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 – 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.

These reminders aren’t tied to a season or a moment. They’re here for the days when things feel heavy, unclear, or quiet...
06/19/2026

These reminders aren’t tied to a season or a moment. They’re here for the days when things feel heavy, unclear, or quiet.

▪️You deserve safety
▪️Healing isn’t linear
▪️You’re allowed to go at your own pace
▪️Your boundaries matter

There’s no checklist to follow.
No explanation required.
No pressure to move faster than you’re ready for.

Take what resonates. Return when you need to.

Save, share, or revisit when needed.

When it comes to youth mental health, screen time may not be the most important factor to focus on. Research suggests th...
06/18/2026

When it comes to youth mental health, screen time may not be the most important factor to focus on. Research suggests that social media is one of the weakest predictors of children's and teens' mental health outcomes.

What has a greater impact?
▪️ Strong family relationships
▪️ Quality friendships
▪️ Healthy sleep habits
▪️ Supportive, engaged adults

Key takeaways for parents and caregivers:
✔️ Look at the whole picture, not just screen time
✔️ Keep communication open and judgment-free
✔️ Pay attention when a child is already struggling
✔️ Model healthy technology habits, especially around sleep

While technology and social media deserve thoughtful attention, focusing solely on phones can distract us from the factors that most strongly support young people's well-being.

Source: Thriving Kids Newsletter and podcast by the Child Mind Institute, featuring Dr. Candice Odgers. https://childmind.org/resources/podcast/

Please join us in welcoming Taffy Hunter as the incoming Executive Director of SOWINS! 💜Following an extensive search pr...
06/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming Taffy Hunter as the incoming Executive Director of SOWINS! 💜

Following an extensive search process, our Board of Directors selected Taffy to lead SOWINS into its next chapter of service and growth.

With more than 11 years of experience in violence and abuse prevention, Taffy brings a deep commitment to supporting women, children, and families affected by violence. We are excited for the leadership, experience, and passion she brings to our organization and the communities we serve throughout the South Okanagan.

Taffy officially joins SOWINS on August 4, 2026, and we look forward to this exciting new chapter for our organization.

Reproductive coercion is a form of gender-based violence that involves controlling someone’s reproductive choices and au...
06/17/2026

Reproductive coercion is a form of gender-based violence that involves controlling someone’s reproductive choices and autonomy. It is often part of a broader pattern of coercive control.

It can look like:
• Pressuring someone to become pregnant
• Controlling decisions about pregnancy or abortion
• Sabotaging contraception (removing or damaging birth control)
• Refusing to use protection despite agreement
• Controlling access to reproductive healthcare

This can remove a person’s ability to make free and informed choices about their reproductive health.

If you or someone you know is experiencing reproductive coercion, SOWINS is here. Contact our team or visit our website to learn about available supports and services.

🔗 https://bit.ly/3C8vzUA

Life can take us in directions we did not expect, and sometimes we lose sight of who we wanted to be along the way. Find...
06/15/2026

Life can take us in directions we did not expect, and sometimes we lose sight of who we wanted to be along the way. Finding your way back to yourself, or discovering a new version of who you are, is always possible.

Every step forward, no matter when it begins, is meaningful.

You are allowed to begin wherever you are. 💜

Change takes time. It grows through steady effort and the ongoing commitment of communities like ours.Safer futures are ...
06/12/2026

Change takes time. It grows through steady effort and the ongoing commitment of communities like ours.

Safer futures are created in everyday moments, when support is offered without judgment, and when prevention work helps shift how we understand respect, safety, and care.

This work continues because people like you believe in it and stay connected to it over time.

We’re grateful for every way our community shows up. Following, sharing, and engaging with our content helps amplify this work and keep it going.

A visit to the Penticton Museum & Archives offered us a unique opportunity to step back in time as we celebrate SOWINS' ...
06/11/2026

A visit to the Penticton Museum & Archives offered us a unique opportunity to step back in time as we celebrate SOWINS' 45th anniversary this year.

Exploring their collection of historical newspaper articles, we searched for stories about our organization and were reminded of the many milestones, challenges, and achievements that have shaped SOWINS over the past four and a half decades. It was inspiring to see our history reflected in local news coverage and to witness how our organization has grown alongside the community we serve.

We're fortunate to have resources like the Penticton Museum & Archives preserving our community's history and making these stories accessible for future generations. As we celebrate this milestone year, we're grateful for the opportunity to look back on our journey while continuing to build toward the future.

Thank you to the Penticton Museum & Archives for helping preserve the stories that connect us to our community and our history. 💜

When someone shares something difficult with you, one of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.You don’t h...
06/10/2026

When someone shares something difficult with you, one of the most powerful things you can do is believe them.

You don’t have to have the perfect response. Listening without judgment can make a real difference.

Preventing violence is not one action. It is the everyday choices that help create safer communities.

We’re so grateful to PURE 24 hr Gym & The Studio by PURE and for organizing the Pre-Loved Activewear Pop-Up in support ...
06/09/2026

We’re so grateful to PURE 24 hr Gym & The Studio by PURE and for organizing the Pre-Loved Activewear Pop-Up in support of SOWINS, and to everyone who donated, shopped, and contributed to making it such a meaningful community effort.

We are pleased to share that the event raised $950 to support women in our community and their access to safety and support services.

Community-led initiatives like this make a real difference, and we are deeply thankful for the care and generosity shown by everyone involved.

Thank you for standing with SOWINS 💜

There’s no 'right way' to move through a day. Whatever you’re carrying, whether it feels light, heavy, or somewhere in b...
06/08/2026

There’s no 'right way' to move through a day. Whatever you’re carrying, whether it feels light, heavy, or somewhere in between, there is space for it.

You don’t have to rush yourself through it. 💜

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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