Together, we are building a safer future for our community
For over 45 years, we have been working towards a future where everyone has the right to safety. We wish we could say that our services are no longer needed. However, as our world evolves, so do our services to address the root of gender-based violence. By supporting over 1,500+ women and children every year, we continue to meet people where they are to build stronger families.
Our Mission
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region supports individuals, families and communities to keep women and children safe today and prevent domestic violence from happening tomorrow.
Our Vision
A community free from gender-based violence.
Our Values
Safety
We prioritize safety and security for our clients because everyone deserves to feel safe in their relationships and to live free from violence.
Compassion
We provide trauma-informed, compassionate care to individuals moving beyond violence. We believe all people are worthy of care; we do not condone passing judgment or instilling shame.
Intersectionality
We take an intersectional approach as we work towards equity, recognizing how a person’s overlapping social identities contribute to their experience.
Innovation
We take new, creative and innovative approaches to solving problems because we know we need to come at the issue of domestic violence in a variety of ways
Collaboration
We move forward together as one united team – made up of staff, volunteers, donors and community partners – because we all have a role to play in ending domestic violence.
Advocacy
We provide public education and facilitate open conversations about domestic violence to increase understanding of the issue and to prevent it from occurring, escalating and persisting in private spaces.
Our Strategic Plan
Forward Together
Domestic violence impacts people of all backgrounds, in every neighbourhood. Our goal is to ensure everyone—especially women, children, transgender and gender-diverse individuals—feels seen, supported and safe.
Over the past year, we’ve reimagined our mission, vision and values to better reflect who we are today and where we’re headed. We wanted to emphasize that we support more than women, while also staying true to our why. The reason we do everything we do is to help women and children live safer, happier lives free from violence and abuse. By expanding our services towards prevention, we are addressing the root of the issue to truly build a better future free from violence.
Our strategic priorities include:
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Building meaningful relationships with 2SLGBTQIA+ and equity-deserving communities
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Expanding supports, including mental health, addictions and transitional housing
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Expanding prevention, youth engagement and public education
Since 1978
About us
In partnership with the community, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region empowers and supports women and children to move beyond violence and abuse through the provision of safe shelter, outreach services, prevention and education.
WCSWR operates two emergency shelters in Kitchener and Cambridge for women and children experiencing domestic violence. We also offers a free, confidential, outreach program for women who are experiencing domestic violence but do not require emergency shelter. The program is flexible, accessible and has no wait list.
Programs and services can be accessed by calling our 24/7 support lines at 519-653-2422 or 519-742-5894 or using the online chat.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Our History
Haven House opens as “The Rotary Family Centre” on Water St. in Cambridge. Anselma House opens on Duke St. in Kitchener.
The Rotary Family Centre moved & changed its name to “Family Crisis Centre”
Anselma House was rebuilt as a 20-bed shelter.
Haven House merged with Anselma House to form Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
The Board of Directors merged.
Haven House was expanded to 30 beds.
Women’s Crisis Services adapted the Dragonfly as its corporate logo with the tagline “Moving Beyond Violence”
Anselma House was rebuilt as a new 45-bed shelter on Heritage Drive in Kitchener.
Haven House was rebuilt as a new 45-bed shelter on Acorn Way in Cambridge.
Women’s Crisis Services developed its Transitional Housing program by opening Aspen Place.
Revised mission, vision and values as a part of our strategic plan.
