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Category: News

Home / News
24December
2025

Featured Willow Place E-News – Holiday Edition 2025

December 24, 2025
Willow Place
News, Uncategorized
0

In this issue:
Holiday Greetings
Shared Traditions
Spirit of Giving
Spicing it Up!
Donation Needs


HOLIDAY GREETINGS
Our best wishes for a happy holiday season
The change from autumn to winter provides a natural transition to both reflect upon months past and to look forward to the New Year. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, funders, supporters and donors – without these combined efforts, we could not sustain our daily violence prevention services.

While we prepare for the unique challenges presented by winter, we also recognize that with the winter solstice, each day grows a bit longer and brighter, and we inevitably move closer to spring’s promise of renewal. Throughout this paradoxical time, we continue the life-affirming processes of imagining, planning, preparing, and forward motion.

Thank you for sharing 2025 with us, both the difficult times and the precious moments of success and joy. We are so thankful  to count you among our supportive community.

However you choose to celebrate the holiday season, whether it is Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Noel, Christmas, Winter Solstice or other community and cultural observances, we hope that you enjoy supportive connections, good health, peace and joy.


SHARED TRADITIONS
Our team’s holiday highlights
We asked our team members to share holiday traditions, and their responses are featured, below. Amid the holiday busy-ness, we hope you will enjoy some light-hearted fun and time for rest.
                                                           Happy Holidays from all of us!


SPIRIT OF GIVING
Holiday activities in the shelter program
Each year our shelter program begins preparations to create a festive, happy atmosphere for program participants. Sadly, violence does not take a holiday – our shelter program staff work a variety of shift rotations year-round, including during the holidays, to provide 24-H crisis support (phone, text, live chat) and to staff the busy violence prevention shelter program – our services never close.

Throughout December, Willow Place plans to support over 100 women and children, some who will be with us through the holiday festivities, some who will depart from shelter during this time, and others who may connect with our supportive teams by follow-up and outreach counseling. Our shared goal is to provide some comfort and holiday spirit during their connections with us, over and above our regular supports.

Winter weather can be especially isolating, and this is more-so for participants that have acute safety risks in the community. Additionally, the holiday season is particularly stressful for those who have experienced violence and abuse among their close personal and family relationships.

To support a homey, welcoming environment, our shelter program plans holiday-themed activities throughout December to provide parent respite, positive focus, social connection, and to help alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression among participants. Special snacks, activities and decorating are always popular!

One highlight in the shelter program is “Santa’s Workshop.” When our school classroom closes (mid-December to early January), staff and volunteers convert the space into a holiday-themed hub. Supported by community donations, Willow Place aims to provide each woman and child sheltering with us with a filled stocking and wrapped gift. We also supply unwrapped new gifts for women and children, so that Mothers can select and wrap a gift for their children, and children may select and wrap a gift for Mom.

Spirit of Giving - E-News Holiday Edition.jpg

SPICING IT UP!
Handcrafted holiday ornaments

These cinnamon-scented ornaments make wonderful tree decorations, garlands or parcel tie-ons. Simply make the dough, cut shapes with cookie cutters. Then punch a hole with a straw to allow for hanging, stringing together or tying to a parcel or gift. Air dry, oven-dry or use a food dehydrator, and decorate if desired.

DOUGH INGREDIENTS (decorative – not edible!):
1 cup – 250 ml unsweetened apple sauce
1-1/2 cups – 375 ml ground cinnamon (buy bulk or low-quality brand)
2 Tablespoons – 30 ml non-toxic white craft glue
Optional: can add 2-3 tsp. – 10-15 ml of ground cloves – reduce cinnamon by amount of cloves added

OTHER SUPPLIES:
Mixing bowl, mixing spoon, spatula
Plastic wrap
Plastic or metal drinking straw (paper is not firm enough)
Rolling pin, assorted cookie cutters (simple shapes work best, e.g., star, circle, tree)
Fine sandpaper or emery board
Cookie sheets and baking racks
Glitter, puffy paints, rhinestones, etc. for decorating (Optional)
Ribbon and hooks for hanging

DOUGH AND PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Measure dough ingredients into mixing bowl – partly combine with spatula or mixing spoon, then mix with hands to form ball of uniform consistency. Depending upon the humidity, you many need to add a bit more apple sauce if dough is dry, or a bit more cinnamon if the dough feels a bit wet.

