The South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS) has occupied an important place in our community’s social fabric since 1981. Their programs and services assist individuals in the South Okanagan Similkameen who have experienced or are at risk of violence or abuse.    

In 2023, SOWINS received a grant from the Fund for Gender Equality for their Survive to Thrive EXPLORE Program. EXPLORE provides workshops that assist women to recognize, understand, and overcome the effects of abuse, and take the next steps towards employment, training, and a life free from abuse. Each workshop covers a different personal development topic designed to promote health and well-being.     

“Programs like EXPLORE are critical to women who are struggling with the devastating impacts of abuse,” says Liz Gomes, Executive Director of SOWINS. “The knowledge, skills and support our participants receive help rebuild their confidence and sets them on a safe and healthy path forward.”   

This year, The Fund for Gender Equality provided top up funding to grantees from its second cohort – including SOWINS. “We’re grateful for the ongoing confidence the Fund for Gender Equality and the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen have shown in the EXPLORE program,” says Liz. “With this funding, we’re excited to continue supporting our participants on their journeys of healing and self-discovery.”   

The Fund for Gender Equality is an initiative of the Federal government to advance justice and gender equality across Canada. Since its inception in 2019, the Fund has been delivered by a national network of community foundations in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada.   

To learn more about how you can support the work of the South Okanagan Women In Need Society, visit sowins.com.