Seniors’ Empowerment and Safety Program

North York Women’s Centre is excited to introduce our new program, designed with and for women ages 60 and older. 

The Seniors’ Empowerment and Safety (SES) program is a free 10-week group program designed to raise awareness and address specific challenges that older women (ages 60+) may face, including complex family dynamics, experiences in relationships, and safety within their homes and communities. Together, we’ll also begin to name and understand terms like intimate partner violence (IPV), gender-based violence (GBV) and family violence, and how they can show up in different ways.

Through weekly workshops (lunch provided!), peer conversations, and guided discussions, participants explore topics such as healthy relationships, communication, self-esteem, caregiving and receiving care, online safety and dating, and how to recognize and respond to abuse, scams, and fraud.

The program also offers clear, supportive guidance on services tailored to participants’ needs, including how to find and access community supports confidently. Each participant will receive a handbook with local resources, safety planning tools, and tips for navigating relationships and community with a stronger sense of self and connection.

We’ll wrap up the program with a special self-defense session led by Wen-Do, offering strategies that support personal empowerment, build assertiveness, and help participants feel grounded in their everyday lives.

This free, in-person program runs from September 25 to November 27, with sessions every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm at the North York Seniors Centre, 21 Hendon Avenue, Toronto, ON, M2M 4G8. 

Register today or email programs@nywc.org to learn more.