Willow Place New Facility Exciting news for expanded services
For years, the number of women and gender-diverse people in our region who need more violence prevention crisis and longer-term supports has been growing. Even thought Willow Place is helping more people than ever before, we have been operating over capacity for more than five years and often must turn people away. To address this urgent need, we are moving forward with plans for a new, purpose-built facility that will increase the number of crisis shelter beds, will provide improved living and program space, and – for the first time – offer on-site transitional housing for people and families who need more time to heal and find housing.
Willow Place has acquired property in central Winnipeg which was honoured with a blessing from Indigenous elders in September. This was important to move forward in a good way, as although we are not an Indigenous organization, the majority of those we support in our violence prevention services are Indigenous women and their children. We were excited and grateful to receive a transformational donation from a local philanthropist who kick-started our fundraising and is making is possible to begin construction in the next few months. We invite you to learn more and, if you are able, make a gift toward creating the new Willow Place. You will be supporting thousands of people on their journey toward a safe and a better life. HELP BUILD A NEW WILLOW PLACE CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
Fall Highlights Indigenous cultural observances
September 30 was Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day. This year, we enjoyed exceptional support from Manitoba-born Indigenous artist, Brooklyn Rudolph-Nicholas. Brooklyn was selected as the artist of the year by Walmart Canada for their Orange Shirt Day t-shirts, and she also wrote a grant to help Willow Place and others in the community. The $4,500 grant allowed Willow Place to provide Brooklyn’s t-shirts, for all Willow Place shelter participants and staff. Remaining t-shirts were distributed in the community by Brooklyn. Funds from all t-shirts sold will go to Indigenous residential school survivors.
Brooklyn’s t-shirt tells her family story and resonates with many Indigenous Canadians as well as with allies from diverse cultures: “The children in the painting represent my grandparents, and all the children who have been impacted by Residential Schools. The holding of hands expresses the powerful connection shared with all those who endured these schools – a powerful symbol of unity and resilience. The eagle flying above represents love, one of the Seven Sacred Teachings shared among many Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. A reminder to always share love with all our relations. In the sky, the North Star shines bright. In Cree, this star is called Keewatin – know as the “Going Home Star.”
Willow Place shelter participants have benefited from previous grant-funded projects from Brooklyn over the past several years, including ribbon skirts and beautiful hand-made purses, all of which feature her deeply meaningful and inspiring original artwork. Thank you, Brooklyn – chii megwetch!
October 4, 2025 – Missing and Murdered Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples observance, NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS
Royal LePage Trek Updates Mandy Brown and Nicole Hacault support Willow Place
We are thrilled to share that two Winnipeg Royal LePage realtors, Mandy Brown and Nicole Hacault are participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s fundraising trek in Cambodia (October). All participants must apply and be selected, as participation is Canada-wide and limited. They must also fundraise a minimum of $5,000 and cover all travel expenses.
With over 30 years of diverse experience and a degree in psychiatric nursing, Erin M. is a valued member of the Willow Place Leadership Team and one of two clinicians in our busy shelter program. Erin also serves as President of the MGEU local for Willow Place, a role which includes a seat at the board table with Willow Place. Erin brings many strengths to our shelter program team, including her demonstrated commitment to violence prevention services.
Can you tell us a bit about your current role as Clinical Supervisor? I share the role of Clinical Supervisor with Daniette B. We both oversee the counselling staff and provide day-to-day support and supervision. We help to ensure that counsellors are providing service within our clinical framework. We also work in conjunction with Kathy S, our Facility & Support Supervisor, to ensure all participant needs are being met.
Why did you choose to work at Willow Place? I am passionate about working in the GBV (gender-based violence)field and the organization’s values fit with my own personal values.
Please describe your typical workday in three words. Challenging, Rewarding and Unique.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work? The systemic barriers our participants deal with in order to create a new life free from abuse.
What moments are memorable from your work experience? When ex-participants contact us, and let us know that we made a difference in their lives.
Have you had mentors or individuals who inspired your during your career? The previous Executive Director, Lesley L. Her vision of what Willow Place could be and transforming the way we provided service really spoke to my soul. I would have to say that Marcie W, our current ED, is inspirational in how much “unseen work” she does for Willow Place and the dedication of our participants and staff.
Favourite song lyrics - Leonard Cohen "Ring the bells, that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack, a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in."