Once combined, take 1/3 of the ball of dough and place in on the counter between two sheets of plastic wrap. Roll out to 1/3″ (8.5mm) thickness and cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. NOTE: if dough is rolled too thinly, the shapes will curl up as they dry.  

Punch a hole in the top of each cut-out with the straw, then carefully transfer cut-out shapes to a baking rack placed on a cookie sheet. Pre-heat over to 200 F/93 C and bake 2.5 hours until ornaments are firm and dry.  For food dehydrator, dry on high setting for 6 hours.  To air-dry, leave on racks in an out-of-the-way area with low humidity for 3-4 days.

Once dry, ornaments can be painted; you can glue on glitter, rhinestones, etc. Prior to decorating, use fine sand paper or an emery board to smooth any rough edges. Depending on your use, thread a ribbon or attach an ornament hook through the punched holes – great for tree ornaments, making garlands or using as parcel/gift tie-ons.

Craft Idea-Holiday Edition 2025.jpg


DONATION NEEDS
Giving updates and ways to help
There are many ways to help Willow Place help others! Whether you choose a monthly monetary gift through Canada Helps, contribute to our New Facility Fund, or plan a donation collection among friends, family or colleagues, we are so grateful. Year-round, Willow Place relies upon monetary and in-kind gifts to provide daily needs for participants in our busy shelter program and to fill gaps in funding, in areas such as food security, cultural programming and children’s needs – thank you for considering a gift for Willow Place.

NEW FACILITY FUND –  CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
WISH LIST – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
MONETARY GIFTS – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

Willow Place crisis supports are the largest and most-utilized services of their kind in Manitoba – your kindness helps us help others in need.


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04November
2025

Willow Place Autumn 2025 Newsletter

November 4, 2025
Willow Place
News
0
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! 

Follow Brooklyn and learn more about her art: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

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.

It’s not too late to help Mandy and Nicole support Willow Place:
SUPPORT NICOLE: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
SUPPORT MANDY: 
CLICK HERE FOR INFO! 


Staff Feature
Meet Clinical Supervisor, Erin M

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.

View our complete donation WISH LIST here: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

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.

Volunteer, purchase a company pennant, sponsor, or donate:
CLICK HERE FOR INFO!


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17July
2025

Willow Place Summer 2025 E-Newsletter

July 17, 2025
Willow Place
News, Uncategorized
0

Summer Day Camp

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 handyperson volunteer, 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.

Donate and follow Nicole’s progress here: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!



Summer Memories Prize Draw

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 Memories email blast this August.

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15April
2025

Willow Place Spring E-Newsletter

April 15, 2025
Willow Place
News, Uncategorized
0

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.

Family Doctor Finder:  CLICK HERE FOR INFO

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.

WISH LIST: CLICK HERE!

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:

“Darling, just go ahead and love your life. Take pictures of everything. Capture moments big.jpg

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!

DONATE-A-CAR: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

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!

KIN KAR RAFFLE: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

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.

INTAKE WORKER (part-time): CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
FAMILY VIOLENCE COUNSELOR (part-time): CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

For questions, contact Willow Place HR Coordinator, Eniola: 204-615-0313, ext. 229
(Weekdays, daytime hours).

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We envision a future where healthy relationships flourish. Inclusive, no-cost, 24-hour violence prevention services and supports.

Outreach services are offered in-person and by pho Outreach services are offered in-person and by phone. For 24-hour info and support call 1-877-977-0007 or text to 204-813-8887.

