Our outreach services offer flexible and accesible support with no waitlist.
We realize not every person will need shelter, but they may still need to access resources. Our free, confidential Outreach program is designed to help women navigate through and beyond violence. Serving all women in the Waterloo Region cities and townships, our Outreach services support women transitioning to independence, those who may still be in an abusive situation or those leaving shelter.
What to expect when accessing Outreach Services
- safety planning
- assistance/advocacy with housing providers and/or Ontario Works
- support around the legal process including assistance in connecting with a lawyer and/or legal aid
- completion of 2 hour free legal aid forms
- referrals to lawyers
- referrals and advocacy to other community agencies as needed
- interpreters can be arranged
- 1 on 1 meetings
- employment search support
- education about violence against women
Outreach Support Programs
Through various programs and partnerships, our outreach team works to deliver wraparound, specialized services for women and children experiencing domestic violence in our community.
Rural Community Supports
WCSWR serves all women and children within the Waterloo Region. In order to serve people within rural communities, there is a representative available at our partnering organizations. They are available for consultation and referrals as needed.
Community Connections
WCSWR is committed to serving all communities. This representative works within the community to cultivate relationships and conduct presentations in the community, particularly targeting pockets of the community which may be disproportionately impacted by domestic violence
Youth Education Program
Our youth education programming works to teach healthy relationships and help eliminate domestic violence in our community. This includes conducting presentations within schools and the community.
Family Violence Project
An outreach worker is available on-site at the Family Violence Project to provide wrap-around services and support to women who need it. This representative works to consult with and refer women as necessary.
Learn more – Family Violence Project WR
Family and Children’s Services
An outreach worker is available on-site at Family and Children’s Services to provide wrap-around support to women and children experiencing family violence. They are available to consult with and refer women as necessary.
Intimate Partner Violence Unit
We work provide wrap-around services and support to women who are referred by Waterloo Regional Police Services. The outreach worker is there to consult with and refer women as necessary.
Community Groups
WCSWR is more than shelter. Learn more about the community groups available!
Email groups@wcswr.org to sign up!
Safe Steps
Safe Steps is a six-session program designed to help mothers better understand the impact family violence may have on their child’s development. During the sessions, mothers discover ways to support their children in dealing with emotions, ways to repair attachment, build self-esteem and resilience.
Neighbours and Loved Ones
Neighbours and Loved Ones is a community group that gives community members the opportunity to gain tools and knowledge about how you can help someone you care about if you suspect they are experiencing domestic violence.
Neighbour and Loved Ones is led by an experienced social worker who will answer your questions and provide support. The group is a two hour session that runs on the third Tuesday of every month.
Trusting Loving Connections
Trusting Loving Connections (TLC) is a ten week group program about strengthening relationships between a caregiver and their children. This program starts with the mother learning about their attachment styles and how this can effect their parenting. Later into the sessions, children join the program and work with their mothers in strengthening their relationships.
While staying in shelter is completely optional, below are some resources to help determine if this may be the right step for you.
If you decide to leave
Call our 24-hour crisis support line or access the online chat to speak with a support worker. From there, we will explore safe options for you, including a safety exit plan, if applicable.
If coming to Women’s Crisis Services, you and your child(ren) may stay for up to eight weeks*. While in shelter, you will have many programs and services available to you, some of those services include:
- 24/7 support
- Counselling
- Nurse practitioners
- Food and Nutrition Support
- Addictions Support
- Music Therapy Support
To read more about the in-shelter and outreach services, please click here.
*Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the difficulty some may face finding safe, affordable housing, these stays may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
If you decide to stay
If you decide to stay, but are in need of crisis support or information, you can call our 24-hour crisis support line or chat online with one of our support workers.
Our Residential and Outreach team can assist you in finding counselling, support, resources and information.