Our History
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Our History: Support for Women of Courage
Since its inception in 1974, the Victoria Women's Transition House has grown from a small collective running a drop-in centre to an organization with soon-to-be five facilities, over 50 staff and close to 70 volunteers.
The Victoria Women's Transition House was born from the Victoria Women's Centre. This organization developed in response to the feminist philosophy and objectives of the University of Victoria Women's Caucus and the Status of Women Action Group. The Women's Centre was planned and initiated by a group of six women, with funding from a federal grant. From May 1971 until September 1972, a drop-in, referral and resource centre was operated for the Victoria community.
The first emergency shelter opened in 1974 and was located in an older home which eventually became much too small and in need of repair to meet the needs of women leaving abusive relationships. In September 1991, after several years of intensive fundraising which included generous donations from service, church and community groups, as well as funding from GO BC Lottery Funds, various Foundations and CMHC, we were able to "put the roof on" a new $500,000 facility which still serves as our emergency shelter.
In 1994, with growing programs and a bigger staff, Transition House identified a need for a public office. This dream became a reality after the Lena Saunders Estate left Transition House a significant legacy enabling us to purchase the Cedar Hill Community Office in 1996. Transition House assumed a short-term mortgage but with the generous contribution of another private estate, the mortgage was retired in 1997, ensuring that the services offered at the Cedar Hill site would be able to be continued into the future.
As a public community outreach site the Community Office has been a wonderful addition to Transition House. It now houses the Children Who Witness Abuse Program, the Stopping the Violence Program, Senior Women's Programming and the administration staff. The space is also used for volunteer training sessions, Board, staff, team and volunteer meetings, and the Christmas Hamper Program.
Transition House has grown from six staff members to over 50 staff including relief workers, working in all programs and sites of the agency. In addition to staff, Transition House has 70 volunteers working in six different programs:
- In-House Volunteers assist the shelter and residents
- Shelter Office Volunteers answer business/donation related phone calls
- Crisis Line Volunteers work with counselling staff to support callers
- Community Office Volunteers assist with front desk and phone reception at the Community Office
- Administrative Assistant Volunteers work on special projects as needed by the Administration Team
- Speakers' Bureau Volunteers provide community presentations
- Board of Directors, providing governance to the agency
In 1997, Transition House moved to a more open membership so that all women in the Victoria community are welcome to apply for membership. All members in good standing have the right to vote at the Annual General Meeting, will uphold the constitution, comply with the Society's bylaws and ensure the Society operates in an accountable and appropriate manner.
Just under 70% of Transition House funding is provided by the Ministry of Community Services, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and the Ministry for Children and Families. Fundraising activities, private and community donations, grants and foundation funding provide for the remaining 30% of our core service and counselling programs. Supporters include the Provincial Employees' Community Services Fund, Vandekerkhove Family Foundation, and hundreds of individual donors, families, businesses, organizations, foundations, churches, unions, employee groups, and other groups. Individuals and community groups regularly donate food and other much needed items as well. A generous community has provided wonderful support to the organization for over 30 years! Thank you!