Annual
We’re excited to share the impact WINS continues to make across Calgary by supporting women, strengthening families, and building community.
Our 2025 Impact Report highlights the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters, and the meaningful difference we are creating together. From free essential resources and employment training to community-based programs and services, every story reflects the resilience of the women and families we serve.
Impact
Report
THRIVING TOGETHER IN
2025
Barriers
Women Face
In Calgary, over 1 in 10 women live below the poverty line.
Women face interconnected barriers that extend beyond income
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Economic barriers such as lower wages and limited access to stable employment.
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System barriers, including navigating complex supports for housing, childcare, and income.
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Caregiving responsibilities that limit time for work and education.
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Impacts on families, where instability affects children and future opportunities.
Gender inequity, poverty, and intergenerational outcomes are deeply connected. Addressing one requires addressing all.
How WINS responds
01
GENDER EQUITY
Women face systemic inequities in income, employment, and access to opportunity.
WINS Response
We create equitable pathways through skills development and employment support, helping women access opportunities and build stability.
02
POVERTY REDUCTION
Many women face ongoing financial instability and struggle to meet basic needs.
WINS Response
We address immediate needs and support long-term stability through basic needs, referrals, and support navigating systems and services.
03
INTERGENERATIONAL IMPACT
Poverty impacts entire families and shapes outcomes for future generations
WINS Response
We support families through youth programming, essential goods, skill-building and employment support.
"The support I received at Women In Need Society made a meaningful difference for me. It helped my family access essential items and support during a difficult time."
— WINS Program Participant
Services
WINS’ Community Supports are structured in a circular framework because women’s journeys toward stability and self-sufficiency are rarely linear. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, WINS recognizes that each woman accesses support based on her unique situation—whether she needs immediate assistance, emotional support, employment preparation, or long-term stability planning.
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Basic Needs Support
Women cannot focus on long-term goals without meeting their basic needs first. We provide essential items such as food, clothing, hygiene and baby supplies, furniture and household goods, so women can stabilize their immediate situation and move forward.
9,367 Total vouchers provided to House to Home participants
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One-on-One Support
Each woman works with a trained support worker who helps her navigate challenges, set goals, and access the right resources. This individualized approach increases her ability to make informed decisions and achieve sustainable outcomes.
6,722 Total supports provided
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Group Programming
Group programs help women build skills, confidence, and social connections. Participants strengthen their well-being while gaining practical tools to support long-term stability.
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Employment Services
We provide job readiness training, resume support, and interview preparation through our Retail Ready and Warehouse Ready programs. Women leave with the skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain employment.
87% Of graduates were employed within 90 days of program completion
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Low Barrier Employment
Our social enterprise creates accessible employment opportunities for women facing barriers to the workforce. Many participants transition from training into paid roles, gaining experience and financial independence.
88% Reported an increase in self-confidence
7,270 Total supports provided
Success Story: Gaining Momentum
Nadine Niba
After moving to Canada from Cameroon as an international student, Nadine faced significant challenges balancing multiple jobs while trying to stay in school and meet her basic needs.
A chance encounter led her to WINS, where she accessed essential supports including clothing, food, and household items — helping her rebuild stability and regain momentum.
Today, Nadine Niba is an award-winning business leader and advisor, demonstrating the long-term impact of foundational support at a critical time.
POWERED BY THE
CALGARY COMMUNITY
WINS’s impact in 2025 was powered by our incredible community of staff, volunteers, donors, and partners.
Over 34,000 volunteer hours strengthened programs, supported operations, and helped expand our impact across Calgary - creating meaningful opportunities and stronger connections for those we serve.
Thousands of Calgarians donated goods or funds allowing us to keep our stores stocked and our programs strong. As Calgary’s homegrown charity social enterprise, WINS thrives because of the generosity of community.
This collective effort shows that “Together, everyone WINS” is more than a slogan, it’s how we build a stronger, more caring Calgary.
To everyone who donated, volunteered, shopped, or shared our story in 2025 - thank you. Your time and generosity helped women and their families move from surviving to thriving in Calgary.
WINS is proud to be recognized by Charity Intelligence Canada, an independent organization that evaluates Canadian charities for transparency, impact, and financial stewardship. Our profile highlights WINS as charity, with high marks in financial efficiency and demonstrated social impact. This recognition reflects our commitment to helping women and families thrive through responsible, community-driven programming.
REFERENCES: CityNews Calgary. (2025, November 4). Domestic violence incidents in Calgary to reach 5-year high. https://calgary.citynews.ca/2025/11/04/calgary-2025-domestic-violence-incidents/ Food Banks Canada. (2025). HungerCount 2025. https://content.foodbankscanada.ca/wordpress/2025/10/FBC_HungerCount_EN_2025.pdf Fresh Routes. (2025). Calgary’s food insecurity crisis: What these numbers really mean. https://freshroutes.ca/calgarys-food-insecurity-crisis/ MSN Canada. (2025). Domestic violence cases up 7% in Calgary last year, new stats show. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/domestic-violence-cases-up-7-in-calgary-last-year-new-stats-show/ar-AA1Ztwpp Calgary NKA. (2025). Domestic violence in Calgary: Statistics and protection. https://calgarynka.com/en/eternal-4419-domestic-violence-in-calgary-statistics-and-protection