Free Women’s Programs In Toronto

Women’s Groups At NYWC

NYWC has been hosting groups to help and empower women for over 30 years. You can register for these free programs, which cover a range of topics such as how to build confidence, resilience and assertiveness and explore your potential and skills. They are open to all woman-identifying and non-binary people in and around Toronto.

Our groups offer peer-to-peer learning and support and help you become aware of your own power and rights; enabling you to overcome challenges such as systemic discrimination, abuse and isolation and their impacts on your relationships and employment. NYWC group participants share experiences and draw energy, meaning and acceptance from each other. Group work builds community — and communities create possibilities for better well-being.

Current Programs

Women’s Empowerment Series 1: Discovering Our Power [9 Weeks]

The Women’s Empowerment Series offers group sessions led by skilled facilitators, independent learning and one-on-one support to help you grow and create positive change. In the first part of the series, Discovering Our Power, you’ll build self-esteem and confidence and learn coping skills to draw on in challenging times. In this group, discussions and interactive activities will help you gain strength, knowledge and connections with other women in a safe environment.

Here’s what one participant had to say about the Women’s Empowerment Series:

"The group helped me when I was afraid to speak up. I’m gathering my supports to help me feel less isolated and anxious. There are a lot of good things about me that I don’t have to change, while I’m on my journey to healing and being better to myself."

Register for the next free program. We will be in touch to schedule an intake appointment.

Women’s Empowerment Series 2: Exploring Our Potential [9 Weeks]

In this second part of the Women’s Empowerment Series, you’ll learn to identify strengths and opportunities and consider steps to take toward life changes. In this group, the guided activities will allow space for self-reflection along with time to share and learn from other group members. You will also develop a plan for taking practical steps towards your goals.

Register for the next free program.

Women’s Empowerment Series 3: Asserting Ourselves [9 Weeks]

In this third part of the Women’s Empowerment Series, you’ll learn how to become more assertive and advocate for yourself. This group provides a safe and comfortable space to practice communication skills, such learning how to say “no.”

Register for the next free program.

STEPS To Work Program [9 Sessions]

Are you ready to start working but don’t know where to start? Sign up for the NYWC’s STEPS to Work program for help developing your individualized path to employment. This 9-week program is designed to help you Set goals, Take steps, Empower yourself, Prep your skills and Set up supports. Through one-on-one support and weekly group workshops, staff will offer a guided exploration of your work options, connect you to a training, education or employment program that matches your goals, and work with you to manage barriers you may face. Here's what the program offers:

9 weekly group workshops

Learn and practice soft skills that are important in the workplace.
Meet like-minded women who are also working toward their career goals.

Connect with community services

Every week you'll have the chance to meet with our program partners and find out about the services available to support your journey, including:

One-on-one support

You're not doing this alone. You'll also have appointments to meet with our team during and after the program so you can:

Set short- and long-term goals for your career.
Have support for managing any other obstacles you're facing.

Register for the next program.

The Empowered Mothers Program [6 Weeks]

The Empowered Mothers Program is a supportive program for moms to identify and manage the challenges of parenting. You will learn from diverse women and guest speakers. This is a safe and non-judgmental space to share your parenting stories and find support from other moms.

Register for the next program.

Accessibility of Our Women’s Programs

North York Women’s Centre recognizes the dignity and worth of all people and is committed to providing services fairly and equitably. NYWC strives to be accessible to all women and gender-diverse people regardless of their race, ancestry, colour, creed, ethnicity, place of origin, citizenship, immigration status, age, disability, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, political affiliation, religious affiliation, literacy level, language and/or socio-economic status. We aim to create a harmonious environment free from discrimination, harassment and hate.

Talk with us about accommodations you need to participate fully in our programs and services.

Our Vision and Mandate