2023
Willow Place E-News 2023 Holiday Edition
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
The holiday season has arrived, and amid the busy-ness, we reflect on the past calendar year with gratitude, and with hearts open to new ideas and opportunities. We are thankful for the dedication and valuable contributions of staff, and volunteers, including our board of directors, and for the many community partners who help us serve violence survivors every day of the year. Special appreciation to all of our caring supporters who contribute by sharing our information with others who may benefit, and through in-kind and monetary gifts – we could not sustain our work without you.
Willow Place continues to experience increasing calls for both outreach and shelter supports – we provided a record 13,400 stays in the past fiscal year (2022-2023). Our current facility poses limitations on our capacity to provide support, and this has also resulted in our movement toward acquiring a new space and hiring a dedicated fundraiser for this purpose. Watch for details to follow in the coming year, as we anticipate this exciting new phase!
Although rising service demands present concerns, this experience may also reveal positive aspects – potentially, more calls are being received because of reduced stigma and increased awareness of supports. As such, we remain committed to ongoing assessment and continual improvement strategies, ensuring we provide low-barrier, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive violence prevention supports for Manitobans.
On behalf of all of us at Willow Place, we wish you peace, good health and happiness as we say goodbye to the fading year, and approach the New Year with renewed optimism fueled by your kind support and acknowledgment of our work.
RED ROAD TO HEALING
Indigenous Cultural Programming
Our shelter program was very grateful to initiate new cultural supports this fall with the Red Road to Healing program. The ten-week Indigenous cultural program was created by Shannon Buck, a respected Traditional Knowledge Keeper, and has become well-known and appreciated for its unique supports. Not all shelter participants stay with Willow Place for ten weeks, but they can continue to attend the program after departing. The program also offers flexibility for women to join at any point in the series. Those completing all ten sessions receive a certificate.
Chii megwetch, thank you, to the Indigenous Knowledge Keepers who are facilitating Red Road to Healing for the Willow Place violence prevention shelter program – we are grateful to offer this valuable healing support on-site.
THE POWER OF STORY
Welcome and thank you, Amna
Willow Place has enjoyed visits from storyteller and group program facilitator, Amna, this autumn. Amna shares storytelling from around the world to benefit both children and adults in our shelter program. We look forward to watching this program evolve. We have already seen the excitement and interest Amna’s presentations and performances stimulate, and we have witnessed the power of story to unite diverse cultures and also to promote cultural tolerance and understanding.
STAFF FEATURE
Welcome Eniola – Holiday Traditions
Eniola A. is the Human Resource Coordinator at Willow Place and she joined our team in spring 2023. Eniola brings a wealth of experience as a Certified Human Resources Professional with decades of dedicated service in the industry.
Please share a bit about your background
I have a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the intricacies of HR management, a solid foundation in HR Policies, and I have consistently demonstrated the ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of human resources while staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
What are some of the key responsibilities of your role at Willow Place?
In the role of Human Resources Coordinator at Willow Place, I oversee a range of critical HR functions. This includes but is not limited to recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, benefits administration, HR documentation and compliance, training and development and performance management. During my tenure, there have been notable contributions to enhancing the HR processes and employee experience at Willow Place. These achievements stem from a strategic and proactive approach to HR management, fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring HR policies align with the organization’s goals.
My organizational prowess, excellent communication skills and keen sense of empathy and discretion contribute to effective employee engagement, conflict resolution and a continued collaborative and respectful work environment. I remain dedicated to fostering a workplace where employees thrive and organizational goals are met with efficiency and integrity.
We know you love family gatherings; can you please share a holiday tradition?
A traditional recipe my family enjoys for the holidays is JOLLOF RICE. Nigerian Jollof Rice is more than just a dish: it is a culinary masterpiece deeply rooted in the vibrant culture and traditions of Nigeria. This beloved one-pot rice dish holds a special place in family gatherings, celebration and everyday meals, making it staple across the country.
