Learning & Resources

A Culture of Violence

Patriarchy is the system on which our world is based – its defining characteristic being the belief that men are inherently more valuable than women. Its effects are far-reaching, and the patriarchal system maintains class, gender, racial, heterosexual and the status quo of power. “[It relies] on both crude forms of oppression, like violence; and subtle ones, like laws; to perpetuate inequality. Patriarchal beliefs of male, heterosexual dominance and the…

Barriers in the System

Because of our patriarchal system, there are many, many barriers that survivors face when trying to tell their stories, seek justice, or simply trying to move on to a violence free life. We don’t live in a culture that values women’s voices as much as men’s, so the justice system can often be more traumatizing than the violence itself. Women’s voices are not believed, sometimes by their close circles of…

Feminism 101

What does the “F” word mean to us? Gender-based violence does not happen in a cultural vacuum.  We believe our societal values, norms, structures, laws, policies and systems reflect deep cultural beliefs that certain groups of people are valued over other groups.  Most predominantly, that men are valued over women. This has profoundly negative implications for all genders, not just those who identify as women. Feminism as a concept has…

Abuse and Manipulation Tactics

Often, when people think of domestic violence, physical violence comes to mind. However, this is just one tactic that perpetrators use to exert control over women. The behavior could look like something very minor, but could symbolize something much more powerful. There are so many different ways that abusers can ensure that they control their victims, it would be impossible to list them all here. Here are a few that…

International Women’s Day 2022

It’s been two years since the world was turned up-side-down. We’ve seen irrevocable, complex change, challenge, and struggle. And somehow, while the sun is just starting to peek through the clouds again, war has been brought to the lives of millions of innocent people. It’s enough to make you want to curl up in bed, under the covers, and just try again tomorrow. And honestly, no one would blame you…

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Corey Allison is the Executive Director of the Women's Rural Resource Centre. Every year, when the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) releases their Annual Femicide Report, I brew myself a cup of tea, find a cozy blanket, a quiet space in my house, and read. I read about women like Natalie Bartlett from Sarnia. She loved travelling, music, and going to concerts. She was a mom who had…

OAITH 2019 Femicide List

Every year, the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Homes (OAITH) publishes a list of those who are killed as a result of femicide. The following is the list that was released this year. This list was compiled between November 26th, 2018, and November 25th, 2019. Content Warning: Descriptions of violence, violence against women.  Femicide is commonly defined as the intentional murder of women because they are women. Broader definitions…

Woman Abuse Prevention Month

Every November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. We will be bringing awareness to Violence Against Women throughout November, and tying in issues that are often associate with it. We hope to raise awareness about this cause throughout our entire community. In addition to, that, WRRC is once again taking part in OAITH's Wrapped in Courage campaign. This campaign is in it's seventh year - and encourages everyone to…

The Paramedic’s Question

About the Author: Linda is a trainer/facilitator who lives in Middlesex County with her 2nd husband. She reflects on the time in her life when her home life was far from simple, and her experience with moving forward and away to a much more peaceful and satisfying place. By sharing these blogs with WRRC, and with you, she hopes to help other women find the strength to make a change…

Big Funding Announcement

About a month ago, WRRC received news that thrilled us beyond belief. We will be the recipient of a large piece of funding from the federal government's Capacity-building Fund. WRRC will receive $219,000 over four years to increase our capacity through strategic planning, building a HR and volunteer management strategy, and increasing our efforts in public education and fund development initiatives, all to cultivate growth and support women's rural leadership…

Sexual Assault Prevention Month in Rural Communities

May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month in Ontario. Although we would definitely be educating ourselves every month of the year, we take particular notice during May. With the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, our society has become more aware, and more willing to talk about sexual assault, it's root causes and the prevalence with which it happens. One in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.…

