K97.5 is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in our community year round but March 8th is a special day. It’s International Women’s Day and we’re proud to be a part of it. Be sure to listen from now until the big day to hear from some of the most amazing women in Kamloops !
The mothers, daughters, sisters and best friends of our community deserve to be empowered and you can help by supporting our local Elizabeth Fry Society and YWCA.
Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry Society
For more than 30 years, Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society has been helping the community by offering programs and free services to people in need. Here is a short summary of the programs we currently offer:
Family Stepping Stones (FSS) – a program for mothers and children fleeing domestic violence. The program provides safe, long-term housing and all the supports those women need to stabilize their lives in order to move on to independent living. We are the only agency in town providing this type of long-term housing. The program is 2 year long and it is not government funded. To help us continue providing this type of safe housing for mothers and children in crisis, please consider donating: https://kamloopsefry.com/
If you are a mother looking for safe long-term housing for you and your children, you can contact us directly: admin@kamloopsefry.com or call our office 250-374-2119. We work by referral from various agencies in town as well. Some of these agencies are: the YMCA women’s shelter, Interior Community Services, Family Tree, and more. Please note, that we have a very limited number of units. The need for this type of housing is heavily outweighing our ability to help every mother that needs this type of support. Hence, all of our fundraising efforts into keeping the units we have open, and hopefully add more when we have the financial capability to do so. The FSS program is a 2-year long program. Cases are considered based on available units and the urgency of the mother needing help.
Affordable & Subsidized Housing – Kamloops Elizabeth Fry Society operates 3 affordable housing buildings: Elizabeth Court, Treetop Apartments and the Cornerhouse.
For more information, please email us at admin@kamloopsefry.com or call our office 250-374-2119.
SKY Youth Program – community based program that provides an alternative to custody for youth involved in the criminal justice system. Youth are housed in local care-homes and attend a day program Monday through Friday where they learn, receive one-on-one support and participate in recreational activities.
For more information, please email us at admin@kamloopsefry.com or call our office 250-374-2119.
Kamloops & District Rent Bank – we operate the only Rent Bank in the TNRD area. The Rent Bank provides financial assistance to individuals and families struggling to pay their rent. Our rent bank provides 0% interest and repayment schedule to meet each person’s needs.
For more information, please email us at admin@kamloopsefry.com or call our office 250-374-2119.
Elizabeth Fry Legal Clinic – provides free legal advice and representation to low-income residents of Kamloops and area via a staff lawyer, poverty advocate and family law advocate. For more information, please email us at admin@kamloopsefry.com or call our office 250-374-2119.
To donate to Elizabeth Fry or for more information click here.
YWCA
The Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA offers a range of programs to help create community and women are the centre of that community. We provide ways for community to engage in health and wellness, support families in learning and connecting to supports like childcare and parenting programs, Mental Wellness programs and programs for women and children experiencing violence.
A community grows stronger when community members are supported in their life journey. We love what we do to support our community growth but we can’t do this alone. Support us today to help make our community strong
https://www.kamloopsy.org/forms/donate.aspx?RD=2
What are you looking for…
For Families
Positive early childhood experiences are the best guarantee for the best possible start in life. Families have easy access to multiple programs and services that improve the health, development and well-being of children and families, all in one welcoming location. At the Kamloops Early Years Centre our caring staff is committed to connecting families with each other and to a community of early years’ service providers. The Child Care Resource and Referral Program helps parents and child care providers alike get the support needed to help raise healthy, happy kids.
https://www.kamloopsy.org/eycccrr.htm
For Staying Healthy
We’re more than just a gym. Whatever your age or stage, we’ve got something to inspire you and your family. At the Y, we make it easy for everyone to play together or pursue their own passions. You can work out while your kids stay active under one roof, or you can focus on your personal fitness goals. No matter what your interests, our expert staff and volunteers are always available to support and guide you every step of the way. With COVID safety in place and the option of virtual programs you can Explore how health and fitness can impact your life.
https://www.kamloopsy.org/hfa.htm
We understand the important role that stress and mental wellness play in the lives of our community members. That’s why we have a variety of mental wellness groups that support individuals of all ages and families to learn healthy coping skills, connect with others in the community, and get support all in a safe and friendly environment.
https://www.kamloopsy.org/mental-wellness-programs.htm
For staying Safe
The Kamloops Y offers a continuum of services to help women and children find safety and support when leaving violence. If you or someone you know is looking for safety these programs can help.
For a safe refuge, the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter provides support for women and children, 24/7 phone support, referrals to community resources, and more. Our services are offered free of charge. Reach out for support
Call 250-374-6162
Text 250-682-7931
For community based support the Stopping the Violence Outreach Program offers referrals to and support with medical, legal and other service agencies. For women who may prefer to navigate these systems and services on their own we offer information and support.
Call or text: 250-320-3110
The Peace Program offers children, ages 4-19, who have witnessed violence, mother survivors of violence, and non-offending parents and caregivers counselling and support. We offer a safe and supportive place to walk alongside those we serve to follow them on their healing journey.
Call: 250-376-7800
