Health and Wellness Program Development
Grant Program: Community Grants 2025
Funder: Caring Community Fund
Since 1973, the North Shore Women’s Centre (NSWC) has worked to improve the social, economic, legal, and political status of women, and encouraged and supported self-empowerment by acting as a resource and a catalyst for change, from intersectional feminist perspectives. Located on the unceded Traditional Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, we operate a drop-in resource centre welcoming women and gender diverse individuals. We particularly support those who are isolated, marginalized and/or living with low incomes to address concerns such as poverty, gender-based violence, homelessness, physical/mental health, discrimination/systemic oppression and more. Our free programs and services include peer counselling, crisis and emotional support, food security, laundry facilities, computer training, legal and tax clinics, a health and wellness program, support groups, public education initiatives, and young women’s empowerment programs. We provide over 8,000 service contacts annually.
We successfully hired a program coordinator to support the Health and Wellness program, allowing us to streamline operations and enhance outreach. We increased holistic health treatments to compliment our current services. To accommodate participant’s varying schedules, two drop-in yoga classes per week were added. The program also expanded with one new trauma-informed yoga support group. Workshops were developed and delivered to complement physical wellness initiatives, enhancing our overall program. Planning efforts were made for 2025 to expand program offerings. Overall, participants consistently reported improved mental and physical well-being, greater resilience, and a strengthened sense of community through meaningful connections.
The Health and Wellness Program directly addressed barriers to accessing mental and physical health support by offering free and low-cost services for women and gender-diverse individuals. Prioritizing inclusion, diversity, and holistic care, aligning with the West Vancouver Foundation’s focus on belonging and health and wellness.
Through trauma-informed yoga support groups, drop-in classes, and holistic treatments, participants developed tools to manage stress, improve resilience, and prioritize self-care. Workshops provided education on emotional healing, and stress management, empowering participants with practical strategies to improve their well-being.
Outdoor activities like kayaking and snowshoeing were planned to promote active living and enhance community connections in 2025. Seasonal gear lending reduced barriers to participation, encouraging year-round healthy activities.
Feedback highlighted meaningful connections formed during group sessions, with participants expressing gratitude for a safe space to share experiences and practice self-advocacy. By fostering personal growth, resilience, and social support, the program contributed to a stronger, healthier community.
The newly implemented Trauma-Informed Yoga Support Group provided a space for participants to learn yoga and stress-management techniques in a supportive environment. One participant shared that the group’s value was in the sense of belonging and connection with others who had faced similar challenges, finding comfort in sharing experiences. One participant shared, “I never thought I could learn to do yoga… After 10 weeks, I felt more confident in handling stress, using breathing techniques and coping methods to manage challenging situations… giving me courage and confidence.”. The yoga and breathing techniques were highlighted as particularly helpful for relaxation and stress relief. As the group grew in confidence, they attended the other drop-in yoga classes, offered by the Center, together, forming even deeper connections and strengthening their sense of community. Another participant reflected, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I met new friends and learned yoga in a welcoming, safe environment with other women… I connected with others who’ve faced difficult situations.”. Overall, the group provided healing, connection, and empowerment, offering participants valuable tools for managing daily stress.