Creative, Resourceful, Whole

In the non-profit world, much of our focus and resources are given to women we serve, and rightly so. However, we also believe that our team is one of our greatest resources, and to invest in their development ia a direct investment into the quality of our work. So this past January, that’s exactly what we did. When our Executive Director, Corey Allison, first floated the idea of bringing the…

What We Were Taught to Think

About the Author: Linda is a trainer/facilitator who lives in Middlesex County with her 2nd husband. She reflects on the time in her life when her home life was far from simple, and her experience with moving forward and away to a much more peaceful and satisfying place. By sharing these blogs with WRRC, and with you, she hopes to help other women find the strength to make a change…

International Women’s Day 2019

At WRRC, we celebrate women and their accomplishments every day of the year. However, on March 8th, we celebrate with many different countries and cultures around the world for International Women's Day (IWD). Check out the video below for the history, and some of the everyday items you use that were invented by women! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=61&v=eaf_X9qSeVY[/embed] So cool right? This day is significant, because for centuries women have been ignored, erased…

New Year Resolutions

Looking for a New Year Resolution? Look no further! WRRC Administrative Coordinator Laura Murray shares some awesome ideas. Laura is passionate about creating goals and personal growth, and is always ready to support others in our community. She frequently speaks at community events for organizations who want to learn more about WRRC and what we do.   Educate Yourself about Violence Against Women What does Violence Against Women mean? Why…

Justice for Irene

Yesterday, WRRC participated in delivering a letter to the London Catholic Diocese, demanding it withdraw it's appeal against a recent court ruling in favour of Irene Deschenes, a sexual assault victim of Charles Sylvestre. In partnership with Anova, London Abused Women's Centre, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, we stand in solidarity with Irene, and all survivors of sexual assault. Below is WRRC's full statement we we signed this open…

New Look, Same Vision this Christmas

As Christmas gets closer and closer, we need your help more than ever at WRRC.  Things are looking a little different at Women’s Rural Resource Centre for Christmas this year. We, as an organization are always changing and evolving, but our core vision remains the same - A vibrant community where women and children can thrive in healthy relationships. This arc is also reflective of a woman’s journey when she…

Life is Short

Linda is a trainer/facilitator who lives in Middlesex County with her 2nd husband. She reflects on the time in her life when her home life was far from simple, and her experience with moving forward and away to a much more peaceful and satisfying place. By sharing these blogs she hopes to help other women find the strength to make a change for themselves and their families. If there is…

Woman Abuse Prevention Month

This month, we raise awareness about the prevention of gender-based violence. We here at WRRC are taking part in several different events, but there's lots going on around the province. If you'd like to get involved, please email info@wrrcsa.org. We would love to hear from you! Starting on November 1st every year, we start to ramp up awareness about gender-based violence in a province-wide campaign. At WRRC, we see the…

The Future of Sex Education in Ontario

Most of us have heard by now that the Ontario government is rolling back the new sex ed curriculum. But what does this really mean for students? Guest blogger and youth activist Chloe Wilson shares her thoughts. The Ontario sex ed curriculum is being brought back from 1998 and being implemented this September by the Ford government. It's an extremely outdated version that hardly applies to the lives of youth…

Youth, Feminism and Media

Some will say that in this day and age, feminism is a movement that is no longer necessary. But is this really the case? Guest blogger and youth activist Keyana Zimoch argues no.  Through her experience with her peers, and in the media, she says feminism is needed now more than ever. Read on to discover why. People assume that because we live in 2018, feminism is an unnecessary movement…

Our First Blog – We’re Rebranding!