This dish is a symbol of unity and togetherness, its preparation and consumption brings people together, transcending ethnic and social divides. Whether served at weddings, festivals or Sunday Family dinners Jollof Rice is a culinary ambassador reflecting the rich diversity and shared love for good food in Nigeria.
In Nigerian Household, the preparation of Jollof Rice is often a collaborative and festive affair. Families pass down unique recipes through generations, creating a sense of continuity and tradition. The dish is not only a centerpiece for celebration but also a comforting daily meal, reinforcing the importance of family bonds and shared experience around the dining table.
INGREDIENTS
The ingredients for Nigerian Jollof Rice are a harmonious blend of flavors, creating a delicious and aromatic dish. Common ingredients:
- Long Grain Parboiled Rice: The foundation of Jollof Rice, chosen for its ability to absorb flavors without being mushy.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: a vibrant red color and rich taste comes from ripe tomatoes and tomato paste, forming the base of the dish
- Onions and Bell Peppers and Scotch Bonnet: These aromatic vegetables add depth and sweetness to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile
- Vegetable oil: Often used for saut©ing and frying, contributing to the dish’s richness
- Spices and Seasonings: A combination of spices like thyme, curry, bay leaves and seasoning cubes or powder provide provides the characteristic savory and aromatic notes
METHOD
- Prepare the base: blend tomatoes and bell peppers to create a smooth base. Saut© finely chopped onions in vegetable oil until golden brown.
- Add tomato paste: stir in tomato paste, cooking until the mixture thickens and the oil separates
- Seasonings: add a blend of spices and seasoning, adjusting to taste preferences.
- Rinse and parboil rice: wash and parboil the rice until its partially cooked. Drain excess water
- Combine ingredients: mix the parboiled rice with the seasoned tomatoes mixture, ensuring an even coating
- Cooking: cook the rice mixture over low to medium heat, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Add water as needed until the rice is fully cooked.
- Fluff and serve: once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot, garnished with additional ingredients like fried plantains or grilled chicken.
Nigerian Jollof Rice is a celebration of culture, family and the joy of sharing a delicious dish with loved ones.
WELCOME NEW VOLUNTEERS
New, specialized team members
From the onset of COVID, Willow Place had to rapidly adapt. Included in this was our volunteer program. We used downtime enforced by health restrictions to envision, rebuild and streamline our volunteer program, and to find ways to provide more hands-on support for new volunteers.
Most recently, specific needs have arisen in our busy shelter program. These have included cultural supports, translation support, and donation support. Thank you to Volunteer Manitoba for the platform they continue to provide – Willow Place appreciates the visibility and credibility of Volunteer Manitoba services, and the assistance provided to help us recruit for these specialized needs.
Those with questions about our volunteer program are encouraged to contact Shannon on our Community Team: shannonc@willowplace.ca or call Shannon at 204-615-0313, ext. 224
FUNDRAISING AND DONATION HIGHLIGHTS
Caring community makes a difference!
November was Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Manitoba, and Willow Place launched our Power of PJs campaign, together with other Manitoba shelters in the Gender Equity Manitoba (GEM) network. Thanks to caring community, we were able to exceed our goal of collecting 150 pairs of new pajamas for women and children in shelter! November also was highlighted by community fundraising including Hockey Helps the Homeless, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation (Ecuador Trek). We are so grateful for the funds raised by these endeavors, and also for the awareness they raise.
Holiday Giving
Our shelter program is currently accepting donations of stocking stuffer gifts and new unwrapped gifts for women and children. Our deadline to receive items is December 19. For information and to arrange your donation, please contact Renee or Pam:
Renee: 204-615-0313, ext. 231 (reneer@willowplace.ca)
Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (pamh@willowplace.ca)
Special Request
Our shelter program needs to replace a sectional sofa and is hoping we can find a donor. Our needs are a bit particular due to the busy nature of our spaces. The sectional can be gently used but needs to be leather or pleather, with seating for 6-8 adults, dark in colour (brown, black or grey), and with no rips or punctures. If you are able to help out, please contact Pam:
204-615-0313, ext. 237 (pamh@willowplace.ca )
Thank you for your kind support! To quote celebrated Indigenous author, Richard Wagamese, “We are all one drum and we need each other.“
Learn more about Richard Wagamese: CLICK HERE!
