South Surrey/White Rock Women's Place Association was formed by a group of women who met in the fall of 1976 through a course called "Women Getting in Touch" sponsored by Surrey Family Development Association. When the course was finished, the group continued to meet at Camp Alexandra for a year. The need for a permanent Women's Centre emerged. Fund sources were sought. The group was able to secure a grant from the Metropolitan Council of the United Church that grants seed monies for community groups not affiliated with the Church. Space was found at the First United Church Hall.

The centre moved to a more visible place located on Marine Drive, White Rock in July of 1979 and remained there for a year. Women's Place then moved to a new location at 821 Kent Street. The centre became very well known through the Mom & Tot drop-in and the workshops provided. Having outgrown its premises at Kent Street, Women's Place moved to 102-1548 Johnston Road, a very large office front premise in a mall. At this point the centre became very visible to the community; it received large grants for staff and became a member of the United Way. However, it was still not the atmosphere to make women feel comfortable coming to the centre.

In the spring of 1984, the centre moved to a house on George Street. The atmosphere was wonderful, with a yard for the children, but it soon became too small for the crisis centre it had become. So again after a two-year stay, it moved to a very large suite at 1-1349 Johnston Road. This space had room for everyone and everything. The long range plan was to eventually own our own home.

After a particularly wet winter and spring with the offices being flooded, the search for a house took on a serious note. In the summer of 1992 Women's Place purchased a home of their own. The house was safe, warm and comfortable. Over the years the house has been renovated and rooms changed and moved. In 2005 a purpose built facility was completed to house a clothing exchange, laundry, shower and storage.

In 2007, due to increased demand on our programs and services and increased technological requirements, the Extreme Makeover project was initiated. Major interior modifications and electrical upgrades were needed for both safety and efficiency, a new industrial kitchen was installed and some design modifications in offices and rooms were made to provide additional space. It was a media event during September 21-24, 2007, with many sponsors, local businesses and neighbours / volunteers and supporting us not only financially but with supplies, labour and skills.

At the end of summer, 2008, the Extreme Makeover Phase 2 was finally completed; this included new exterior siding, soffits and downspouts. along with the completion of our much awaited sunroom addition to the house, allowing for expansion of our hot lunch program and providing additional meeting space.

Keep an eye out as our plans for the future are not idle and who knows what we have planned next.

Drop-In Hours:
Open: Monday 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm
Tuesday - Friday 9:30 am - 4:00 pm