Autumn 2024 E-Newsletter

CAEH Conference 2024

Ottawa hosts national gathering
October 28-31 marked the latest Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness annual conference, which was hosted in Ottawa. Two members of Willow Place’s leadership team, Clinical Supervisor, Daniette Ogamba, and Community Supervisor, Pam Hadder, were grateful to attend the conference this year and shared the following highlights.

Pam Hadder: “I really loved the CAEH conference app and the ability I had to preview the program choices and plan my selections before our arrival. It was hard to choose from over 100 fantastic presentations, but I was focused on themes of sustainability for frontline supports, as well as creative ways to collaborate, along with leveraging community and regional efforts. Themes that stood out for me at this year’s conference were Indigenous-led solutions and supports; improving shared data collection and imagining a future where everyone has a safe home.  There were a lot of great moments at the conference, but three of my favourite moments included hearing survivor stories, learning about drastic reductions of homelessness in Finland (reduced by over 80%), and meeting Olympic gold-medalist, Winnipeg-born Jennifer Botterill!”

Daniette Ogamba:“I was thrilled to participate in the CAEH, eager to explore how different organizations deliver their services and discover the latest best practices. With a plethora of sessions available, selecting just three each day proved challenging, but I concentrated on Indigenous-led support initiatives, advocacy for women and gender-diverse housing justice; and strategies for assisting those facing homelessness.
 
The conference had several highlights for me, particularly the impressive Calgary shelter, which spans over 96,000 square feet and features more than 1,235 rooms, as well as the focus on Indigenous-led harm reduction and trauma-informed care. Ultimately, three key themes emerged: the importance of Indigenous care and support, the impact of systemic racism and historical injustices in housing, and the need for improved connections and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.”

Power of PJs

November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Each November, Willow Place joins other Manitoba violence prevention agencies to collect new pajamas for women and children in our shelter program. Through the Power of PJs campaign we work to raise awareness while providing comfort to those we serve by providing each shelter program participant with a pair of new pajamas. Currently, Willow Place is experiencing higher numbers seeking shelter amid rising operational costs.  Our shelter program participants have increased by more than 40% in the past two years alone, and we are also seeing more children (30% increase in the past year). Most children in shelter last year were aged infant to six years.

If you want to donate a pair of pajamas, please call 204-615-0313, ext. 245 to arrange your donation – THANK YOU!  Monetary gifts are also welcome, to donate: CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Hockey Helps the Homeless

Fundraising event returns December 6, 2024

Willow Place is excited to once again be a beneficiary of Hockey Helps the Homeless along with Red Road Lodge and Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY). Each year, community organizations and companies enter teams into a fun tournament that allows players to fulfill a dream of skating alongside their hockey heroes.  This year’s event will be held December 6 and all games are FREE to attend – it is a great opportunity to glimpse some hockey greats between games and collect autographs! There will be an amazing rainbow raffle as well, thanks to many community donors who are supplying prizes.

There are still sponsorship and volunteer opportunities on game day – CHECK IT OUT!!!
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION!
 

St. Charles Country Club

Roots for Growth Fundraiser
Willow Place has been very fortunate to be beneficiaries of the St. Charles Country Club’s fundraising efforts over the past few years. On October 1, St. Charles hosted a gala dinner which featured survivor stories, information on Willow Place services, and a video tour of Willow Place’s shelter program. Special thanks to the fundraising committee at St. Charles, and to event lead, Wanda Zajac (former Willow Place volunteer), for her leadership and passion. Thanks also to Nicole Dube-Chipman for expert hosting of the event. Our heartfelt appreciation to the amazing Nicole Hacault of Royal LePage Top Producers who donated her time, expertise and a videographer to create the virtual tour of our shelter program.  Further thanks to Willow Place board member, Sarah Brown for her presentation on future needs for Willow Place, and  to Willow Place Executive Director, Marcie Wood, and Community Supervisor, Pam Hadder, for their participation. Proceeds totaled $100,000.00 – truly amazing support!

Rock for Shelter

Thank you, Royal LePage Top Producers
Willow Place was treated to an exceptional evening of Winnipeg music at the Park Theatre October 17, aptly named Rock for Shelter. Three incredible bands performed: Whitemud Rhythm and Blues, Green River and Sweet Alibi. Royal LePage organizers also held a 50/50 draw and fantastic prize raffles to help raise funds for Willow Place at the event. Special appreciation to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation for providing complimentary admissions for Willow Place staff to attend. We continue to be inspired by the community-focus and generous spirit of Royal LePage brokerages and realtors in Manitoba and nation-wide and we feel very fortunate to count them among our valued supporters!

Donate-A-Car

A new way to support Willow Place

Do you have an old vehicle that is taking up garage or yard space? We hope you will consider donating to Willow Place through Donate-A-Car – vehicles do not have to be in working order, and free towing is provided where needed. Please help us spread the word, THANK YOU! For more details, click here: DONATE-A-CAR INFO   

Staffing Updates

New roles and milestones

Willow Place continues to evolve to better serve the region. Among recent staff changes, we welcome former shelter program counselor, ‘Lola, to the role of Outreach Counselor. ‘Lola works from our community outreach office in St. James, and also visits three partner sites weekly: Wahbung Abinoonjiiag, Salvation Army SonRise Village, and Access Main Street. Those seeking outreach counseling info can reach ‘Lola at 204-230-9399.

Former Community Facilitator, counselor Shannon Cameron, has accepted a multi-year secondment with the General Authority where she will be fulfilling a Domestic Violence Response Coordinator role. Collaborative efforts such as this are an important support to Willow Place’s strategic goals. Shannon has been central in piloting and expanding the internationally-recognized Caring Dads Program, and is also completing her Safe and Together trainer credentials. Those wishing to inquire about Caring Dads can reach Shannon at 204-599-3463.
Our busy community team welcomes dynamic new Community Coordinator, Kimi Bawa! Kimi has diverse experience working collaboratively with teams, and marketing-communications expertise.  Kimi ably supports the Community Supervisor, Pam Hadder, in vital areas including donations, public education, shelter programming, and social media planning.  Kimi can be reached at: 204-615-0313, ext. 245

CONGRATULATIONS!
Willow Place Staff Recognition

Special thanks and congratulations to Erin M, Clinical Supervisor and Joan N., Shelter Support Worker for their dedication and contributions to the Willow Place team – we appreciate you!