Women’s Resource Society sees a 10% increase in clients during 2023

FORT ST. JOHN B.C. — The Fort St John Women’s Resource Society saw a 10 per cent increase in clients accessing services in 2023. 

The society helped 14,734 clients in 2023 through its three major programs. 

The non-profit’s outreach store was accessed by 13,215 clients last year — an increase of 10 per cent compared to 2022. The program provides free food, clothing, and other essential items for women, children, and men in need.

The other major programs are the Poverty Law Advocacy and Family Law Advocacy programs. Both programs were utilized by 1,498 clients in 2023.

The society’s executive director, Amanda Trotter, believes the increase in clients at the outreach store is due to financial difficulties involving inflation.

“We’re seeing more and more people fall into financial difficulties. The cost of food going up has been critical in our community, which is making people use more services like ours,” said Trotter.

In 2023, the society distributed 17,762 harm reduction items and 206 Naloxone kits.

A total of 32 HIV tests were also completed. 

The society also moved into its new building at 10045 100th Avenue last year.

More information on the Women’s Resource Society or those seeking help can be found here.