2023
WILLOW PLACE – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Fundraising Consultant
Organizational Overview
We support Manitobans in nurturing healthy relationships in a safe space. Our vision for Willow Place within the next five years is a holistic expansion of our capabilities and reach, building a comprehensive
support system for those affected by gender-based violence in our community and beyond.
Project Background
Willow Place has outgrown our current space and is seeking to plan and execute a capital campaign for a new building to broaden and enhance our service delivery capabilities with the necessary resources to sustainably support this evolution. We aim to retrofit a new building as a beacon of safety and transformation, embodying our commitment to healing and growth.
Our vision for this project is a new emergency and transitional housing for women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have been affected by gender-based violence. Willow Place’s pursuit of suitable shelter accommodations has spanned numerous years, reflecting the pressing need to enhance its capacity. The existing facilities are inadequate to serve the needs of Willow Place’s residents. Moreover, the number of bed nights for the past year (13,446) has increased by more than 3,500 from the year prior (9,764). The need for a larger shelter is evident as the shelter frequently operates at full capacity or above capacity. This endeavor aims to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support services to best meet the needs of those who have experienced gender-based violence. The proposed project envisions the establishment of a shelter that can accommodate 48 beds with approximately 43 emergency beds and 5 transitional beds. Furthermore, the facility will house 14 offices and common areas designed to cater to the Participants’ needs. These communal spaces include a commercial and teaching kitchen, dining area, classroom, lounge, childminding room, workshop room, spiritual space, and medical examination room.
Key Consultancy Objective
Willow Place seeks to engage an experienced fundraising consultant or consulting firm to provide strategy, direction, counsel, accountability, design, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise the money needed to support our new building. The consultant will work in consultation with the Willow Place Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the volunteer capital campaign committee to design and implement their plans.
Key Deliverables and Outcomes
- The Case for Support. This is the document that explains the campaign publicly. It must be clear, and concise and include financial goals for campaign programs and projects. The case must also be an inspiring and deeply persuasive demonstration that our new building is necessary, highlighting the unique qualities and needs of Willow Place. The expected outcome is to have a text with persuasive language that convinces potential donors that the need for a new building is valid, urgent, and compelling.
2. Create and implement a project plan that includes:
- A campaign overview that outlines milestones, activities, budgets, targets, and timelines.
- Roles, responsibilities, and deliverables of those involved in implementing the campaign, and lines of communication and accountability.
- Current and new donor prospects to be targeted and the strategies to be employed for targeting them.
- Creation and oversight of a gift matrix.
- Key messages, target audiences, and marketing and communication initiatives.
- Fundraising events/initiatives.
- Recognition of donors.
3. Management of volunteer capital campaign committee that includes:
- Drafting and communicating job descriptions and expectations to members.
- Maintaining regular communication to keep members up-to-date on campaign progress and upcoming milestones.
- Advise committee in decision-making and establishing targets and timelines.
- Monthly reports to Willow Place tracking progress and outlining any decisions that need to be made as necessary.
- Adequate funds raised to support Willow Place’s goal to retrofit a new building.
- An assessment of the increase in donor engagement and monthly donors following the end of the campaign.
Time Commitment
This contract is part-time and is expected to begin in December 2023. It is anticipated that it will take 3 years to raise the necessary funds. Willow Place expects to move into a new building in 2026 and for the fundraising campaign to wrap up in 2025.
Profile of Consultant/Firm
1. Understanding and affirmation of Willow Place’s mission and values.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of fundraising multi-million dollar campaigns.
