Innercity Women's Initiatives Society

Addresses the social and medical issues related to socio-economic deprivation facing women living in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. The Downtown Auxiliary Mobile Services (DAMS) program is a comprehensive harm reduction program for women with substance misuse issues; provides intensive ongoing support to low-income women, with the aim of reducing high-risk behaviours. Offers life skills workshops on topics such as grief and loss, self-esteem, assertiveness, and anger management. Also offers weekly groups including addiction recovery, drop-in support, creative arts, and a talking circle. Prevention activities include a drop-in meal program at 5 pm Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as case management, outreach (including accompaniment to medical appointments and court), and HIV education and support. Serves women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). Hours are 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Friday. Nonprofit society, registered charity.