Autumn Wellness by Pam Hadder, Community Supervisor
The change of seasons provides a natural opportunity for reflection and transition. As we experience colder weather and shorter daylight hours, it is a great time to take stock of wellness needs: How will I stay active? THINGS TO DO:CLICK HERE FOR INFO! Is there a new hobby I can try? WINNIPEG LEISURE GUIDE: CLICK HERE FOR INFO! How can I eat healthier when fresh produce is less available, and stay within my budget? CANADA FOOD GUIDE TIPS: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
Reassessing your wellness needs this fall can also help to prepare for the long winter months. Consideration of daily activity, socialization, nutrition and rest needs are all important. There are many free online and community resources to help fulfill activity and social needs. Rest needs may extend beyond getting 6-8 hours of sleep, to include taking breaks from technology, and taking time for self-care. LEARN MORE:CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
EASY CARROT SOUP & CROUTONS – recipes to try!
We hope you will enjoy our Easy Carrot Soup with Savory Croutons – hearty and humble, this comforting meal supports good health and is easy on the budget! As this soup is puréed, there is also less time and effort to prepare and cut vegetables. EASY CARROT SOUP INGREDIENTS:3 Tbsp./45 ml olive or canola oil 4-5 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped 3-4 celery stalks, washed and coarsely chopped 1 medium-large cooking onion, peeled and coarsely chopped 1-2 small-medium apples, washed, cored and coarsely chopped (no need to peel) 2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled, coarsely chopped 1 tsp/5ml sea salt ½ tsp/2.5 ml ground black pepper 1-2 bay leaves 2-3 Tbsp./30-45 ml grated fresh ginger root (TIP: freeze ginger, it is easier to grate) 1 Tbsp/15 ml dried and crushed sage ½ tsp/2.5 ml crushed red chilies (Optional: increase for spicier soup, or eliminate for milder soup) ½ cup/125 ml red lentils, rinsed well and drained 1 can coconut milk or 1.5 cups/375ml milk 8-10 cups of waterMETHOD: Prepare all fresh ingredients. Measure oil into large soup or stock pot (3- 4 liter size). Heat to medium-low, and add onions, carrots, celery, apples, salt, pepper, garlic and bay leaves. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes, adding water if needed to keep from browning. Add ginger, sage, chili pepper, and stir to combine. Add lentils and the remaining water. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and blend until creamy with immersion blender (or glass food blender). Return to low heat and stir in coconut milk or milk. Heat through on low for 5-7 minutes.
YIELD: 8 large servings of soup – serve with Savory Soup Croutons, below, with your favourite crackers, or a slice of fresh bread. This soup freezes well and can be portioned for lunches or busy-day dinners – just re-heat and serve.
SAVORY SOUP CROUTONS INGREDIENTS: 4 slices stale bread, cut into bite-size squares 1 Tbsp/15 ml olive or canola oil ½ tsp/2.5 ml granulated garlic ½ tsp/2.5 ml ground paprika 1 tsp/5 ml dried parsley flakes Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD: Measure oil into a medium, non-stick frying pan. Heat oil to medium-high. Add cubed bread and stir quickly to distribute oil over all bread pieces. Continue to stir bread, toasting pieces on all sides. As bread starts to toast, sprinkle on granulated garlic, paprika, parsley, salt and pepper. Continue stirring, reducing heat to low. When bread cubes are evenly toasted, remove the pan from heat, and move croutons into a heat-safe dish or bowl for serving over prepared soup.
Donations and Fundraising Thank you for your kind support!
Our team would like to acknowledge all monetary and in-kind donors who have supported our shelter program throughout recent months – your generosity fills many funding gaps, including in areas of food security, children’s and infant needs, as well as cultural and wellness programming.
Upcoming third-party fundraising campaigns include Urban Barn’s Blanket the Country initiative and Shelmerdine Garden Centre’s Giving Tree Ornament campaign. If you visit these retailers in the next few weeks, please look for the fundraising details! Shelmerdine’s Giving Tree ornaments will retail for $9.99 and all proceeds support local charities including Willow Place. Urban Barn locations will be matching customer donations for Willow Place, and will receive a discount for a future purchase (20% off $100 minimum purchase). The Urban Barn campaign begins November 1, 2025 and extends until September 30, 2026, and Shelmerdine’s ornament campaign will begin in October and runs thru December, or while stock lasts.