Oh Hey! It's the new WRRC! Excited? Us too. Let's get started. Our new brand, logo and website are all designed with a few things in mind. 1. We're a progressive, feminist agency dedicated to supporting women while they change their lives. 2. We want to change the world. 3. We want you to help us! One of the ways we thought we could achieve our goals listed above is…

WRRC October Programs

September 17, 2024

Group Meditation - Monday, October 21 @ 10:00am (virtual) Fostering Relational Skills – Tuesday, October 22 @ 11am (Board Room)

WRRC September Programs

August 7, 2024

Virtual  Gentle Yoga: Mondays, September 9-30 @ 9:30-10:15am Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, September 3-24 @ 9:30-10:15am Group Meditation : Monday, September 16 @ 10:30am (one session only) Guided Reflections: Wednesday, September 11 @ 1:00pm (one session only)    In-person   Guided Reflections: Thursday, September 12 @ 10:30am  (one session only in-person)  A space for conversation, connection, and introspection. Prompts will be provided to guide you to your own knowing and truth.

WRRC Child and Youth Empowerment Event

July 24, 2024

Saturday July 27 from 10 am to 12 pm at Alexandra Park here in Strathroy.

WRRC August Programs

July 15, 2024

Virtual Gentle Yoga: Mondays, August 12-26 @ 9:30-10:15am Chair Yoga: Tuesdays, August 6-27 @ 9:30-10:15am Group Meditation : Monday, August 12 @ 10:30am (one session only) Guided Reflections: Thursday, August 22 @ 1:30-2:30pm (one session only)   In-person Rest & Renew : Thursday, August 8 @ 10:30am-12pm in Board Room An interactive workshop to explore some practical, safe, and accessible practices for self-care and replenishment.   Guided Reflections: Wednesday, August…

WRRC Annual Report 2023-34

July 5, 2024

WRRC Annual Report 2023-24

Practical Self Compassion – July 11

June 25, 2024

Self-Compassion - July 2024

WRRC July Programs

June 12, 2024

JULY Programs (virtual)   Gentle Yoga - Mondays, July 8-22 @ 9:30-10:15am   Chair Yoga – Tuesdays, July 2-30 @ 9:30-10:15am   Guided Reflections – Thursday, July 18 @ 1:30-2:30pm

WRRC June Programs

May 13, 2024

Mondays, June 10-24 Gentle Yoga @ 9:30-10:15am   Tuesdays, June 4-25 Chair Yoga @ 9:30-10:15am   One-time programs: Guided Reflections - Tuesday, June 11 @ 11am-12pm An interactive and introspective session where you will be guided with reflections to help bring you clarity, understanding, and confidence in your next steps.   In-person options to be posted soon!

WRRC May Programs

April 12, 2024

MONDAYS May 6-27 (no class on Monday, May 6 or 20) – Gentle Yoga @ 9:30am May 6-27 (no class on Monday, May 6 or 20) – Meditation Group @ 10:30am   TUESDAYS May 7-28 – Chair Yoga @ 9:30am May 21 – Guided Reflections @ 1-2:15pm: An introspective and interactive space for you to experience an inward journey of remembrance, rest, and renewal. Please bring a journal and pen…

WRRC Community Food Cupboard

April 10, 2024

Please note our community food cupboard is open Monday's and Thursday's 10am until 7pm.

WRRC March Programs

February 15, 2024

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form. MONDAYS, March 4-25 9:30am – Gentle Yoga (virtual) 10:30am – Meditation Group (virtual)   TUESDAYS, March 5-26 9:30am – Chair Yoga (virtual) 11:00am – Gathering Space (virtual) An online drop-in space for connection and conversation. An opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who hold a strong interest in topics related and health and healing. This is mainly a peer-led…

WRRC February Programs

January 16, 2024

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form. MONDAYS, February 5-26 *No programs on February 19th 9:30am – Gentle Yoga (virtual) 10:30am – Meditation Group (virtual) 1:00pm – Creative Space (virtual) A drop-in program for you to gather with others to work on any creative project. We will create independently but together in a shared virtual space.   TUESDAYS, February 6-27 9:30am – Chair Yoga (virtual)…

WRRC January Programs

December 12, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form.   MONDAYS, January 8-29 9:30am – Gentle Yoga (virtual) 10:30am – Meditation Group (virtual) 1:00pm – Creative Space (virtual) A drop-in program for you to gather with others to work on any creative project. We will create independently but together in a shared virtual space.   TUESDAYS, January 9-30 9:30am – Chair Yoga (virtual) 11:00am – Gathering Space…

