Activism + Feminism + Community
Created in 1973, the St. John’s Women’s Centre is the charitable non-profit arm of the St. John’s Status of Women Council. Throughout its long history, the Women’s Centre was instrumental in opening the first transition house for women fleeing domestic violence and was home to the first rape crisis centre in the province.
The Women’s Centre (SJSWC) is dedicated to providing FREE person-centered, community-based programs delivered within a safe, non-judgmental, open, and caring environment. All of our programs and services are person-centred and for women and gender-diverse people in and around St. John’s. The Women’s Centre offers support and programs on many issues, including social isolation, mental health, violence, marginalization, poverty, trauma, and system navigation. We aim to provide opportunities for healing, personal growth, empowerment, and social connection. See more about our current programs below.
What does the St. John’s Women’s Centre do?
- Provides free, low barrier, individual counselling
- Holds group counselling & support for intimate partner violence (Empowering Ourselves & Connect and Care)
- Provides free clothing and personal care products through our Boutique Program
- Offers drop-in social programs
- Provides holistic recreational programming (seasonaly)
- Hosts information sessions and workshops on a variety of topics
- Hosts seasonal pop up’s, like a free income tax clinic (March) and flu shot clinic (October)
- Provides free safer sex supplies and drug use supplies
Right Here, Right Now: Counselling Program
Right Here, Right Now counselling is a program that provides FREE single-session therapy to women and gender-diverse people (18 and over) in the St. John’s area.
Intimate Partner Violence Support
Empowering Ourselves Group
Exploring Intimate Partner Violence is a closed, eight-week in-person psychoeducational support group designed specifically for women and gender-diverse people who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV and its impacts is a highly stigmatized topic which is rarely explored in conversations without prejudice. IPV impacts every aspect of one’s life and often those experiencing it are silenced by judgment from others and society at large as well as feelings of shame. These sessions begin the important conversations about IPV and its effects, as well as provide an opportunity for participants to build community and seek support on this important issue. Those interested can self-refer, or referrals can come from physicians, social workers, government and/or community agencies. Created and led by experienced facilitators, this group is offered three times a year at the St. John’s Women’s Centre. If you would like more information please call 709-753-0220 or email reception@sjwomenscentre.ca.
Connect and Care Program: Parenting amid or after Intimate Partner Violence (Drop-in Support Group)
Mondays, 11am – 12pm
12-16 Carter’s Hill Place (bottom door) *Please note location change*
Parenting while experiencing or healing from intimate partner violence (IPV) can be deeply challenging. This weekly program is designed to support women and gender-diverse caregivers navigating the impact of IPV on themselves and their families. Together, we’ll explore how IPV affects parenting, children’s well-being, and family dynamics, while building tools for safety, resilience, and healing.
Topics include understanding the connection between IPV and parenting, fostering respectful relationships, supporting children’s emotional needs, breaking cycles of violence, and practicing self-compassion as a caregiver. Each session offers both guided discussion and open space for sharing, reflection, and peer support. Our goal is to create a safer, non-judgmental space where participants can learn, connect, and find strength in community.
Transportation and childminding (for toddlers & older) available. For more information about the group or to arrange transportation, please contact: reception@sjwomenscentre.ca (general inquiries) or mommamoments@choicesforyouth.ca (Momma Moments participants).
Connect and Care Program
Tuesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
170 Cashin Ave Ext.
Join us for a weekly program designed to support women and gender-diverse individuals who have experienced or are currently facing intimate partner violence (IPV). This program covers a range of important topics related to IPV, including understanding the dynamics of IPV, respectful relationships, breaking the cycle, IPV and parenting, self-compassion, challenging unhelpful thoughts, and much more. Each session facilitators will share information on IPV, followed by an open space for participants to connect, offer peer support, or simply listen. Our goal is to provide a safer, non-judgmental environment for information sharing and peer support.
Sessions are held in-person at 170 Cashin Ave Ext. If you need assistance with child care or transportation, please let us know. We look forward to welcoming you!
Programming
Tea Time
Bi-weekly, Thursdays, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
This program provides an open space to socialize, meet up with old friends, or make some new ones! We provide tea, coffee and a light snack. Staff and volunteers would love to see you there and have a chat. Drop in! No registration needed.
Clothing Boutique Program & Personal Care Pantry
Thursdays, 10:30am – 3:30pm
Appointments available monthly. All items are FREE! This program has been a great resource to those experiencing homelessness, living on fixed or low incomes, experiencing violence, or simply seeking something new to wear. Contact Reception at reception@sjwomenscentre.ca or (709) 753-0220 to make an appointment.
Drop-In System Navigation
Mondays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Offering drop-in support, referrals, or resources on things like community support referrals (homecare, long-term care etc.), employment program resources, Home Again Furniture Bank and mental health referrals. No appointment necessary, first come, first serve. Email our Community Supports Facilitator at csf@sjwomenscentre.ca for more information.
EXHALE
July & August
EXHALE is a rejuvenating summer recreation program designed to promote mindful movement, relaxation, and community connection. Over the course of several classes, participants will engage in activities that encourage both physical and mental well-being. Through a combination of yoga, stretching, dance, and other mindful practices, this program offers an opportunity to slow down, clear the mind, and restore energy. Each session focuses on intentional breathing, grounding exercises, and gentle movement, fostering a deep sense of relaxation and presence. EXHALE emphasizes social connection, providing a space for participants to bond with others and build a supportive community. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, improve flexibility, or simply enjoy the summer in a mindful way, EXHALE offers a perfect blend of movement and mindfulness. Join us this July and August to reset, refresh, and reconnect with yourself and others.
We hold a number of other pop-up programs throughout the year – massage clinics, haircuts, a garden party (August), Beautiful You Day (May), journaling workshops, information sessions, and more. Look to our monthly program calendar to see when these programs happen!
Have any questions or want to get involved at the St. John’s Women’s Centre?
Contact: Reception
Phone: (709) 753-0220
Email: reception@sjwomenscentre.ca