Currently, Willow Place is collecting wish list items including, non-perishable food items, hygiene products (toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant are urgent needs), new or gently-used towels, blankets, and unwrapped gifts for women and children for the holiday giving season.
Each November is recognized as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS month in Manitoba, and Willow Place is also collecting new pajamas for women and children in our shelter program. Through our annual POWER OF PJS campaign, we aim to acquire 250 pairs of pajamas, representing the average number of women and children we will support this winter.
If you have questions or wish to donate, please call Pam at 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or Kimi at 204-615-0313, ext. 245 (weekdays, daytime hours) – THANK YOU!
This year will mark the 6th Annual HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS fundraising event! Willow Place is grateful to be among the three beneficiaries of the event, each supporting homeless populations in our region: Willow Place, Red Road Lodge and Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY).
Willow Place community team members participate on the local committee and provide locker room talks for teams on game day. This year, Willow Place also supported the women’s league in advance of the event date providing support with fundraising raffles. We were also able to provide support for the rainbow and online auctions that will be part of both draft night and game day activities.
Program for children in shelter resumes We are so excited to welcome summer day camp staff members, Sophia and Kaitlin to the Willow Place shelter program team. Willow Place is thrilled to offer the summer day camp program for children and families in shelter again this year, thanks to granted funds from Canada Summer Jobs and a Children and Youth Grant from the Winnipeg Foundation (Community Fund, Nourishing Potential Fund). These grant dollars support summer day camp wages, program supplies and equipment; and nutritious snacks for children. We are so grateful to have received these valuable supports, and could not support this valuable children’s program without these contributions!
We also wish to acknowledge in-kind donations from The Assiniboine Park (The Zoo and The Leaf), Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Goldeyes Community Zone, Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Manitoba Children’s Museum, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Donated admission passes allow Willow Place to provide stimulating and memorable outings for children and families in our shelter program; most-often a first-time experience and a summer highlight for the participants.
Staff Feature
Meet Facility & Support Supervisor, Kathy S. Kathy S. is a valued member of the Willow Place leadership team, with over 25 years of experience in the violence prevention sector. In her role as Facility & Support Supervisor, Kathy very capably supports the violence prevention shelter program, including scheduling and training of support and other staff, and ensuring compliance with fire safety and other safety-related policies and procedures. Kathy also liaises with provincial staff and volunteers relating to maintenance of our facilities, orders supplies for the shelter program. Overall, Kathy contributes daily to a healthy, supportive environment for all participants, volunteers and staff members. Thank you, Kathy, for all you do!
What are some of your interests outside of work? I enjoy learning about historic events, nature and country music.
What are your main responsibilities and tasks at Willow Place? As Facility & Support Supervisor, I am a leadership team member and I assume overall accountability for daily operations of the shelter, including facility management, as well as Support Worker and Support Worker practicum placements at Willow Place.
What are three things you enjoy about this role? What are some difficult aspects of your role? It is never the same day twice, and I enjoying contributing to the overall organizational success and working together as a team. Challenges include seeing intergenerational violence play out: e.g., children and grandchildren of former shelter participants also coming into shelter years later. Also hearing and seeing impacts of violence and abuse in day-to-day work (vicarious trauma) can be very difficult. Limited resources always present challenges – we all need to do more with less.
Can you tell us about trends or common needs in the shelter program? There is a lack of safe and affordable social housing, and this hinders vulnerable populations in obtaining long-term safe accommodations that could promote a successful healing journey.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of violence prevention? I am hopeful for expanded services and programs to meet growing community needs.
Is there a person or experience that has shaped your interest in violence prevention, or has motivated you to help others? I can’t really think of a specific person, but I have benefited from specialized courses and training, and have been given opportunities to learn and grow as an employee and in my supervisor role.
Donation Highlights
UNESCO Take Action and Healing Garden Projects This spring, Willow Place was delighted to be contacted by Vincent Massey high school student, Sarah Schroeder about her UNESCO Take Action Project. Sarah collected in-kind and monetary donations to supply our shelter program with over ten boxes and bags of priority wish list items in June! Thank you for thinking of Willow Place, Sarah – your support has made a positive difference for our busy shelter program, including help to raise awareness of Willow Place’s violence prevention services.
