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 โ€“ 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.

Long Weekend Closure Reminder ๐Ÿ“ขSOWINS Administration Office will be CLOSED TODAY, Monday, September 7th, and will reopen...
09/07/2026

Long Weekend Closure Reminder ๐Ÿ“ข

SOWINS Administration Office will be CLOSED TODAY, Monday, September 7th, and will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8th.

SOWINS Transition House and Crisis line continues to operate 24/7/365.
SOWINS Crisis line - (250)493-7233 | toll-free - 1-800-814-2033

๐—œ๐—ณ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚ ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—ถ๐—บ๐—บ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฒ๐—ฟ, ๐—ฝ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ผ๐—ป๐˜๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜ ๐Ÿต๐Ÿญ๐Ÿญ.

We are still finding the words to properly express just how grateful we are to Kim & Dennis.A heartfelt thank you to the...
09/04/2026

We are still finding the words to properly express just how grateful we are to Kim & Dennis.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible organizers, businesses, individuals, volunteers, families, foundations, and everyone who came together to make this yearโ€™s Big Daddys Charity car show such an incredible success.

Thanks to your generosity, $47,000 was raised for SOWINS, alongside an additional $47,000 for the Lower Similkameen Community Services Society. Thatโ€™s $94,000 raised in total for our community.

We are so grateful for the incredible community behind this event and for the difference this will make for women and families who access our services.

Thank you, from all of us at SOWINS. ๐Ÿ’œ

Karaoke nights are always a favourite at our TH, bringing together staff and participants of all ages for an evening of ...
09/03/2026

Karaoke nights are always a favourite at our TH, bringing together staff and participants of all ages for an evening of music, laughter, and connection.

From babies and moms to women of all ages, everyone joined in the fun. There was singing, dancing, and plenty of enthusiastic backup performers cheering each other on. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of shared moments and the sense of community that grows within our house.

The playlist featured favourites like โ€œRight Here Waitingโ€ by Richard Marx, โ€œZombieโ€ by The Cranberries, โ€œCount on Meโ€ by CeCe Winans and Whitney Houston, โ€œOne Loveโ€ by Bob Marley, and โ€œMan! I Feel Like a Woman!โ€ by Shania Twain.

Music has a way of bringing people together. Whatโ€™s your go-to karaoke song? ๐ŸŽค

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.๐Ÿ’œ

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

โ€œDo not live someone elseโ€™s life and someone elseโ€™s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.โ€ โ€” Viola DavisThere is ...
09/01/2026

โ€œDo not live someone elseโ€™s life and someone elseโ€™s idea of what womanhood is. Womanhood is you.โ€ โ€” 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. ๐Ÿ’œ

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 Ch*****ne 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. ๐Ÿ’œ

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:
โ€ข Following or showing up uninvited
โ€ข Repeated unwanted calls, messages, or contact
โ€ข Monitoring movements or whereabouts
โ€ข Waiting outside home, work, or school
โ€ข Tracking someone through technology or shared contacts
โ€ข 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.

๐Ÿ”— 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. ๐Ÿ’š

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 isnโ€™t supportive. ๐Ÿšฉ

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.

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

Alerts

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