Annual Report 2025

Programs and Impact  

Art Against Ageism Creative art workshops celebrated aging as strength and creativity. Participants explored painting, pottery, and collage before showcasing their artwork in a public exhibition at Kitchener City Hall.  Participants reported greater self-confidence, improved emotional wellbeing, and a sense of pride through public recognition.

HOPE Program Hands-on workshops guided women through resume writing, interview skills, and career development. The program helped women from newcomer and marginalized communities(especially survivors of violence) to rebuild confidence and gain job readiness. All participants improved job-readiness skills, 71% gained confidence, and several secured employment or pursued further training.

Lend a Hand This program empowered 67 senior women to explore the value of volunteering and develop essential digital and communication skills. Through a collaboration with the Kitchener Food Bank, participants prepared 378 meals for families in need to give seniors the opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and contribute to their community. Over 70% of participants reported feeling more confident and socially connected. Many continued volunteering independently after the program.

Water Wise Women  A four-week program designed to help 51 racialized and newcomer senior women overcome fear, build confidence, and enjoy physical activity in a safe and supportive environment to help senior women overcome cultural barriers, body shame, and fear of water while promoting mental and physical health. 96% of participants reported feeling safe and confident in the pool, and 80% committed to staying active beyond the program.

Agents of Change A community entrepreneurship program combining business training with creative workshops in candle and cement craft making to help women gain financial independence by developing marketable skills for small home-based businesses. Women developed new business ideas, built confidence in self-employment, and gained practical skills to generate income sustainably.

Ray Of Light A Community-based research initiative examining how women affected by gender-based violence access government services and identify gaps in services. Focus to evaluate the quality and accessibility of GBV services and identify gaps in support. Applied trauma-informed, anti-racist, and participatory research methods that empowered survivors to shape the findings.

Annual Highlights 

Over 1,500 community members benefited in 2025.  Increased engagement among newcomers, seniors, and families experiencing isolation or economic hardship. Strengthened partnerships with local organizations, community partners, faith groups, and municipalities.

Program Beneficiaries: 607

130 Workshops and Sessions

378 meals prepared by volunteers at the Kitchener Food bank

Community Support, Events and Celebrations

Annual Winter Drive : 650 children and families supported

Mother’s Day Celebration: Honoured 74 mothers, including survivors of gbv and marginalized women, with personalized wellness gifts recognizing their resilience and strength.

Back-to-School Campaign: Equipped 60 children with backpacks and school supplies, helping families prepare for a successful school year.

Thanksgiving Gathering: Shared warm meals with isolated seniors and women, fostering community connection and gratitude.

Cultural and Faith Celebrations: Multicultural Day, Canada Day and other gatherings to promoted inclusion, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging. Participants and beneficiaries over 300

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women: Supporting survivors and raising awareness about gender-based violence

Christmas Year End Community Gathering

 

Key Partners

    • Wesley Emergency Supportive Housing
    • Interval House of Hamilton
    • Armagh House
    • Women in Crisis (Guelph-Wellington)
    • Langs Community Health Centre
    • Greenway Chaplin Community Centre
    • Hespeler School of Art
    • Social Art
    • Play with Clay
    • Crock A Doodle
    • Muslim Social Services of KW
    • City of Kitchener
    • City of Cambridge
    • Conestoga College
    • Cambridge Food Bank
    • Novo Nordisk
    • Raise
    • Heritage Meadows Gracious Retirement Living
    • Ontario Works – Cambridge
    • Islamic Centre of Cambridge
    • The Hub at Langs
    • Forest Heights Community Centre
    • Victoria Hills Community Centre
    • Country Hills Community Centre
    • Forward Church
    • Cambridge Community Church

Achievements and Recognition

~ Most Empowering Women in Need Support Organization – Ontario (2025) – Corporate Vision

Key Funders and Supporters

Government of Canada
Government Of Ontario
Novo Nordisk
Waterloo Community Foundation
Community and private donors who contributed through drives, sponsorships, and fundraising events.

Women That Give extends heartfelt thanks to all funders and partners for making these programs possible.

Our Vision Forward

Women That Give remains dedicated to expanding its reach and sustainability.
Our priorities in 2026 include:
Establishing a Community Hub to serve as a permanent, accessible space for programs and drop-in services.
Expanding entrepreneurship and employment training opportunities for women.
Strengthening mental health and wellness initiatives for seniors and survivors.
Deepening research on gender-based violence to inform policy and service development.

Together with our supporters and partners, we will continue building communities where every woman feels safe, valued, and empowered.