Special thanks to donor, Blaine Wall, for creating five new raised planters for our Healing Garden project this spring. Blaine also delivered soil for the planters, and our handypersonvolunteer, Doug Peters helped our community team staff fill the beds. The Healing Garden growing areas provide important spaces for women and children to connect with nature. For many of our participants, it is their first experience growing things from seed, tasting garden produce, or tending to a garden. Seeds, plants and supplies/equipment for the garden were made possible due to in-kind and monetary donations totaling $140.00 – amazing! We are grateful to our shelter program, on-site teacher, Mrs. S, staff, volunteers, and summer day camp staff for their role in planting and maintaining the growing areas. Thanks also to counselor, Dee for the donation of prairie sage, which is thriving. It takes a team!
Want to donate? Do you have donation questions? Please reach out to our community team! Weekdays – day-time hours: Kimi 204-615-0313, ext. 245 Pam 204-615-0313, ext. 237
Purse Bingo
Outstanding fundraising for Willow Place In May, Willow Place leadership team staff were treated to a fun evening out to play Purse Bingo in support of The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. 80% of proceeds raised will be granted to Willow Place, and remaining funds support the Foundation’s ongoing work Canada-wide. The Purse Bingo concept was unique and dynamic – instead of calling letters and numbers, music clips were played. If a song played was on your bingo card, you got to dab the corresponding square. Ten fun games were played, and the prizes were a dazzling selection of designer purses, many of which were sponsored by local businesses and other realtors. Our team was happy to join in with hundreds of women as enjoyed Manitoba-made snacks and sang along to favourite music from all genres.
Heartfelt appreciation to Nicole Hacault, Royal LePage Top Producers real estate agent and her wonderful team. Nicole consistently shines bright as an avid supporter of our violence prevention work in Manitoba! Nicole is once again participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Trek for Shelter and will be traveling to Cambodia this October (Cambodia Challenge 2025). Please consider helping Nicole help those in need – link follows, below.
By Pam Hadder, Community Supervisor Do you have favourite childhood summer memories? I recall endless sunny days, taking my little brothers to the local paddling pool with a picnic lunch. Once our fingers and toes got too “pruney,” we would move on to the swings and blow-dry while dreaming under a canopy of trees. Mom would also set up a tent in the backyard. Shaded and bug-free, hours were spent reading comic books with siblings or friends, sometimes enjoying Kool-Aid or homemade popsicles.
Often it is the simple, small things that I recall with joy, like building forts, climbing trees, and the time I found a fossil by the lake with my Dad. To this day, I can replay these memories like movie clips, and I never tire of dreaming under a summer sky.
SUBSCRIBER DRAW!!! Please email us your favourite summer memories: pamh@willowplace.ca (two or three sentences). We will be drawing from all entries in August for three Willow Place prize packs, and will share the memories and winners’ names in a special Summer Memoriesemail blast this August.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Women’s Health Clinic We are so grateful for ongoing support for our shelter program through Women’s Health Clinic. This partnership allows for bi-weekly doctor visits to the shelter. Shelter program participants can sign up in advance for an appointment or access drop-in between set appointments, should the need arise. Participants often access valuable community information and programs like Family Doctor Finder while interacting with Clinic staff, an important step supporting primary health care and assuring ongoing access to healthcare practitioners.
MEN’S SUPPORTS – Inclusive violence prevention services Although the majority of those we support in our programs are women and children, a variety of supports are available for men and male-identifying individuals as well. Supports include 24-hour crisis support (phone, text, and chat), access to protective shelter (separate from our main shelter), and outreach counseling.
Any person, any culture, any gender – all are welcome to reach out to Willow Place 24-hours, whether it is a question, or if they are seeking crisis support and short-term protective shelter.
Further support, the internationally-recognized Caring Dads Program, is ongoing due to a community partnership with Winnipeg Child and Family Services and the General Authority. Caring Dads is currently open to male perpetrators of family violence with an open case file with Winnipeg CFS. The 17-week intervention program provides safety, support, non-judgement and allows men an opportunity to learn healthier behaviours.
