Information and Referral
This service is for women and their families who are in crisis, transition, or who are now to the community. Services provided are wide-ranging and can include crisis support, developing safety plans for women who are leaving abusive relationships, information and referral for women who are considering abortion, assistance with rental housing searches, family law information or for employment. Resources provided include telephone, fax and information about other programs and services available in the community, and the provision of meeting space for groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.
Visit our Facebook page where we post general information on healthy living choices, safety, gender equality, violence against women, poverty and empowerment. We also post information on our events and services.
Lunch and Learn Workshops
Each month a workshop or information session is offered on a variety of health topics. Our staff provides the facilitators and there is a gift card prize draw. Topics are women- focused and relevant to the community. Check our calendar of events for topics!
Women’s Support Groups – Making Connection
We host women’s education groups that help women living with violence to understand why violence happens. Education on violence against women in relationships is the focus with other topics delivered according to need. The women who are part of these groups grow in their understanding of what constitutes violence, what precipitates violence, how to protect themselves, and how to recover from past trauma. Group discussions encourage participant bonding and increases the development of support systems for additional strengthening.
International Women’s Day
March 8th annually. This international day of celebration is a popular event in Williams Lake. Each year nominations of inspiring women are accepted and the annual “Women With Heart” award is presented.
Women with Heart Award
Nominations are open each year between December 1st and February 1st. Please nominate women who are:
Passionate for their work, career or volunteerism
Generous of spirit
Makes a positive impact on the community
Advocates on behalf of those less fortunate than themselves
Nominations must be received in written form and include:
Nominee’s name
Contact information of both nominee and nominator
Essay of not less than 200 words and not more than 1000 words describing the above attributes, values, qualities and contributions.
Submit nominations to Women’s Contact Society PO Box 4094 Williams Lake BC V2G 2V2 or info@womenscontact.org
Purple Ribbon Campaign
December 1st to 10th annually. For over a decade, the Women’s Contact Society has led this anti-violence campaign in the Williams Lake region to garner attention, raise awareness, and stimulate dialogue on gender-based violence.
Take Back the Night
September annually, Together with other service providers in the community, the Women’s Contact Society collaborates with other anti- violence organizations to organize an annual walk through the streets of Williams Lake. In 2020, the event went virtual.
Provincial Prevention of Violence Against Women Week
3rd week in April annually, This campaign supports the provincial initiative of the same name. The focus and messaging is on domestic violence and its tragic consequences, including the local context of this problem. Information tables are set up in various venues around Williams Lake, giving people an opportunity to learn about domestic violence, engage in dialogue and, in general, increase individual and community understanding of the complex issues associated with domestic violence.
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. This campaign focuses on the indigenous women and girls missing from the highway of tears as well as across turtle island and coincides with the MMIWG Red Dress campaign.
For more information, please send us an email at info@womenscontact.org or e.alberton@womenscontact.org
We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia