Bridges for Women Society

06/09/2026

June is when we celebrate both Pride Month and Indigenous History Month! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🧡

To celebrate, we are highlighting an incredible elder and activist who beautifully embodies the intersection of Indigenous resilience and Two-Spirit advocacy: Ma-Nee Chacaby.

An Ojibwe-Cree author and leader, Ma-Nee overcame severe systemic barriers to become a vital voice for 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous communities in Canada. Here is their powerful impact:

A Two-Spirit Trailblazer - Coming out in 1988, they helped revitalize the traditional role of Two-Spirit individuals as respected community leaders and healers.

A Dedicated Frontline Healer - For decades, they have provided warm, trauma-informed support and shelter to vulnerable youth, survivors of abuse, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

A Voice for the Future - Through their groundbreaking memoir, A Two-Spirit Journey, they shared their story to bring visibility and hope to future generations.

06/08/2026

When anxiety hits, it can feel like your mind and body are racing. Calming anxiety isn’t about forcing it to disappear, it’s about gently letting your nervous system know that you are safe in this exact moment.

Here are 5 gentle, trauma-informed grounding tools to help you find your footing when things feel overwhelming:

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method - Look around you and name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This shifts your focus away from anxious thoughts and brings it right back to your physical space.

Lengthen Your Exhales - You don't need to force deep, stressful breaths. Just focus on making your exhale slightly longer than your inhale (like breathing in for 4 seconds, and out for 6). This naturally signals to your body that it's okay to slow down.

Change Your Temperature - Splash some cold water on your face, hold an ice cube, or wrap yourself in a warm blanket. A quick shift in physical temperature is a powerful, gentle way to interrupt looping thoughts and reset your system.

Feel Your Feet - Whether you are sitting or standing, push your feet firmly into the floor. Notice the solid support beneath you and remind yourself: Right now, in this space, I am grounded and supported.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause - You do not have to fix everything today, and you do not have to rush. It is entirely okay to step away, turn off your notifications, and just let yourself be for a few moments. Your pace is always the right pace.

06/04/2026

Come As You Are Job Fair.

Not your typical job fair!

Join us to connect with employment support programs and community partners in a space designed for real conversations - not just applications. Whether you’re just getting started, getting back on your feet, or figuring out your next step, you’re welcome here.

🗓️ When: Thursday, June 25, 2026

🕰️ Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm

📍 Where: Social Concern Office 833 Yates Street, Victoria BC

FREE TO ATTEND!
No registration required!

☎️ For more information contact:
Jonathan Degenhardt
[email protected]
250-727-000 ext. 3223

06/03/2026

True accountability requires us to look honestly at systemic violence and take collective action to end it.

On June 3, 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls presented its final report, Reclaiming Power and Place. Along with it came 231 Calls for Justice, a blueprint for dismantling the systemic violence that targets Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals across Canada.

Seven years later, families and advocates are still calling for urgent accountability. These 231 Calls for Justice are not simple suggestions, they are crucial moral and legal imperatives necessary to protect human rights and honour the lived realities of survivors and their families.

We encourage everyone to move beyond reflection and take active steps toward solidarity today. Take the time to read the report, engage with the Calls for Justice, and stand behind the vital work continually led by Indigenous families, survivors, and advocates.

🔗 Resources for Learning and Action:

Read the Final Report & Calls for Justice: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/

Explore the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca

06/02/2026

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Happy Pride Month from all of us at Bridges! 🌈✨

At the heart of our trauma-informed and feminist values is a simple truth: everyone deserves a space where they feel entirely safe, seen, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

We want to take this opportunity to remind our community that our doors and our counselling services are always open to all women - including non-binary and two-spirited individuals. Whether you are navigating healing from trauma, abuse, or neglect, or looking toward your future career goals, your identity is honoured and respected here.

We are so grateful for the vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Victoria, and we remain dedicated to walking alongside in solidarity, safety, and joy. This month and every month. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

06/01/2026

🌸✨Happy Monday and welcome to June!

A new month is officially here. With a new month, and summer on the horizon, we might put pressure on ourselves to jump into high gear. But it's good to remind ourselves that growth happens in ripples, avoid the big waves.

Whether you are focusing on your wellness, attending counselling, or exploring your future job goals, your pace is the right pace. It takes time to heal and rediscover your confidence.

So take a deep breath today. Celebrate how far you've already come. And remember to be kind to yourself. 💜

05/28/2026

Reminder: Regular registration fees for the 2026 Triathlon of Compassion end June 5th! 🏊🚴🏃

The Tri of Compassion is a super fun, community driven triathlon and a major fundraising event for the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre .

Whether you’re tackling your very first race or you’re a seasoned triathlete, the Triathlon of Compassion is for everyone. Every kilometre raced and every dollar raised helps support survivors and provide vital services in our community.

Register, fundraise, or sponsor an athlete today at www.triofcompassion.com

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

We were so pleased to have the Community Liaison from the Ombudsperson office visit us!

Thank you for stopping by to share such valuable resources and information with our team.

For those who may not know, the BC Ombudsperson is a key resource for our community. Their staff listens to and investigates approximately 8,000 complaints each year regarding local and provincial bodies across BC. They also play a crucial role in investigating allegations of wrongdoing to make sure provincial and local public sector organizations in BC are treating people fairly and following the rules.

When they don’t, the BC Ombudsperson's office holds them accountable.

05/25/2026

Having someone in your corner makes a difference. 🌿✨

At Bridges, our counselling is a warm, safe space where you can share your story and feel heard.

Our counselling is not only for survivors of intimate partner violence. We work with women from all walks of life who have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, or neglect.

We know that financial worries shouldn’t stand in the way of your wellness. That’s why we offer up to 10 fully funded counselling sessions for eligible clients.

You don’t have to carry the weight alone. Whether you’re looking for healing, reconnection with yourself, or a little more peace, we are here to walk alongside you. 🤝🕊️

Come say hello or reach out to us to learn more about our counselling services.