Program Info: call Shannon at 204-599-3463
MOTHER’S DAY – Honouring Mothers and Mother-Figures May is fast approaching, along with the Mother’s Day observance, Sunday, May 11. Traditionally, Mother’s Day has been a time set aside to recognize and honour Mothers and Grandmothers. Today, thoughts of appreciation are often extended to include a spectrum of motherhood and the many unique roles and life stages: expectant mothers, new moms, adoptive parents and diverse mother-figures such as older sisters, aunts, friends and others who may have fulfilled cherished maternal roles.
For all the Moms, Grandmas, Moms-to-be and Mother Figures, we hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day – thank you for all that you do for others.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK – thank you to our wonderful Willow Place volunteers!
DONATION NEEDS – Wish List and priority donations Willow Place keeps an updated list of donation needs on our website wish list and from time-to-time we will promote urgent needs by email or social media. There are many ways to give! Some items we tend to need year-round include: gently-used towels and blankets, new underwear and socks for women and children; non-perishable food, and basic toiletries: deodorant, shampoo, soap, body lotion, and toothpaste.
If you have items to donate that do not appear on our wish list, feel welcome to reach out to the community team for support. We may be able to receive your items, or we can recommend a variety of community partners who accept various donations.
Community Team contacts (weekdays – day-time hours): Kimi 204-615-0313, ext. 245 Pam 204-615-0313, ext. 237
STAFF FEATURE – MEET RENEE R.
Administrative Professional’s Day is April 23, and we would be remiss to not acknowledge a very special staff member on our hard-working team – thank you RENEE R.for all the support you provide! Renee has supported our Executive Director and HR, as well as the community team in many valuable ways since starting work at Willow Place. In recent years, as we have worked hard to update systems amid constantly changing technology, Renee’s patience, kindness and diligence have provided an essential and steady presence. We appreciate you, Renee!
1) Please tell us about your typical workday, or weekly duties at Willow Place. My workdays in Administration are actually quite varied and often fast-paced. It includes regular reporting on different function areas of the organization; accounting and human resources tasks, as well as technical support and collaborative project management.
2) What are your favourite parts of your job? What motivates you in your work? The variety of tasks and responsibilities that the position provides. I also feel very fortunate to work with a supportive group of individuals every day and to work for an organization that aligns with my values.
3) What aspects of your work do you find the most challenging and interesting? Competing priorities can sometimes be a challenge but there is never a dull moment and I enjoy being busy!
4) Do you have role models that have inspired you? My first role models would have to be my parents, who always had strong work ethic and enjoyed the simple things in life. I am also inspired every day by the dear friends I have in my life who possess strength, authenticity and fierce loyalty.
5) Do you have tips for those who aspire to work in administrative roles? Aside from obtaining related training and education, strong organizational skills, time management and communication skills are key attributes to be successful in an administrative role. Teamwork and flexibility are also very important.
6) Can you share a quote or poem/song that you enjoy? I have an album on my phone where I save passages that resonate with me. Here’s one of them:
OTHER WAYS TO HELP – Donate-A-Car & Kinsmen Raffle
Thank you to Donate-A-Car Canada, and Winnipeg Kinsmen! Thanks to these two organizations, there are more ways to help Willow Place help others. Donate-A-Car accepts donations of used cars and proceeds of sales go to charities. Cars do not have to be in running order, and there are no costs to the donor or to Willow Place. If you have a car to donate, please click on the link below – thank you!
We are so grateful to be one of the charities supported by the Kin-Kar and 50-50 Raffle 2025 (Winnipeg Kinsmen). When you purchase Kin-Kar or 50-50 tickets, a portion of the money collected goes to Willow Place. Please support us if your are able, and help us spread the word – thank you!
EMPLOYMENT AT WILLOW PLACE – Updates and opportunities
Are you looking for meaningful employment? Willow Place has some open part-time positions. A part-time role can be a great way to develop new skills and try out a new career option! Please feel welcome to share with those who may be interested – thank you.
Valentine’s Day is traditionally a day for expressing affection and admiration between close connections, often with a romantic theme. For those who have survived violence and abuse, Valentine’s Day can be especially stressful. Survivors may experience complex, conflicting emotions, including love and hate, comfort and unease, attraction and fear. Unhealthy relationships may not be violent and abusive every day, and survivors cling to the happier memories, hoping that abusers will change, and that the latest episode of maltreatment will be the last. Unfortunately, it is common for incidents of abuse to become more frequent and increasingly severe over time. Survivors will often experience multiple cycles of violence, reconciliation, hope, regret and self-loathing.