3. Excellent project management skills, as demonstrated through successful management of personnel, schedule, and budget to complete deliverables on past consulting projects.
4. Proven track record in facilitating communication and collaboration among various organizational departments and positions.
5. Experience with a variety of donor streams such as individual gifts, endowments, online fundraising, social media fundraising, and institutional grants from foundations and government.
6. Demonstrated experience and success in a variety of marketing tools such as direct mail, website, social media, phone soliciting, presentations to philanthropist individuals and groups, etc.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of, and connections to, the philanthropic and donor landscape in Winnipeg.
8. Collaborative and inclusive communications style.
9. CFRE designation an asset.
Proposal
Proposals should include:
1. A letter of interest that outlines your interest, qualifications, and availability.
2. A fee schedule.
3. Current CV/resume for a single consultant, or CVs for up to three people who would be delivering services on behalf of a firm.
4. Information about 2-3 comprehensive fundraising campaigns you and/or your firm successfully planned, implemented, and executed.
5. Three references from past clients.
Proposals should be submitted on or before November 15th, 2023 to Willow Place, attention of Marcie Wood, Executive Director:
· By email: marciew@willowplace.ca
· Or by mail: P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
2023
FVCM REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
The Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba (FVCM) is seeking an independent contractor to evaluate creating a collective impact backbone organization for the gender-based violence sector (in transition from Gender Equity Manitoba (formerly the Family Violence Prevention Program, Manitoba Government.
SCOPE OF WORK
Conduct a comprehensive review of the needs of current agencies funded by Gender Equity Manitoba (GEM), Province of Manitoba, and provide recommendations for creation of a collective impact backbone organization to support gender-based violence sector moving forward.
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Is a network of community members, organizations and institutions who advance equity by learning together, and via aligning and integrating their actions to achieve population and system-level change.
The FAMILY VIOLENCE CONSORTIUM OF MANITOBA (FVCM)
Represents a network of over 30 family violence prevention organizations funded by GEM, and consisting of family violence shelters, second stage family violence programs and housing; resource centers, urban support programs, and specialized services, who provide service and support to Manitobans impacted by violence and abuse.
VISION
Healthy, strong communities and people with women, gender diverse individuals, and families who are proud and empowered; well-supported by organizations and programs which honour their stories, recognize the impact of colonialism, and which work collaboratively to share, undertake and give voice to best practices.
WE BELIEVE
That all elements of the overall caring and support systems, both public and community, have a responsibility to eliminate violence and to support conditions favourable for thriving and successful outcomes, within Manitoba and beyond.
TIMELINES
Consultation and scope of work to begin August 2023, with all deliverables completed by March 31, 2024.
Draft report to be completed by January 22, 2024.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT/CONSULTANT
Required to conduct consultations with all GEM-funded organizations to determine priorities, capacity and needs, as well as overall system strengths and challenges within family violence prevention sector.
Travel to all regions of the Province of Manitoba may be required. Research will inform recommendations re: establishing a backbone organizations in a formal report. The report will summarize all interviews, outline the process used, and resulting recommendations.
The consultant will communicate directly with the FVCM Executive. Dissemination and recommendations resulting from the report are the responsibility of the FVCM Executive.
SCOPE OF CONSULTATION
-GEM-funded agencies, each requiring consultation
-GEM (formerly FVPP), Department of Families, Province of Manitoba
-Literature review/sector scan relative to the sector (family violence and gender-based violence) that may inform a collective impact model
-Specifically address current gaps, priority areas for advocacy, capacity-building, collaboration and collective impact, that would form the focus of a backbone agency
-Collection of data, analysis, and comprehensive report including recommendations based upon collective stakeholder feedback, including (but not limited to) structure and governance; required staff positions and job descriptions; budget, work plan (e.g., action items and target dates)
-Develop a process for selecting the recommended structure
SECTORAL REVIEW
Creation of a comprehensive report and recommendations focused on key areas, including:
-Collective impact two-day sector retreat (February 9 and 10, 2023)
-Assess funded agencies’ resources, capacity, and priority needs, including systemic barriers
-Assess gaps in sector’s continuum of services, and collaboration across funded sector
-Assess and identify recommendations for possible options re: Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters (MAWS) and backbone organization to work together (e.g., amalgamation, co-existing and collaborative structures, etc.)
