South Okanagan Women in Need Society

South Okanagan Women in Need Society Our programs and services provide shelter, safety and support by helping individuals recognize, understand, and overcome the impacts of abuse.

SOWINS provides safe, accessible, person-centred supports and preventative interventions to individuals at risk of violence and abuse, and community education to strengthen the safety net for our community. 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 Kereme

os). How we help:

We are here for you. We will give you information and guidance to help you make decisions and choices based on your personal situation that will help you take the steps towards change – away from abuse. People can also call for information about how to assist a friend, family member, or business associate who has experienced abuse. Women may phone and ask for help whenever it is needed
No referral is necessary

Our services are free
Crisis Line 250-493-7233 / 250-493-SAFE 1-800-814-2033

The 24-hour Crisis Line provides support for women who are experiencing or at risk of abuse. Staff is available 24/7/365 as the first point of contact for individuals who are seeking help, support, and information. If you or someone you know is in a life-threatening situation, PLEASE CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

We are proud to recognize the Penticton Foundry as the Presenting Sponsor of Inspiring Hope 2026.A longtime supporter of...
09/02/2026

We are proud to recognize the Penticton Foundry as the Presenting Sponsor of Inspiring Hope 2026.

A longtime supporter of SOWINS, Penticton Foundry has been a valued partner in our community and has proudly stood alongside us as the Presenting Sponsor of Inspiring Hope since the event began.

As SOWINS celebrates 45 years of hope, resilience, and community, we're grateful for partners who share our commitment to creating safer, brighter futures for women and children throughout the South Okanagan.

Their generous support helps make Inspiring Hope possible while raising critical funds for the programs and services SOWINS provides every day to support survivors and strengthen our community.

Thank you, Penticton Foundry, for your ongoing commitment to SOWINS and for helping us continue this important work.💜

Join us for Inspiring Hope on Saturday, November 14.
Early Bird tickets still available - https://bit.ly/SOWINSIH2026

“Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.” — Viola DavisThere is ...
09/01/2026

“Do not live someone else’s life and someone else’s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.” — Viola Davis

There is no single way to be a woman. No one definition, no perfect mould, and no one else's expectations to live up to.

Every woman deserves the freedom to define herself, to be seen for who she is, and to live authentically without fear, shame, or judgment.

We celebrate the strength, resilience, and individuality of every woman, exactly as she is. 💜

Today, we remember those we have lost to overdose, honour those who continue to be impacted, and recognize the families,...
08/31/2026

Today, we remember those we have lost to overdose, honour those who continue to be impacted, and recognize the families, friends, and communities carrying the weight of these losses.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a story, and a community that cares.

At SOWINS, we know that experiences of trauma, violence, and substance use can intersect in complex ways. Everyone deserves compassion, dignity, and access to support without stigma or judgment.

Together, we can continue building communities where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

A warm welcome begins with incredible community partners.A heartfelt thank you to Ferebee Wealth Management of RBC Domin...
08/28/2026

A warm welcome begins with incredible community partners.

A heartfelt thank you to Ferebee Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities Inc., our Champagne Reception Sponsor, for helping welcome guests to Inspiring Hope 2026.

Their support helps create an evening of connection, generosity, and hope while strengthening the programs and services SOWINS provides for women and children throughout the South Okanagan.

As we celebrate 45 years of SOWINS, we are thankful for partners who share our commitment to creating safer, brighter futures throughout the South Okanagan.

Thank you, Ferebee Wealth Management, for helping make this special evening possible and for being part of this important milestone year. 💜

Early Bird pricing is still available. Reserve your seat for Inspiring Hope on Saturday, November 14, 2026. https://bit.ly/SOWINSIH2026

Inspiring Hope is proudly presented by Penticton Foundry

Stalking is a form of gender-based violence involving repeated unwanted attention, contact, or surveillance that causes ...
08/27/2026

Stalking is a form of gender-based violence involving repeated unwanted attention, contact, or surveillance that causes fear or distress.

It can look like:
• Following or showing up uninvited
• Repeated unwanted calls, messages, or contact
• Monitoring movements or whereabouts
• Waiting outside home, work, or school
• Tracking someone through technology or shared contacts
• Refusing to stop contact after being asked

Stalking behaviours can escalate over time and often create ongoing fear and uncertainty.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking, SOWINS is here.

🔗 https://bit.ly/3C8vzUA

When everything feels like too much, it can help to gently bring your attention back to the present moment.Not the past....
08/26/2026

When everything feels like too much, it can help to gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

Not the past.
Not what might happen next.
Just this moment.

If it still feels like too much, try making the moment smaller. Focus on what you can notice right now.

One breath.
One step.
One moment at a time.

Save this reminder for when you need it.

It's the final week of our Red Flags series. Over the last 8 weeks, we've explored green flags and red flags that can sh...
08/25/2026

It's the final week of our Red Flags series. Over the last 8 weeks, we've explored green flags and red flags that can show up in relationships. This week is about being yourself.

Healthy relationships allow people to feel accepted as they are, including their interests, goals, friendships, and values. 💚

When someone pressures you to change who you are, hide parts of yourself, or give up things that matter to you, that can be a sign that the relationship isn’t supportive. 🚩

Healthy relationships should make space for you to grow, not limit who you are. They are built on respect, trust, communication, and consent.

Learning to recognize green flags and red flags can help us build safer relationships and communities.

Your generosity creates lasting impact.Monthly giving helps SOWINS provide ongoing support to women, youth, and children...
08/24/2026

Your generosity creates lasting impact.

Monthly giving helps SOWINS provide ongoing support to women, youth, and children in our community. A gift each month, no matter the size, helps create stability and ensures our programs and services continue throughout the year.

Join our monthly giving community https://bit.ly/DonateToSOWINS

Supporting our community starts with supporting the people who do the work. 💜At SOWINS, our team shows up every day with...
08/21/2026

Supporting our community starts with supporting the people who do the work. 💜

At SOWINS, our team shows up every day with compassion, dedication, and care. Behind every conversation, program, and service is a group of people committed to creating safer spaces and providing support when it is needed most.

Whether it’s a shared treat, a thoughtful gesture, or a moment of encouragement, these small acts of appreciation help strengthen the team behind the work.

We are grateful for the people who make this work possible every day.

For 45 years, SOWINS has been a place of hope and new beginnings.Since 1981, our community has come together to ensure w...
08/21/2026

For 45 years, SOWINS has been a place of hope and new beginnings.

Since 1981, our community has come together to ensure women and children impacted by gender-based violence have access to safety, shelter, and support when they need it most.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone at Inspiring Hope, we honour the countless lives changed, the advocates who have walked alongside survivors, and the community of supporters who have helped make this work possible.

45 years represents decades of compassion, resilience, and impact. It is a reminder of the difference we can make when we come together to create safer, brighter futures throughout the South Okanagan.

We are grateful to celebrate this milestone with the support of Penticton Foundry, our Presenting Sponsor of Inspiring Hope 2026.

Join us for Inspiring Hope on Saturday, November 14, 2026, as we celebrate 45 years of SOWINS and continue building hope for generations to come.

Early Bird tickets are available now: https://bit.ly/SOWINSIH2026

Address

1027 Westminster Avenue West, #102
Penticton, BC
V2A1L4

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12504934366

Website

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