CONNECTIONS
January 2022
Welcome Back from our Executive Director, Bo Masterson
It has certainly already been a difficult start to the new year for many of us! At the Women’s Centre though, we are not letting that deter us from making plans and getting excited about what 2022 holds at the Centre. As the year comes to a start, we are looking forward to several talented Artists in Residence, another cohort of Women Lead YYC, a few new and exciting partnerships in our learning area, and a fresh look at our space. We will also be continuing our very important journeys towards Reconciliation, racial equity, and a strategic plan. We look forward to continuing to see your faces, online or in person, and in snow, rain or shine!
Wishing you all the very best in 2022,

Bo
UPDATES IN AND AROUND OUR COMMUNITY
Social Issues Readings




We use our social issues
readings section to share articles on current events and analysis on a variety of topics. Sign up for our Social Issues Readings newsletter for more!
Thank you volunteers!

A big thank you to all of our amazing volunteers. The Women's Centre couldn't run without you! From sorting toys in the basement, bagging rice in the kitchen, peer support, admin, legal clinics, workshop facilitators....the list goes on! We appreciate all you do. The time and energy that you spend creating an supportive community of women is invaluable.

Thank you!
Casino Volunteers Wanted

We are seeking volunteers for the Women’s Centre Casino that will be held on March 2 and 3, 2022 at the Elbow River Casino. We rely on the proceeds from the casino to pay our rent so we hope you can help us out. Shifts are 11:15 am to 7:30 pm and 6:45 pm to 3:30 am. For more information and to apply contact diane@womenscentrecalgary.org
Did You Know That The Women's Centre is Now a Food Bank Depot?

Women can pick up their Food bank hampers on Mondays or Tuesdays at the Women’s Centre (39 - 4 Street NE). Please call 403-264-1155 or stop by the Centre for details and to make a referral.
Black Women's Caucus

Come and join a diverse group of Black women, coming together to share, connect and take action on issues that affect them. 

Join us Wednesday February 2, 6:00-7:30PM

BIPOC Women's Caucus

Join diverse BIPOC women to connect and discuss issues that are important to them.

Join us Wednesday February 9, 6:00-7:30PM

For more information about the caucus groups contact: nicole@womenscentrecalgary.org or call 403.264.1155.
Holiday Toy Room
Many Thanks to all of our donors, toy drive organizers and toy room sponsors. Thanks to your generosity we were able to provide 1,184 women with gifts for themselves and over 2,600 gifts for them to give to their children. We are able to make the holidays brighter for so many women and their children thanks to amazing support that we receive form the community.

A Big Thanks goes out to Best Buy, GYMVMT and Rosso Coffee  for providing collection boxes at their Calgary Stores and thank you once again to our toy store partner Castle Toys for providing a discount and facilitating online shopping.
Women Lead YYC
Are you interested in building your capacity as a community leader? Whether you have years of experience working to influence change, or are interested in connecting with a group of inspiring women, Women Lead YYC is for you. We’re looking for women who want to build community, connect with others, and hone their skills. 

Applications for the Winter 2022 session are still open! Please visit our website for details and to apply.
Girl's Programs
The Girls Programs provide girls-only safe spaces where they can learn about and share their knowledge of leadership, activism, and community building. We facilitate various activities that include crafts, discussions, and most importantly, girl-led sessions where girls practice their leadership skills. Girls tell us that our programs are fun and that they help them feel more confident and connected. Discussions and activities center around topics that girls are interested in from a gender-specific lens.

The programs are absolutely free. We will provide all supplies that will be needed and we will provide snacks for girls during the program. Bus tickets will be available for girls to attend program as needed. Please note, keeping the safety measures in mind, that in-person programs have a limit of up to 12 participants. We have a waitlist where we can add your child until a spot opens up if the program is full.

To sign up, please email era@womenscentrecalgary.org or call us at 403-264-1155.
JANUARY WORKSHOPS SPOTLIGHT
January Workshops

For a full list of upcoming and ongoing workshops, and to register, view our calendar here.
We are making a community crochet piece for the Women's Centre! Bring a piece that you made at home or join the workshop series to learn how to crochet and contribute your piece. Join us at the Women's Centre on Tuesdays January 25 & February 1, 12:00-1:30 P.M and on Thursdays February 3 & 10, 6:00P.M.-7:30P.M

To register or for more info, please email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org, visit our website or call 403.264.1155
Learn about the history of the Women's Centre, the Peer Model, and why we do what we do. This workshop is required for anyone to volunteer at the Women's Centre. For more information, email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org, or visit out website or call 403-264-1155.
Trauma-Informed Practice (Online)| Monday, January 24, 12:00-1:30 P.M.
We will discuss what trauma-informed practice looks like and explore tools for supporting women who have experienced trauma. We will discuss how to better understand women and girls from a non-judgemental place and examine the connections between Trauma Informed Practice and the Women's Centre Community Capacity Building Peer Model. For more information, email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org, visit out website or call 403.264.1155 
In this workshop we will learn about
  • Canada Child Benefit
  • Child Disability Benefit
  • Disability Tax Credit
  • GST
  • Canada Workers Benefit
  • Climate Action Incentive
To register or to join the workshop on a computer at the Women's Centre, please email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org, visit our website or call 403.264.1155.
OPERATING HOURS
The Women's Centre will be open 9:30AM-8:30PM, Monday-Thursday, and Friday 9:30AM-1:00PM

The Women's Centre will be closed Wednesday.- Friday, January 26-28, 2022 for administrative purposes,
Women's Centre of Calgary www.womenscentrecalgary.org