Focusing on self-love and self-care are great ways to move forward from unhealthy relationships, and Valentine’s Day can be a time to highlight and practice this positive shift. Rather than being influenced by social pressures and expectations of idealized romantic love, exploring concepts of self-acceptance, nurturing, and supportive relationships can help survivors move away from old patterns, toward improved physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
In preparation for Valentine’s Day, we polled our Willow Place team to find out what self-care looks like for them – here are some of their tips!
“Spending time with family and friends…time at the lake…Exercising and walking helps me maintain my physical and mental health.” Lisa L.
“It is a habit of love, love for myself…I eat healthy and always have two books on the go… Self-care is about making time for what you love. I love my children and my grandchildren, and I spend lots of time with them. Long-time friends are important as well.” Diane P.
“I make soup and muffins to freeze and share with family.” Pam H.
“I seek out nature and feel most grounded near…water, trees and sunsets! Doing so…reminds me to appreciate life.” Renee R.
“I smudge at least once a day…It makes me stop, breathe, reflect and re-set with good intentions and an open mind. I also love to bead. When beading I…think good things and send out that energy into the piece I am making.” Lisa K.
“I have plants…My plants have…become my support system. They’ve heard everything, and they’re still…growing.” Vishakha
“I…prioritize…my physical and mental health. I engage in activities that I love, but I also…do things that I may not enjoy as much, yet I know are good for me…I believe…sometimes what feels challenging can also be beneficial, and my goal…is to keep pushing myself to improve.” Kimi B.
“I like to go for massage, watch comedy, talk with important people in my life, and cook, sometimes, depending on how I feel.” Louisa S. “I…stay away from my phone…relax on my bed…while at other times I…choose to relax with movies. I practice…gratitude and affirmation. Spend time with my family…take time to listen to soft music…I do a long walk and connect with nature.” ‘Lola I.
Board of Directors Update Thank you to our volunteer board members
In Fall 2024, we bid farewell to board member and Secretary, Pamela McLeod, after ten years of service. We also welcomed new board member, Serena Bevilacqua as a member-at-large. Existing board member, Scott Robillard assumed the Secretary role for our board. Special thanks to Pamela for her many years of diligent support and valuable insight. and thank you, Scott and Serena for your commitment – we appreciate you!
Volunteer Recruitment Open positions in the shelter program
We are excited to be engaged in a volunteer recruitment this winter for a variety of roles that support our shelter program. Currently, we are accepting applications for shelter support, donation support, cultural program support and translation support (Arabic and French languages). All Willow Place volunteers must apply and go through a selection process like applying for employment. Regardless of their role, all prospective volunteers must supply current background checks and complete our online and in-person training.
International Women’s Day Women’s rights are human rights
International Women’s Day (March 8) is an annual worldwide observance to draw attention to the contributions of women, and to women’s issues. Sadly, we are experiencing a time where, despite past progress, women around the world are denied basic human rights, such as a right to safety. Women are experiencing increasing rates of physical, sexual, economic, emotional, reproductive and social violence.
Women make up half of the world’s population and are equally capable in all areas of life. In developing nations, it is estimated that women produce 80% of the food and help to sustain the environment for future generations. Despite this, women are among those most-impacted by food insecurity. Former communist leader Mao Zedong once declared, “Women hold up half the sky,” to highlight the essential contributions of women, but all too often women’s rights are not upheld, and they face extreme hardship and marginalization, including violence and harassment in the work force, and a disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work.
Patriarchal systems of oppression assert and preserve male dominance in all areas of human life, and democratic governments that are more supportive of equal rights for women are under systemic attack globally. Less than 30% of world nations have democratic governments. For those wishing to diminish and control women, democratic nations pose a threat to agendas of dominance.
Technology, which has enabled real-time communications and has removed barriers for many who were previously isolated, is also being manipulated to spread hate speech and misinformation. Too many people struggle to distinguish fact from fiction while extreme political and paramilitary groups infiltrate, normalize and circulate hate-speech, dismantle cultural tolerance, and encourage criminal behaviours.