-Assess ways in which 2SMMIWG+ Implementation Committee and new backbone organization may work collaboratively
-Identify areas of advocacy and shared voice that are priorities
-Assess capacity and training needs across funded sector
-Assess data collection gaps across funded sector
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
-Understanding of non-profit environment, collective impact models, and gender-based analysis
-Ability to implement priorities identified by Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Calls for Justice, into research, analysis and recommendations
-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; specifically community outreach and community conversations
-Exceptional written communication and ability to produce comprehensive report documents
-Exceptional project management skills, collections and analysis of data; ability to brainstorm strategies, organization, and ability to disseminate information clearly and concisely
-Driven, reliable, analytical problem-solver, able to meet all required deliverables within established timeframes
-Demonstrated ability to work from a decolonizing, anti-racist lens, with strong understanding of intersectionality and inclusion of lived-experience and local context
PROPOSED GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
Proposal must be submitted by email and must include the following:
-Qualifications and knowledge re: consultation and organizational design projects (including research, data and interview collection; report writing)
-Detailed description of methodology (approach and process) for developing and implementing a consultation plan; methodology should balance engagement as well as efficiency per project timelines
-Detailed project outline including activities, work plan, timelines with clear deliverables, and progress toward milestones
-Detailed fee proposal including costs and timelines for invoicing and payment schedule (inclusive of all expenses, including consultant fees, technology, travel, etc.)
-Three letters of reference from former professional service clients or similar project from past five years
-Provide example document reflecting similar past project
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023 AT 4:30 P.M. (CDT)
Please submit proposal to Cynthia Drebot (cynthia@newcentre.org)
Please state “RFP FVCM Hiring Committee” in the subject line of your email.
2023
Willow Place Spring 2023 E-Newsletter
SPRING WELLNESS
Taking time for self-care
Wellness is defined as our “state of being†and individual needs vary greatly. The SMILE acronym can be a helpful reminder for maintaining universal wellness basics: S-sleep enough, M-move your body, I-inhale and exhale, L-love and connect, and E-eat to nourish. Asking “how’s my SMILE score today?†can be a helpful support to keep on track. Some tips: set reminders on computer or phone; write SMILE on a post-it note where you will see it throughout the day; and schedule in time daily to do something you enjoy. Setting boundaries with wellness can also be very helpful. Many face competing demands for time and energy, so it is necessary to be protective of self-care and wellness-related time.
HEALTHY EATS!
Looking for an easy nutritious meal? Social media has popularized the meal-in-a bowl, sometimes called Buddha bowls, power bowls, hippie bowls or macro bowls.  Healthy meals-in-a-bowl allow for creative customization centered on favourite foods and/or nutritional goals, and can be enjoyed at any time of day.  Further, ingredients or completed bowls can be prepped in advance for make-ahead lunches or easy dinners for busy humans. Generally, meal bowls combine a healthy grain, fresh, cooked and pickled vegetables; legumes and/or nuts, and a dressing. Protein add-ins include eggs, tofu, tempeh, chicken, beef, and fish, etc.  Meal bowls are a great way to reinvent leftovers as well.  We hope you will be inspired to create your own custom creation – maybe even a breakfast bowl to switch up your morning routine!
