We will succeed. Here's How.
Values & guiding principles
Inclusive Services
WSN works from an integrated Feminist, Anti Racist, Anti Oppressive, Anti-Colonial Intersectional framework that is survivor-centered and focused. WSN acknowledges the differential impact of sexual violence on racialized and marginalized communities, including women, trans women, youth, and gender diverse people. WSN is committed to non exclusionary policies, practices, and programs. WSN serves all women who self-identify as women, as well as all trans, genderqueer, non-binary, Two Spirit, and intersex people.
Growth
Education and knowledge are power. WSN is committed to supporting survivors personal journeys of transformation, the education of community members, and the ongoing development and self care of staff and volunteers.
Survivor centered and Trauma-informed Supports
WSN centers survivors in our work, recognizing each person’s unique needs and experiences, and prioritizing the safety, autonomy, and agency of individuals. Our supports are grounded in empathy and understanding the ways trauma shapes each person, creating environments where survivors feel heard, validated, and empowered.
Systemic Change and Long-term Solutions
WSN is a catalyst for change and is committed to bringing forward fresh ideas to support women, trans women, youth, and gender diverse people affected by or at risk of experiencing violence. WSN is committed to addressing the root causes of gendered violence and oppression affecting survivors through systemic advocacy, collaboration, and education.
Gender Equity and Human Rights
WSN understands it is part of a global community of women, trans women, youth, and gender-diverse people. We acknowledge the intersectionality of individuals and how experiences of violence disproportionately affect persons from diverse and marginalized communities. As part of a larger global movement to address sexual violence, WSN works in solidarity to ensure gender equity and human rights locally and internationally.
WSN Strategic Plan 2024-2028
Women’s Support Network’s (WSN) new strategic plan is informed by the wisdom of many stakeholders who generously participated in our consultation process. We were purposeful to hear the voices of service users – including people with lived and living experiences of gender-based and sexual violence – community partners, volunteers, staff and leadership, and the Board of Directors as we developed this new plan.
HERSTORY
1992
The agency was incorporated in August and officially became the Women's Sexual Assault Helpline & Outreach Services of York Region.
1993
Hired six women to fill five full-time equivalent positions and the helpline was up and running! 
1997
The beginning of the High School Outreach Program. 2000
Established the Dianne Hamilton Award for Volunteer Excellence in honour of Dianne Hamilton, an extraordinary volunteer. 2001
Received funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation and United Way of York Region to implement and expand the High School Outreach Program. 2002
The agency received a 3-year grant to continue the work of the Violence Against Women program. The agency also held its first ever Annual Raffle and launched the Diversity Outreach Program to provide services to women from diverse communities in York Region. 2003
The agency officially changed the name to Women's Support Network of York Region to better realize and serve our growing network. They developed the "Sexual Violence for Teen's Handbook" and held the first Annual Fundraising Luncheon. 2007
Held the first Annual Black to Basics Walk where participants walked 60kms in the span of two nights. 2008
Formed key partnerships with York District School Board, York Regional Police and York Region Abuse Program. 2010
Started a new project with The Status of Women Canada to provide services to young girls at risk of sexual exploitation and human trafficking in York Region. 2012
The agency was the recipient of the Ontario Association Chief of Police Victim Assistance Committee Award. 2013
The agency was the recipient of the Walk with Me Canada Victim Services Certificate of Appreciation. 2015
The agency received a 3-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to continue the work of assisting women in York Region who have been trafficked and to address the root cause of sex trafficking. 2016
The agency hosted the first ever Freedom Fair to raise awareness about human trafficking in York Region. 2018
WSN received funding through the Ontario Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund to provide a rental housing assistance program in York Region for survivors of human trafficking. 
2019
WSN launched the 1st Safe Passages residential healing retreat program for sexually exploited survivors of human trafficking. 2020
Transitioned to remote service delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic and launched the Helpful Relationships Program funded by Ontario Trillium Fund. 2021
WSN expanded its remote service delivery and launched an online chat and SMS crisis response platform. 2022
WSN led a COVID-19 pandemic recover project through community consultations to identify service gaps and enhance support programs for support of survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking post COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the Government of Canada and Women and Gender Equality Canada (Canadian Women's Foundation's Shockproofing Communities Grant funding). 2023
WSN developed a 2024 - 2028 Strategic Plan with funding from the Women and Gender Equality Canada. 2023
WSN expanded support to marginalized and racialized youth survivors of sexual violence and exploitation, with counselling supports to youth and violence prevention education programming. Helpful Relationships is funded by TD Ready Commitment and the Enhancing Youth Safety is funded by the Regional Municipality of York. wsn team
Dr. Jackie Benn-John
Executive Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 104
Jbennjohn@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Inas Garwood
Program Manager
Pronouns:She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 105 Igarwood@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Jeen Maria Joseph
Admin and Finance Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 101
Jjoseph@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Julia Gastaldo
Youth Program Outreach Worker
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 114
Jgastaldo@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Olivia Mcpherson
Trauma Counsellor
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 118
Mcpherson@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Aleena Khawaja
Case Manager and Outreach worker
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 118
Akhawaja@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Chelsea Smith
Youth Trauma Counsellor
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 111Csmith@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Karishma Antia
Youth Counsellor
Pronouns:
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 106 kantia@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Vacant
Public Education Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 Ext. 123
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Margaret Pelan
Helpful Relationships Project Manager
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646
Mpelan@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Shamel Marshall England
Trauma Counsellor
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 shamel.marshallengland@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Sarah Goodman
Youth Counsellor and Program Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 sgoodman@womenssupportnetwork.ca
Anna Dronova
Client Support and Outreach Worker
Pronouns: She/Her
Phone: 905-895-3646 adronova@womenssupportnetwork.ca
