Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

09/18/2026

Grateful to stand together with our community at the United Way Waterloo Region Communities March of 1,000 Umbrellas. 💜

Ending gender-based violence takes all of us and we’re proud to stand united alongside the many organizations and community members who work tirelessly every day to create safer futures for all.

We’re especially grateful for the United Way and the umbrella of support they provide to essential community resources and organizations that our region depends on.

Together, we are showing up and continuing to build a safer and more equitable Waterloo Region.

09/18/2026

This year I’m walking for my Mother-in-Law, Monica Balm 💜

Monica died on March 4th, she was 55 years old. She died because of substance use related to years of domestic violence and other complex trauma.

I never expected I would witness someone I love so deeply lose their life because of domestic violence. I think about her every single day and I wish more than anything that her story could have been different.

But this is the reality of femicide in our community - broken families who will have to spend the rest of our lives wishing things could be different.

This year, I’m asking you to spread her name, her story and raise money in her honour. I’m walking November 21st to break the silence and share Monica’s story. I hope you’ll join me.

Learn more and register at: www.wcswr.org/voices-empower/

09/17/2026

The dinner table is where we learn how to be with other people.

But what else are we learning there? Who has power. Who gets heard. Who gets to decide.

Those experiences can teach us divisive power dynamics.

And what happens when a basic need becomes unsafe?

09/15/2026

Your voice can be part of something bigger. 📣✨

Voices Empower is a community movement that continues to grow every year. Together, we break the silence around gender-based violence, honour lives lost, stand alongside survivors and support people moving beyond violence.

You can walk, fundraise, bring your friends or simply share the message.

However you choose to take part, you’re helping create a community where we don’t look away from violence and where we work together toward a future beyond it!

Remember. Walk. Empower. 💜

Join us for Voices Empower on November 21. Learn more and register at wcswr.org/voices-empower/

09/11/2026

Grilled cheese and tomato soup might sound simple.

But for someone in survival mode, a safe comfort meal can mean a lot more.

Our Food & Nutrition Coordinator shares how one familiar meal helped a client settle during a difficult transition into our emergency shelter.

Food can be an unexpected but important part of creating safety and comfort in shelter.

Sometimes, healing starts in simple moments 💙

09/10/2026

A look back at the announcement of SHE Builds. 💜

Every career starts with a blueprint.

We’re proud to be building a new pathway into the skilled trades for women and gender-diverse survivors of gender-based violence, alongside our community partners.

Learn more at wcswr.org/she-builds

09/08/2026

Over or Underrated:
Food and Nutrition Coordinator Edition 👀

09/03/2026

Today, we’re excited to share a new educational opportunity!

SHE Builds is a new skilled trades and employment program created for women and gender-diverse survivors of gender-based violence in Waterloo Region.

It was designed by community leaders with survivors in mind. Participants have the unique opportunity to develop hands-on skills, build confidence, and connect with employers who have completed trauma-informed training.

And you won’t have to do it alone!

Participants can also access supports throughout the program, including mentorship, one-on-one support throughout and financial assistance with transportation and childcare if eligible.

The first cohort starts September 8, 2026, with additional cohorts starting later in the year.

Could SHE Builds be right for you or someone you know?
Applications are now open.

Learn more and apply at wcswr.org/she-builds


SHE Builds is brought to you by Conestoga College, Interval House of Hamilton, Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, YWCA Cambridge and Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.

This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Government of Ontario.

08/31/2026

People are more than their substance use. 💜

Substance use can be connected to many things, including trauma and experiences of violence. For some people, it can be a way of coping with what they’ve been through.

But stigma can make it harder to ask for help and access support.

This Overdose Awareness Day, we invite you to reflect on your biases and how you can be a better neighbour to people who use substances.

Together, we are creating a safer community where everyone receives support without judgment.

08/24/2026

Grateful for the opportunity to connect with community organizations and advocates who prioritize restorative justice approaches to supporting survivors of gender-based violence. 💙

Last week, our Director of Care and Sexual Violence Legal Advocate joined our partners Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, Community Justice Initiatives, and Funeral for Justice to meet with local MP Kelly DeRidder and MP Khanna.

We shared the impact of the Sloka Case on our community and the urgent need for independent, community-based support for survivors engaged in the criminal legal system.