Historically, wars and political agendas have been waged over women’s bodies, and these crimes against humanity are being experienced today with disturbing frequency: abduction, torture and rape of women and girls (e.g., Sudan, Ukraine, by Russia; In Israel by Hamas; in Republic of Congo, called the “Rape Capital of the World”). Extreme examples of gender-based violence are escalating in Afghanistan where the Muslim-extremist Taliban have restricted women to their homes, banned windows and education, and have forbidden women to communicate with women outside of their home. In the United States, long-established female reproductive rights have been dismantled in many states (Roe vs. Wade), leaving victims of rape and incest scrambling to find doctors who will help them with therapeutic abortions.
Female genital mutilation, forced marriages and child marriages continue in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab States as well as Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America, estimated to have impacted over 230 million women and girls. Despite education and intervention efforts, it is anticipated that 68 million more girls will be victimized between 2015-2030. Several countries have no minimum age for marriage, including Gambia, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan and Yemen. In Canada, the legal age for marriage is age 16, which is not old enough to vote or drive a car.
Human rights, especially women’s rights, are fragile and under attack. It is especially important to not be complacent, to not minimize threats to rights and freedoms; to speak up for women and girls, to seek improved conditions and protections, and to hold elected officials accountable – our shared future depends upon it.
Staff Feature – Meet Lisa K., Housing Support Specialist
Please share a few things about your background, and things you enjoy. As a proud Métis woman, I have a passion for supporting and empowering women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+individuals, while on their journey of healing. For over 19 years I have been working in the Gender-Based Violence sector in various roles, within numerous organizations. I have stayed dedicated to this line of work because I value the importance of humanity, and everyone has the right to live a life free from violence. Even though my impact may be small I believe that the ripple effect will be everlasting and that matters.
Please tell me about your role at Willow Place – what are your main responsibilities and tasks? I feel honored to have the opportunity to work in partnership with participants while they seek, explore and hopefully obtain housing. Some of the responsibilities and tasks I have are:
– Finding viewings for participants to attend alone or I can accompany them – I can offer transportation for a variety of reasons if it assists with securing housing, – I frequently provide advocacy and encouragement when the process is overwhelming – I help complete paperwork, applications and letters of support – Making referrals to partnering agencies and organizations
Moving out of shelter can be exciting and new for participants but it may also be a lonely and scary time. As part of Outreach services, I offer home visits to help participants transition and adjust to their new home, navigating conversations with landlords/property managers and referrals and advocacy to other supports in the community. What are three things you enjoy about this role? What are some difficult aspects of your role? I enjoy having the opportunity to work directly with participants, going out of the shelter and working in the community, and working with my incredible co-workers and fantastic leadership team. One of the difficult aspects of my role is when a participant works hard to secure housing and is not successful within their shelter stay. Can you tell me about trends or common needs that you are seeing among the vulnerable populations served daily in the shelter program? Over time I have seen affordable and safe housing options become less and less available to individuals who are experiencing GBV. Subsidized housing waitlists have grown, and the housing markets have spiked. This trend has left survivors of GBV even more at risk and vulnerable. What are your hopes and dreams for the future in terms of the valuable role you play in violence prevention? Is there a person or experience that has shaped your interest in violence prevention, or has motivated you to help others? One of the people who has inspired, encouraged and taught me to find and use my voice while working in the GBV field was Anna Pazdzierski (former ED of Nova House, Manitoba). Not only was she a role model and leader but an inspiration. She gave me opportunities to speak up and question societal expectations/norms for women. Without Anna giving me my first job in a violence prevention shelter and the experience I had there, I don’t know if I would have chosen this as my life career.
Third Party Fundraising
Were you aware that the majority of Willow Place fundraising is third-party fundraising? Each year we are very fortunate to be approached by a variety of groups who hold fundraising events on our behalf. Those who support us are diverse and include faith-based groups, schools, universities and colleges, the health sector, policing, business community members, and service clubs. We also have had individuals and friend groups organize fundraising efforts.
These fundraisers provide much-needed funds to fill funding gaps in areas such as food security, cultural programming, children’s programming and more! They also help to raise awareness of violence prevention services and the prevalence of gender-based violence in the Manitoba region, and help to supply our shelter program with a wide range of in-kind items listed on our WISH LIST.
If you are interested in third-party fundraising, feel welcome to contact our community team to request information: Pam 204-615-0313, ext. 237; Kimi 204-615-0313, ext. 245