Annual Report 2022-2023

November 7, 2023

WRRC Annual Report 2022-2023

WRRC December Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form. MONDAYS, December 4-18 Gentle Yoga @ 9:30am – virtual On the mat; slow, gentle stretch with all postures being completed from a reclined or seated position. Meditation Group @ 10:30am – virtual Provides an invitation and baseline understanding of what it means to be present and aware in one’s life. Guided mindfulness and meditation that is suitable for…

WRRC November Programs

November 2, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form.

WRRC October Programs

September 11, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!

WRRC September Programs

August 30, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  To download, click here: WRRC Sept. Programs 2023    

From the Board Chair: New Executive Director Welcomed

July 20, 2023

Dear WRRC Community The Board of Directors is excited to introduce our next Executive Director of the Women's Rural Resource Centre Strathroy and Area, Elyssa Rose. Elyssa Rose, whose Indigenous Spirit name is Little Thunder Woman, is an Anishnaabe Kwe who belongs to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and is a member of the Marten Clan. Growing up, Elyssa felt the impacts of intergenerational trauma within…

WRRC August Programs

May 31, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  To download this list: WRRC August Programs 2023    

WRRC July Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  WRRC July Programs 2023 Please download the list below by clicking on the link above.    

WRRC June Programs

March 27, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Women's Support Circle WRRC May 16/23, 5:30-7:30pm A safe and supportive space for all who identify as she or her to come together, learn, reflect, share their truth, and be witnessed and heard without shame, guilt or judgment. Explore themes and activities based on what inspires the women in the group. Gentle Yoga WRRC & Virtual Mondays, 9:30am…

WRRC May Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Women's Support Circle WRRC May 16/23, 5:30-7:30pm A safe and supportive space for all who identify as she or her to come together, learn, reflect, share their truth, and be witnessed and heard without shame, guilt or judgment. Explore themes and activities based on what inspires the women in the group. Gentle Yoga WRRC & Virtual Mondays, 9:30am…

WRRC April Programs

March 1, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Women's Support Circle WRRC April 18/23, 5:30-7:30pm A safe and supportive space for all who identify as she or her to come together, learn, reflect, share their truth, and be witnessed and heard without shame, guilt or judgment. Explore themes and activities based on what inspires the women in the group. Gentle Yoga WRRC & Virtual Mondays, 9:30am…

WRRC March Programs

December 9, 2022

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Additional Program: Quotes and Conversations 11:00am, Tuesdays, virtual Bring a coffee/tea and connect over inspiring quotes and ideas related to well-being.  

WRRC February Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Please note: The Pillars of Well-Being workshop scheduled for February 22, 2023, has been canceled.  

Annual Report 2021-2022

August 16, 2022

Please find the WRRC 2021-2022 report below: WRRC Annual Report

2020-2021 Annual Report

June 18, 2021

2020 was a year like no other. Please check out our Annual Report to see how WRRC dealt with challenge, change, and ultimately, incredible resilience and connection with our community. WRRC Annual Report 2020-2021

2019-2020 Annual Report

November 20, 2020

Please click on the link below to view our latest annual report, including financial statements. WRRC Annual Report 

WRRC Strategic Plan

September 2, 2020

To view our latest strategic plan, please see below. WRRC Strategic Plan

WRRC Annual Report 2018/2019

To view the most recent version of our annual report, please see below. WRRC Annual Report

BEwell Program

Launching in September 2024, BEwell is designed to foster a culture of holistic wellness within organizations like yours. At WRRC, we are committed to nurturing healthy, thriving workplaces that prioritize the well-being of all employees. Program Offerings: Understanding Burnout: Exhaustion and burnout rates seem to be rising and we’re overwhelmed with how to navigate the effects, let alone recover and prevent it in the future. This session will teach what…

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