Since its inception as a charitable organization in 1984, the Atira Women’s Resource Society has provided emergency shelters and transition houses in Surrey, White Rock, and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for women affected by violence. The society has become so good at it that, in 2002, Janice Abbott saw an opportunity to create a permanent funding source for the organization in the form of a property management company.

Today, all profits from Atira Property Management are donated directly to the Atira Women’s Resource Society. Since this unique and innovative relationship was developed, Atira has been able to expand its programs and services significantly, while the for-profit side benefits from the guidance of its socially responsible sister.

Abbott, involved with Atira since September 1992, says her role is fairly straightforward: developing new programs, raising capital, and working with staff to identify gaps in service for the eldest Atira, business development for the youngest, and staff support for both. Abbott’s commitment to the success of the twin organizations and, more important, the elimination of violence against women, is point blank. “I feel very passionate about this work,” she says. “That passion has driven everything I have done.”
—Larissa Buijs