The Cost of Starting Over: WINS Expands into Northeast Calgary as Women Face Growing Barriers to Safety and Stability
In 2025 alone, 6,415 people experienced domestic violence in Calgary, a 22 per cent increase over the five-year average. Domestic violence has been steadily rising since 2022, with women accounting for more than two-thirds of reported domestic violence victims, these figures* highlight a growing crisis affecting thousands of Calgarians and the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and support.
As Alberta marks Family Violence Prevention Month this November, WINS (Women in Need Society) is preparing to expand its presence in Northeast Calgary, bringing essential resources, employment opportunities, and community supports closer to women and families facing financial hardship, leaving shelters, and other barriers to stability.
"For many women experiencing family violence, the lack of affordable housing, access to basic necessities and financial independence can be significant barriers to leaving an abusive relationship," says Karen Ramchuk, President and CEO of WINS. "And for those who do leave, starting over can mean rebuilding their lives with very little. At WINS, we meet women where they are, providing the essentials: referrals, resources, support and opportunities they need to build stability, gain financial independence and move forward with confidence."
For women and families facing financial hardship, family violence, employment barriers, and other life challenges, access to essential resources and community support can be life-changing. However, accessing these services can present additional challenges when support is not available close to home.
WINS has identified Northeast Calgary as a priority for expanded services, with more than 35 per cent of its current participants residing in the area. Despite this significant demand, many women and families must travel outside their immediate communities to access WINS' full range of programs and services, creating additional barriers for those already facing difficult circumstances.
To help address this gap, WINS is preparing to open a new store and expand access to its community programs at London Town Square, located at 3545 32 Avenue NE.
The new location will offer access to free essential goods through WINS' House to Home program, as well as employment opportunities and job readiness training through its Retail Ready Employment Program. Participants will also be connected to WINS' broader network of Community Resource Hubs and partner agencies for additional, personalized support.
Operating under WINS' social enterprise model, the new store will also help generate revenue to support the organization's programs and services for Calgary women and their families. Through this model, every purchase helps WINS continue providing essential resources and opportunities to those who need them. "This expansion is about much more than opening another store," adds Ramchuk. "It's about strengthening our connection to the Northeast Calgary community and removing barriers to accessing support. By bringing our programs and services closer to where women and families live, we can help more people access the essentials, develop employment skills, and build a foundation for long-term stability and independence."
Slated to open in early 2027, the Northeast Calgary location will become WINS' eighth store and sixth Community Resource Hub, marking another step in the organization's commitment to making essential supports more accessible across Calgary. "Every woman deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported and financially secure," says Ramchuk. "By bringing WINS closer to the communities we serve, we are helping create stronger futures for women, their families and Calgary as a whole." * :Calgary Police Service Annual Statistical Crime Report – March 2026.
About WINS
Women in Need Society (WINS) is one of Calgary’s largest women-serving charities and has been supporting women and their families for more than 30 years. WINS provides a range of free programs and services that respond to immediate needs while helping women build greater stability over time. These include essential goods and food support, community resource navigation, employment and employment training, educational and social programming, and supports for children and youth.
WINS also operates a retail-based social enterprise, with seven stores and the More Store, generating revenue that is reinvested into programs and services for the community. Together with the generosity of donors, partners and Calgarians, this model helps WINS support women and families at many different points in their journey.
Together, everyone WINS.
Media Contact
Katelyn McIntyre Alchemy Communications 204-872-3248 Katelyn@alchemycommunications.ca
it's sobering to see the statistics on domestic violence in calgary. the expansion of wins into northeast calgary seems like a practical and necessary step. bringing essential resources and job training closer to where many participants already live can reduce significant barriers. focusing on stability and financial independence through a social enterprise model is a sensible approach. this work is clearly important for the community. King AI
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