In Downsview, many women are unaware of the types of services that are available to support and empower them. Women services that are in or near the Downsview area, such as North York Women’s Centre, Working Women Community Centre and SASSL (Sexual Assault Survivors Support Line) are available to all women.The North York Women’s Shelter is one of the most well known women’s services in Downsview and has been servicing this area for over 30 years. This feminist based service is the only women’s shelter in North York that has been working with survivors of violence and abuse (intimate partner violence, family violence, etc.) to empower and support them.Their mission is to provide both women and children a life without violence by having a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive environment in their shelter. The shelter provides many programs, counseling services, and a 24-hour crisis phone line for survivors or victims of violence and abuse. Michelle Johnson, Manager of Development and Communications, explained that, because they are a feminist based service, they believe that “the survivor should a choice in how they want to deal with and get help for their situations.”A new program was implemented in January 2017 called: Express Art. This program allows counselors to work with women individually or in groups, to create art pieces. Jiin Yiong, Director of Programs and Services, explained that this therapeutic program is an effective way to help women and children as a family unit, to not only create beautiful art, but it is also helpful in dealing with trauma. The programs in the shelter help the women and children build new friendships and engage in multiple activities. Jiin explained that “programs such as yoga lessons help the women develop bonding ties between the counselors and the other women in the shelter.”Want to get involve and help the North York Women’s Shelter? You can volunteer with: administration and fundraising, special events and outreach, and shelter services or bring in donations to the office, make monthly donations, host community fundraising events, corporate partnerships, become a member, or even sponsor a family in the shelter.Whether you are a survivor seeking empowerment and support or you want to get involved in your community, women services like North York Women’s Shelter are here to serve you!