOWINS 2023 Walk to End Abuse successfully raised $50,000 for programs and services that support women, youth, and children in our community.

SOWINS relies on community supporters for the success of our fundraising and non-counselling initiatives. We invite you to donate gifts of time as well as money to our organization.

Our Programs (10)

Testimonials

"I did not even know I was being abused. I just knew that my life was not right and this was not how I wanted my children to be raised. SOWINS taught me that I have value, that my life means something, and that I can determine the future that I want for myself and my children. Now there is hope." testimonial 154

Anonymous mother of two children

supporting information*

Revenue and Expenses by Year ($)

Reporting Period End Date: 2023-03-31

full-time employees

part-time employees

$2,517,237

total compensation for all employees

$65,049

professional & consulting fees

*Based on the information Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides to CanadaHelps