#willowplace #manitoba #wherehealingbegins #GBV
Our participants have diverse needs and have most- Our participants have diverse needs and have most-often exhausted all means of support.

24-hour help or info:
Phone 204-615-0311
Text 204-813-8887

#willowplace #familyviolenceprevention #manitoba #GBV
Adults with a history of childhood neglect and vio Adults with a history of childhood neglect and violence often face parenting challenges.  Support and counseling facilitate healing and offer opportunities for survivors to practice healthier behaviours.

#violenceprevention #manitoba #GBV #willowplace #wherehealingbegin
Willow Place provides inclusive support for divers Willow Place provides inclusive support for diverse family violence prevention needs in Manitoba – no-cost and confidential.

24-hour info and support: 1-877-977-0007

#willowplace #manitoba #healthyrelationships
Willow Place provides services for male and male-i Willow Place provides services for male and male-identifying individuals. 

For info and support, contact us 24 hours: 1-877-977-0007
Winnipeg local: 204-615-0311
Text-only line: 204813-8887

#willowplace #familyviolenceprevention #manitoba #enddv
You DO NOT have to enter shelter to access free, c You DO NOT have to enter shelter to access free, confidential #violenceprevention counseling. Call for information and to book an appointment.

#willowplace #manitoba #wherehealingbegins #GBV
Virtual or in-person presentations and discussion Virtual or in-person presentations and discussion groups can be customized to suit your needs.

More info: 204-615-0313, ext. 237

#willowplace #manitoba #violenceprevention #gbv
Trauma survivors may experience a variety of perso Trauma survivors may experience a variety of personal, emotional and behavioural challenges. We provide inclusive, no-cost support – 24-hours, no cost, confidential.

#gbv #willowplace #manitoba #violenceprevention
There are many different reasons to donate - thank There are many different reasons to donate - thank you for helping us help others!
DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770

#violenceprevention #willowplace #canadahelps #manitoba #GBV
We provide inclusive, no-cost support for diverse We provide inclusive, no-cost support for diverse #violenceprevention needs in #manitoba
Anyone seeking info or support can contact our team 24-H.

PH: 204-615-0311
TXT: 204-813-8887

#willowplace #shelter #homelessness #wherehealingbegins
We have casual openings for intake workers and fam We have casual openings for intake workers and family violence counselors - visit our CAREERS page for info & to apply:

https://willowplaceshelter.ca/careers/

#willowplace #manitoba #violenceprevention #GBV #careers
We provide inclusive, no-cost support for diverse We provide inclusive, no-cost support for diverse violence prevention needs in Manitoba.

24-hour crisis support: 1-877-977-0007 or text to 204-813-8887

#willowplace #familyviolenceprevention #manitoba #GBV
Survivors face many barriers to recovery and heali Survivors face many barriers to recovery and healing.  We provide inclusive, no-cost support to meet individual needs and goals.

24-hour info and support: 204-615-0311

#violenceprevention #willowplace #manitoba #GBV
We provide no-cost, low-barrier services for diver We provide no-cost, low-barrier services for diverse needs in Manitoba – any person, any culture, any gender seeking help or info can connect with us 24-hours:

Ph: 204-615-0311
Txt: 204-813-8887

#willowplace #violenceprevention #manitoba #GBV
Willow Place’s shelter program has dedicated housi Willow Place’s shelter program has dedicated housing supports including connection to resources, transportation to appointments, and support to overcome barriers.

#willowplace #manitoba #familyviolenceprevention
Any person, any gender experiencing family violenc Any person, any gender experiencing family violence, gender-based violence or intimate partner violence can contact us for info and support 24-hours: 1-877-977-0007 or 204-615-0311 

Text line: 204-813-8887

#familyviolenceprevention #willowplace #manitoba #shelter #gbv
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The heart of our work is healthy relationships. Willow Place provides inclusive, no-cost family violence prevention services, 24-hours, every day of the year.

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