New Opportunities for Women

(NOW) Canada Society

• Alexandra Gardner Safe Centre

• Residential Safe Home Program 

• ASK Learning Centre 

• Client Support Program

• NOW Place Apartments

• Follow Care Program 

• Healthy Living Program 

• Trauma, Yoga, Equine Therapy

For information on any of our services Phone: 250 763 3876 or e-mail us at info@nowcanada.ca

Alexandra Gardner Women and Children Safe Centre (AGSC)

The AGSC is a 20 bed, low barrier, homeless shelter for women and children.  The shelter offers free services, regardless of age, race and circumstance and assists clients to work on their next steps to help them plan for a safe future. The AGSC also offers extra accommodation by providing mats during the winter months.  Services include:

• a warm, clean and safe non-judgmental environment

• three nutritious meals a day

• 24 hour on-site support

• individualized case planning (e.g assistance in finding housing, help in seeking employment, help in accessing medical treatment)

• laundry facilities

• referrals to NOW Canada programs and other community services  

Residential Safe Home Program 

This program is a vital component in the continuum of care provided by NOW Canada to sexually exploited female youth. The Residential Safe Home Program offers three homes; two for single participants and one for young women with children. Participants live in the homes while attending NOW’s ASK Learning Centre or another program in the    community which best meets their needs.   

Highlights of the program include: 

• warm, safe and supportive transitional living 

• homes run by caring, experienced and dedicated live-in House Directors 

• assistance with the development of basic life skills 

• a drug and alcohol free environment 

• access to all NOW Canada programs including one-on-one client support 

• assistance for participants working to re-gain custody of their children 

ASK Learning Centre 

The ASK Learning Centre offers three months of life skills and employability assistance to help sexually exploited female youth reintegrate back into the community as healthy, caring individuals. 

This extensive curriculum includes:

• team working skills

• effective communication 

• anger Management 

• relapse Prevention 

• community volunteering 

• employer expectations 

• evaluation of career interests 

• preparation of cover letter and resume 

• interview skills

• group Equine Therapy and Yoga Therapy 

• ability to gain Food Safe and First Aid certificates

Trauma Therapy

Since its implementation in 2000, Trauma Therapy has become an important component in the continuum of care offered at NOW Canada.  NOW works with some of BC's most traumatized women, youth and children.  Trauma Therapy offers participants the opportunity to work one-on-one with a qualified therapist to help them look at the reasons that initially led them into the sex trade and/or addictions.  Participants learn new and effective coping strategies to help them deal with the traumatic life events they have encountered.

Equine Therapy

Since its implementation in 200This innovative program offers NOW participants the ability to take part in group therapy sessions with an equine therapist.  It assists in developing team working skills, builds self esteem and fosters compassion towards others.  Horses are powerful teachers, they instantly respond to actions, body language and the energy of the participant.  The focus of Equine Therapy is not on riding, nor is it on horsemanship.  It takes place out of the saddle and on the ground.  It assists those who are struggling to start the healing process.  It has also been suggested that a stronger and more sustainable recovery is seen by women who take part in this unique program.

Yoga Therapy

This offers participants the opportunity to take part in weekly, 60 minute group sessions, in a safe, non-judgmental environment.  A carefully planned mixture of Hatha and Ashtanga yoga is presented to participants by a qualified yoga instructor, experienced in working with women who have suffered abuse and addictions.  Sessions are aimed at increasing participants' physical and mental stability to ensure they stay safe, free from violence and abuse and remain focused on their recovery.

Client Support Program

 NOW’s Client Support Program offers extensive client support services to the women who enter NOW Canada. Participants are provided with carefully planned one-on-one support to assist them in getting their lives back on track.

Supports include: 

• referrals to NOW Canada’s ASK Learning Centre or other programs which may better meet an individual’s needs 

• referrals to treatment programs 

• connections to drug and alcohol counselling 

• Advocacy and support in attending appointments (e.g. Ministry of Children and Family Development, medical assessments, court appointments) 

• 24 hour emergency support 

• on going needs assessments and support for all NOW Client

• specifically designed support for youth and their families 

• access to one-on-one Trauma Therapy 

Amenities include: 

• 1 and 2 and 3 bed apartments 

• Disabled Suites

• 24 hour security system 

• Drug and alcohol free living 

• Laundry facilities 

• 24 hour emergency assistance 

• Tenant Support Worker

• Access to NOW Canada’s programs and services 

click for Application Form........

Follow Care Program 

After graduation from NOW Canada’s ASK Learning Centre, most participants still require support. NOW recognized that some ladies require more assistance than others therefore, the Follow Care Program is participant initiated, allowing women to move forward on their own, but still have the ability to seek our NOW’s assistance as needed. 

Follow Care participants are also encouraged to act as Peer Mentors to women going through NOW’s programs. They act as role models and are proof that you can turn your life around and live a healthy and safe life, free from addictions and abuse. 
Follow Care participants have access to: 

• Trauma Therapy 

• Yoga Therapy 

• Equine Therapy 

• one-on-one client support 

• 24 hour emergency assistance 

• advocacy and support in attending appointments

• NOW’s Healthy Living Program

Healthy Living Program 

This program provides temporary emergency funding and financial assistance when unexpected and unbudgeted situations occur to participants who have already proven willingness to make a lifestyle change. This is participant initiated, individually assessed and provided on an as-needed basis. 

Examples of assistance include: 

• groceries

• rent 

• prescription medications

• emergency dental work

• baby supplies

• transportation to get to school/work

• daycare costs 

• medically advised dietary requirements 

• specialist appointments