For 25 years, the West Central Women’s Resource Centre has been showing up for women and gender diverse people in Winnipeg’s inner city — long before the broader conversation around gender equity caught up to the work they were already doing. Lorie English has been at the helm since 2013, driven by a simple but radical belief: that the world gets better when women’s and gender diverse people’s knowledge and experience are placed at the centre of problem-solving, not the margins.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
For 25 years, WCWRC has been working alongside women and gender diverse people, to support them in their path to empowerment with housing, cultural programs, immigrant services, basic needs supports, and by providing community connecting. We facilitate knowledge sharing and connection, and contribute to policy transformation.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We want to build a thriving community that is equitable, where the knowledge and experience of women and gender diverse people is valued and respected, and we want to change the systems that harm them.
When did you start/join it?
I joined WCWRC in 2013 as the Executive Director, although I was involved with WCWRC even earlier at the Board level.
What made you want to get involved?
We lacked a critical gender lens analysis across all the social issues in the inner city. I am passionate about gender equity and truly believe that we can build a better world together if women’s and gender diverse people’s gifts and knowledge are put at the centre of all problem-solving.
What was the situation like when you started?
There were many needs going unmet in our community, and services targeted to women were just starting to be developed with the growing understanding that different genders are impacted by systems in a different way. We wanted to really look critically at this and create solutions that had women’s needs in mind.
How has it changed since?
As WCWRC, we have expanded our service delivery exponentially in the last 13 years. From 15 staff when I started, we now employ over 80. We increased our housing work and also operate our own transitional housing building in the West End, which hosts 16 units for women and families escaping gender-based violence. Now more than ever, we work on changing systems so community can move from surviving to thriving. Lots has changed in the community too, especially as far as the drug supply is concerned. We support a lot of people who use substances through a harm reduction approach, and the drug toxicity forces our team to work on the front line of a pubic health crisis to save lives every day. A message of deep appreciation goes out to everyone who plays a part in keeping folks alive these days in the community!
What more needs to be done?
We need more supportive and social housing options, investments in mental health supports, and fast action to respond to the drug toxicity crisis in our city. We need to see proactive action to resolve these compounding crises, including the swift opening of the safe consumption site in Winnipeg and more investments in treatment for those who wish to access it.
How can our readers help?
Our Drop-in is the heart of the Centre, often the first foot in the door for many needing help with their basic needs, like a meal, clean underwear or a shower. Once there, folks can connect with all the other services and supports we offer so we can explore long-term goals together. If you’d like to donate to this or any of our programs, visit wcwrc.ca/donate.
You can also help amplify the asks of community organizations doing front-line work in Winnipeg, follow our social media accounts, share our posts, and engage with your elected officials, asking them to make decisions that support women and gender diverse people’s dignity and opportunity for thriving.
Do you have any events coming up?
We run so many programs and workshops every week, open to women and gender diverse people, and many do not require registration – our full calendar can be found on our website. WCWRC dedicates the month of July to reconciliation. We host several learning and community-building opportunities throughout the month and a big celebration BBQ – this year, this event will take place on Friday, July 24. All are invited to attend!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Support and follow our sister agencies! North End Women’s Centre and North Point Douglas Women’s Centre do amazing work to support women in a caring, trauma-informed way. We love working together and learning from each other!
