The Islands Women Society
Mission Statement:
The Islands Women Society is an inclusive community based agency, which provides a variety of services in a safe and supportive environment for the women, children, and families of Haida Gwaii. These services endeavour to promote empowerment, overcome trauma, address violence against women, and provide resources for the wellbeing of our communities (2009).
Objectives of The Islands Women Society:
- Support community well-being on Haida Gwaii by providing programs and services
- Ensure the visibility of our services in order to reach all members of our communities
- Provide public education about the issues relevant to our services
- Collaborate and partner with other community service providers in order to respond to community needs
- To ensure sustainability of needed programs and services
- Cultivate a strong, effective, and supportive agency
Common principals of IWS:
- The Islands Women Society uses a consensus-based decision making process, and strives to function collaboratively and cooperatively.
- Our feminist framework is inclusive of women, men, children and families, and perceives all as equal.
- We support the individual and collective diversity of the people of Haida Gwaii.
- Community well-being is built on positive relationships between individuals and organizations. IWS endeavors to always support and strengthen this web.
Our Programs
Victim Assistance Program: Provides legal information to victims of crime, so that the victim is more educated about the court process and their rights and responsibilities. Our worker acts as an advocate between RCMP, Crown Council, and the victim. She provides legal information to any victim of all types of crime.
Women's Counselling Program: Provides long-term free individual counselling and/or psycho-educational groups for women who were impacted by violence: in childhood, in intimate relationships, and/or who experienced sexual assault.
Child and Youth Counselling Program: Provides services to children and youth, ages 3 to 18 years, who have witnessed or been impacted by abuse in their lives. Long term or short term counselling available.
Community Outreach Program: Facilitates community networking initiatives aimed at increasing the safety of women and children. Provides support and assistance to Women who have experienced violence. Delivers culturally appropriate public education initiatives to raise awareness of the effects of violence against Women; of violence prevention; and of Services available to Women who have experienced violence, abuse, or threats.
Child Care Resource and Referral: BC Child Care Resource & Referral Programs offer quality child care referrals, resources and support to all child care providers and families.