Here are some recipes links to inspire:
https://www.loveandlemons.com/buddha-bowl-recipe/
https://minimalistbaker.com/sweet-potato-chickpea-buddha-bowl/
https://www.delish.com/cooking/menus/recipes/a50768/buddha-bowls-recipe/
INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Artist Brooklyn Rudolph’s Purse Project
Willow Place’s shelter program was fortunate to receive one-of-a-kind hand-made purses featuring original artwork by award-winning Manitoba Indigenous artist, Brooklyn Rudolph. A young woman with many gifts and abilities, Brooklyn previously gifted the shelter program with ribbon skirts from a prior Indigenous culture project.Â
We felt very fortunate to receive these beautiful items, which were the outcome of a six-month project within Brooklyn’s culturally-based art practice. Each purse will be gifted to an Indigenous woman or girl sheltering with Willow Place, in support of their recovery and healing from family violence.
Chii megwetch, Brooklyn! We are certain the purses will be treasured by those who receive them.
Follow Brooklyn:Â CLICK HERE!
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Meet music volunteer, Tannis
1) What motivates you to volunteer at Willow Place’s family violence shelter program?
“I really feel that music is vital to healing, it evokes that connection to one another, and it is a comfort. I really don’t know where I would be without music, it grounds me and also inspires me to reach further. I want to share that with everyone, and I need the interaction as much as anyone else does, maybe more.”
2) Can you share one or two highlights of your volunteer experience with us?
“It is a different experience every single time I start playing, I love when people sing along! When I pull out the guitar the kids line up for turns and are so creative, some even make up their own songs or dance routines. I try to teach a little about the parts of the guitar and have everyone strum a song while we sing. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is a beginner favourite (because I refuse to learn “Let it Go”)! I also love those times when only women are in attendance, sometimes someone will borrow my guitar to play from their own soundtrack which makes my music hour at Willow Place so much more rewarding.”
3) If you could have lunch with any person in history, who would it be and why?
“My hero is Gord Downie so instead of lunch could we just sing together?”
4) What’s your superpower?
“I have transformed being shy into my superpower, it has let me quietly observe everyone without much expectation. I write most of my songs in one sitting because I finally have all the information gathered it needs to form. I have been collecting this data for years and hopefully my next song is something that applies to you :)”
THANK YOU, TANNIS – WE APPRECIATE YOU!
Volunteer program inquiries: Shannon at 204-615-0313, ext. 224
ROYAL LEPAGE DYNAMIC
Agent contributions and fundraiser!
Willow Place recently received a donation of over $24,000.00 from the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, representing agent contributions from Winnipeg’s Royal LePage Dynamic real estate team.  We feel very fortunate to enjoy the ongoing support and awareness raised by Royal LePage, enabling us to sustain vital family violence prevention supports in Manitoba.
We wish to share that Royal LePage Dynamic is hosting a GARAGE SALE: “DeClutter for a Causeâ€Â in support of charity, including Willow Place, on May 28th. IMPORTANT: If you have some articles to donate to the sale, call 204-989-5000.
MORE INFO:Â CLICK HERE!
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Thank you, Canada Summer Jobs!
Willow Place is hiring two students for summer day camp programming (June to September) thanks to granted funds from Canada Summer Jobs. We look forward to providing fun, educational summer activities for children sheltering with us this summer! Â
We would also like to acknowledge free admission from the following community organizations:
Winnipeg Goldeyes, Manitoba Museum, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park (The Leaf and Assiniboine Park Zoo), Living Prairie Museum, and the Manitoba Children’s Museum.
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT INFO AND APPLICATION:Â CLICK HERE!
DONATION SUBSCRIPTION
Easy, Secure Giving with Canada Helps
Were you aware that monthly donation subscriptions are available through Canada Helps?  Canada Helps is a secure, online platform that enables donors to provide monetary donations for charities.  Willow Place continues to promote the online giving program in 2023 with a goal to obtain new monthly subscribers. Reaching this goal would provide Willow Place with assured monthly funds to bridge funding gaps, and would enable us to better-serve program participants. A commitment of just $20 a month can make a positive difference, and helps Willow Place support those in need! Â
Those with questions are welcome to contact Community Coordinator/Supervisor, Pam Hadder:
Phone: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime hours)
Email:Â pamh@willowplace.ca
DONATE TODAY:Â CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
