Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

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.

08/24/2026

Shelter is more than a bed.

It’s a place where support and planning for what comes next can begin 💜

08/20/2026

New Mural in Emergency Shelter:
Deer Woman Highlight 💜👀

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day 💜

There are so many organizations doing important work in our community, often behind the scenes and with limited resources.

So today, let’s give them a little extra love.

Tag a nonprofit you think more people should know about.

We’ll start:
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
YWCA KW
YWCA Cambridge
Community Justice Initiatives - The Just Community

Drop yours below and help us amplify the people and organizations making a difference in our community.

08/14/2026

Ending domestic violence means thinking about what happens before violence ever begins.

It starts with the conversations we have about healthy relationships and the messages we see every day.

Prevention is about changing the culture that allows violence to happen in the first place!

And that work starts long before someone ever needs a shelter. 💜