Happy New Year from Victoria Women's Transition House!

Women's Drop-In Support Group

Every week, a group of women gather in Victoria to support and learn from one another. It is a time to meet new friends, build community, and offer each other a listening ear. These are brave women who all have a significant experience in common. By leaving a dangerous and abusive intimate partner relationship, they have taken back their lives.

In addition to sharing a meaningful space with others who have gone through similar experiences and traumas, Victoria Women's Transition House facilitators offer special activities including expressive arts, yoga, and workshops with guest speakers. Many women have shared how the group has positively impacted their health, self-esteem, sense of belonging and hope for the future.

"Personally, I would not be here where I am today in safety, without all these supports being in place. I am living proof when communities come together and support each other, that this is what success looks like. Because this organization helps individuals, it impacts multitudes. Because through me it has changed the face of the dialogue that I have with my family, friends, and community. My growth and positive outlook has created the resilience needed to make change in the world."

~ 2019 Drop-In Support Group Participant

The VWTH Women's Drop-In Support Group is supported by the First West Foundation, the City of Victoria and RBC Oak Bay Branch via RBC Foundation.

It takes a Community...

A sincere thank you to those who responded so generously to our Holiday Fund Drive, offering much-needed cash donations to allow us to continue offering vital VWTH programs and services.

Throughout the month of December, our Community Office was brimming with activity! Volunteers sorted and wrapped presents for client Christmas hampers, donors presented cheques from the community, and staff orchestrated the constant influx and delivery of Christmas gifts and stockings for women and children fleeing domestic violence and abuse. While the Holidays can be an incredibly stressful time of year for families who have experienced violence, the efforts of the community bring hope and Christmas cheer to those who need it most.

Whether it's a family that took the time to fill up a Christmas hamper, a local business that organized a Christmas stocking drive, an individual that donated food for a special meal, or a group that organized a festive fundraising event in support of VWTH, each gift and gesture of goodwill supports our women and children and helps them feel valued and cared for. Big or small, your gift this Christmas provided vulnerable women and children with much-needed support and contributed to the caring community we are so grateful to be a part of.

Programs & Events

TURNING THE PAGE: Health and Wellness in Oak Bay

Join a small group of 10 women over the age of 50, for a FREE eight-week program designed to express our creativity and explore our experiences and strengths as women aging.

In this transformative program, we will weave together art, storytelling and the creation of a Wellness Journal as we explore our rich inner landscapes and share new visions for the future. This group is open to women of all abilities. All supplies and refreshments are provided.

NEW SESSIONS! February 13 to April 1, 2020 (eight sessions) .

Time: Wednesday Afternoons, 1:30-3:00PM

Further Details: For more information and to register, please contact

Laurie at 250-592-2927 ext. 223.

This project is made possible with funding from the The Tony and Mignon Fenton Trust and the District of Oak Bay as well as VWTH Individual Donors .

Community Support

Christmas Stockings for Families

Each year, friends and supporters of Transition House collect and hang Christmas stockings for our client families on a colourful "tree" - handmade by the staff at Huntingdon Manor Hotel in James Bay. This year, more than 20 businesses and individuals contributed dozens of stockings and Christmas gifts.

Thank you to the dedicated staff at Huntingdon Manor Hotel and Pendray Inn & Tea House for organizing this community stocking drive, and thank you to those businesses and individuals who thoughtfully filled the stockings to help bring joy to women and children fleeing family violence and abuse.

Smart Dolphins New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim

2020 began with a chilly yet refreshing plunge for the dozens of people who participated in the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim sponsored by Smart Dolphins IT Solutions and Athletics Illustrated . Thankfully the sun was out in full force, as were cups of steaming hot chocolate! This year, donations benefited Victoria Women's Transition House. Our thanks to the organizers and participants.

Housing & Outreach

VWTH's Housing & Outreach Program provides assistance and emotional support for women who are at-risk of homelessness after leaving an abusive relationship. This program includes our Homelessness Prevention Program that helps women find housing and supports after their stay at our Emergency Shelter. Last year, $81,000 was given in financial aid to at-risk women, who received assistance with rent, moving expenses, storage locker costs, utilities, etc. Thanks to funding from the City of Victoria and BC Housing , this program supports vulnerable women in our community.

Elate Cosmetics Holiday Soiree

On December 12th, Elate Cosmetics held their Holiday Soiree, hosted at the beautiful new KWENCH co-working space. This festive evening featured personal consultations from Elate Makeup Artists, a 'cocktail wear' pop-up shop curated by YoUnlimited , a silent auction and delicious appies provided by Toque Catering . All funds raised were donated to the VWTH Third Stage Housing program. Thank you all for your support.

Photographed is Melodie Reynolds (left), Founder/CEO of Elate Cosmetics, and Susan Howard, Development Director at the Transition House.

Island Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

Thank you the Island Rhythmic Gymnastics Club for supporting Victoria Women's Transition House! We were impressed by all the talented dancers at your year-end performance.

Oswego Hotel Pays It Forward

Until January 31st, the Oswego Hotel will be offering the 'Pay It Forward Promotion' to their guests. Guests will receive 10% off their accommodation, will be welcomed with hot chocolate and cookies, and $10 of each booking under this promotion will go to the Victoria Women's Transition House. Click here for booking information.