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 Keremeos). 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 were so happy to be nominated by Peach City Sips social media following to receive some free “sips” for our staff tod...
09/14/2026

We were so happy to be nominated by Peach City Sips social media following to receive some free “sips” for our staff today.

A big thank you to owners Ethan and Emily for the thoughtful delivery. Our team enjoyed their Fuzzy Peach Energy Drinks and Wildberry Protein Drinks, and it was a lovely little surprise for our afternoon.

We really appreciate Peach City Sips’ commitment to being involved in and supporting the local community. Thank you for thinking of SOWINS and for treating our team today.

Children and families staying at our Transition House have been enjoying some fun and creativity through Story and Craft...
09/11/2026

Children and families staying at our Transition House have been enjoying some fun and creativity through Story and Craft Time.

At a recent session, kids made their own binoculars and followed a map on a bear hunt as the story came to life. Along the way, there was plenty of imagination, laughter, trail mix, and even a teddy bear to take home.

We’re so glad to be able to offer opportunities for children and families to connect, play, and enjoy time together. 💜

This World Su***de Prevention Day, let’s remember that we all have a role to play.Living with fear, coercive control, is...
09/10/2026

This World Su***de Prevention Day, let’s remember that we all have a role to play.

Living with fear, coercive control, isolation and abuse can take a tremendous toll on a person’s mental health and sense of safety. While the statistics can be difficult to face, they remind us why compassionate support and connection matter.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, SOWINS is here.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 9-8-8 anywhere in Canada, 24/7.

You don’t have to face it alone.

In a crisis, knowing where to turn matters.For people experiencing intimate partner violence, a crisis can mean losing a...
09/10/2026

In a crisis, knowing where to turn matters.

For people experiencing intimate partner violence, a crisis can mean losing access to transportation, communication, housing, support, and safety. During and after the wildfires, calls to the SOWINS crisis line increased by 140%.

That increase represents people reaching out when they needed support most. People who knew where to turn and connected with someone who could listen, help, and be there.

If you need support, you don’t have to navigate it alone. SOWINS is here. 💜

Sometimes, after experiencing violence, control or abuse, it can be hard to remember that your needs, feelings and choic...
09/09/2026

Sometimes, after experiencing violence, control or abuse, it can be hard to remember that your needs, feelings and choices still belong to you.

They do.

You have the right to say no without feeling guilty.
You have the right to feel safe.
To make your own choices.
To change your mind.
To ask for help.
To set boundaries.
To grieve.
To make mistakes.
To need privacy.
To feel joy.

These aren't things you have to earn.

Survivors need to know: it's okay. And you don't have to navigate what comes next alone. SOWINS is here to provide support, resources and a safe place to begin.

Long Weekend Closure Reminder 📢SOWINS Administration Office will be CLOSED TODAY, Monday, September 7th, and will reopen...
09/07/2026

Long Weekend Closure Reminder 📢

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

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝟵𝟭𝟭.

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 year’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. That’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. 💜

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 “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx, “Zombie” by The Cranberries, “Count on Me” by CeCe Winans and Whitney Houston, “One Love” by Bob Marley, and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain.

Music has a way of bringing people together. What’s your go-to karaoke song? 🎤

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. 💜

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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