Often women's first contact with WINS is through the Free Goods Referral program. Women coming out of crisis situations and women in transition gain access to basic needs items such as:
- Clothing,
- Household items
- Furniture
Working with our community partners this past year, WINS provided over 5000 free goods referrals, assisting 3484 women and their families.
Women are referred to WINS for this service through over 60 community agencies. After consultation, WINS provides a voucher that entitles the client to obtain goods from any one of the four WINS Thrift Stores.
By providing fundamental items to help set up a stable, safe home, WINS helps replace a woman's feelings of despair, chaos and uncertainty with hope, control, and self-confidence.
If you are working with a community organization and would life more information on the program, please contact our Referral Coordinator by email or call 403.255.5102 ext.224.
For a list of our referring agencies please click below:
2012 Referring Agencies Phone List.pdf
Kerrie's Story:
As a first point of contact for our Free Goods Referral Program clients, Kerrie has learned that sometimes it isn't just things that people need to push through the tough times; it's also knowing that there is someone out there who cares.
She recalls a day when a woman contacted her to see if we provided a delivery service. She'd been referred to the Free Goods Referral Program specifically for furniture and she had no way to move it. Kerrie and the woman sorted out the logistics, but Kerrie sensed that the phone call wasn't finished.
The woman began to share her story and Kerrie listened as she told of her struggles. After some time the woman said, "Kerrie, I want you to know that I am very grateful that you took the time to talk to me and listen to me" They both teared up and she ended the call saying "It was very nice to be able to talk to somebody about the way I felt. Thank you very much."
