News

WILLOW PLACE NEWS – May 2022

Moving Forward with COVID
Safety and support in congregate living setting

Navigating changing health precautions during the coronavirus pandemic has presented unique challenges.  For Willow Place’s family violence shelter program, keeping staff and participants safe and informed has been an ongoing focus.  Physical and emotional safety are fundamental to building trust – both within our team, and extending to our supportive relationships with program participants, and also community supporters and partners. As restrictions begin to relax in retail, restaurants and other sectors, those of us operating supportive programs and services in congregate living settings have had to preserve more stringent standards such as regular hand-washing, mask-wearing in communal areas, and more frequent sanitizing of all surfaces.  Although winter 2022’s omicron variant has proved to be less lethal, there is already discussion that a sixth wave of coronavirus is on the horizon – there certainly is a sense that we cannot put away the tools we created to sustain services during COVID quite yet, and that we will continue to learn, grow and evolve, factoring in changing health regulations as we move forward.

Currently we prioritize service access by vulnerable populations as follows:

• Those entering family violence shelter are NOT required to be vaccinated
• Shelter participants who test positive for COVID can self-isolate on site
• Rapid on-site testing is available
• Bi-weekly doctor appointments, in-person, on-site are available
• Transportation to medical appointments provided

Above all, adaptability, pro-active focus and effective communication among have been central to preserving Willow Place’s family violence prevention supports; including shelter, crisis line and outreach. We are grateful for our hard-working, compassionate and dedicated team members, supporters and community partners who continue to demonstrate these important principles and help sustain 24-hour services.

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Donor Profile – Brenlee E.
Handmade creations for shelter program

In the past months, Willow Place has been fortunate to receive beautiful handmade items and other necessities from Winnipeg donor, Brenlee E. There is something very special about things made by hand, and Brenlee’s lovely diamond painted keychains, book marks and journals have delighted many of shelter program participants!  Here is what Brenlee had to say in a recent conversation with us:

Q: Why did you chose to support Willow Place with in-kind donations?
A: “Because I had diamond painting projects that I wanted to share – someone told me about Willow Place and I phoned to ask – I felt it was the perfect place to give it to.”

Q: how did you learn about diamond painting, and what do you love most about it?
 A: “I heard about it from a friend of mine. She was selling little pictures, and I bought one. I started looking on Amazon, and I began with a small mermaid picture for my niece. I began buying different kits, (i.e., keychains, bookmarks, journals). I love trying the different projects, it calms me down and helps with my anxiety levels.”

Q: What is one thing you have learned since you started supporting Willow Place in this way?
A: “Just one kind action can put a smile on someone else’s face – it makes it worthwhile to do the diamond painting. I am grateful of how kind and accepting the people are at Willow Place, and how they appreciate the diamond painting projects I donate.”

Q: Do you have a favourite quote, poem, or song that inspires you – why is it so special to you?
A: “Love one another, love others – it’s simple.  One smile – and the world is a better place ~ Brenlee E.”
Brenlee also has a favourite song which she enjoys, “because it gives me peace.”
I Can Only Imagine, by Mercy Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng

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Career Feature -Casual Shelter Staff
Providing vital supports

Casual shelter staff perform vital roles in 24-hour crisis support services, providing extra support so staff can take vacation days, attend training, and also covering sick days.  Willow Place has a diverse group of casual support workers and counsellors who provide invaluable service.  Some of our casual shelter workers have bridged both counselling and support roles, and are able to support a wide range of participant needs; one of these important team members is Joan N.

Here is what casual counsellor and support worker, Joan, had to say:
Q: What is your favourite aspect of the support/counselling roles?
A: “I would have to say that is helping women and getting to know them. It is wonderful to see them start to relax and feel safe in the shelter, their tears turn to smiles and then to laughter as they start to feel safe.”

Q: What is one thing you have learned?
A: “Each woman coming into shelter has her own unique story to tell…shelter is where a woman can feel safe telling her story and not feel judged.  Women in shelter need reminders that they matter, and that they are not responsible for what someone else has done – they can only be responsible for their own actions.”

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a shelter support worker or counsellor?
A: “Do not judge women who come into shelter. They have taken the first step toward ending abuse in their life by deciding to enter shelter. Show them kindness, support and understanding, and above all, show them respect. They need to be reminded of how strong they are and how important they are.”

Q: Do you have a favourite quote or phrase that inspires you?
A: “No person should be judged by their past, they do not live there anymore.”

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Women’s Health Clinic Partnership
On-site medical services for shelter participants

For the past four years, Willow Place has been working to bring partnered medical supports for women and children in our family violence shelter program. Just as we were ready to launch the program, coronavirus hit. Now, three years into the coronavirus pandemic, we are happy to share that bi-weekly medical visits from Women’s Health Clinic medical staff are underway.

Willow Place Executive Director, Marcie Wood, shared these insights into the medical partnership:

“The on-site clinic at Willow Place is mutually beneficial as this initiative supports the goals of both organizations – to bring services to where people gather. In this case, the offering of healthcare services on-site allows Willow Place to further enhance the inclusive, holistic services that we offer. For Women’s Health Clinic, this initiative supports the expansion of healthcare services in the community, for the community.   Furthermore, this initiative may allow participants to develop a medical connection they did not have previously, or may support the reconnection with former services.”

Some of the services women can access in a safe, non-judgmental space: general health, safe sex information and access to birth control, internal exams/PAP smear, pregnancy and STI rests.

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How YOU Can Help!
Follow, share, care

One significant shift during the coronavirus pandemic has been our increased use of technology to provide support, network, and support public education and general awareness goals.

Our web site and social media channels, as well as email communications have been integral to sharing out organizational priorities, donation needs and program information, for example.  In the shelter and outreach programs, access to virtual options has made a world of difference, sustaining existing partner relationships, and expanding interactions to benefit the populations we serve in family violence prevention.

Some of the most common reasons victims of family violence and abuse do not seek help are: limited personal supports, lack of awareness of abuse, social stigma and shame, and lack of knowledge about community supports. You can help Willow Place and partners share valuable family violence information, including how to access supports, by:

• Following us on social media and sharing our posts with your networks
• Subscribing to our newsletter, and inviting others to subscribe
• Challenging false information and negative stereotypes when they arise
• Sharing Willow Place contact details for those seeking support or information

Donations continue to be important for sustaining Willow Place services and supports. In-kind donations enable us to provide important essentials for those we serve – thank you for your belief in our work!

TO DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770
VIEW OUR WISH LIST: https://willowplaceshelter.ca/wish-list/

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WILLOW PLACE NEWS – October 2021

In this issue:

Royal LePage Support
Hockey Helps the Homeless
Summer Day Camp
Simons – My Heart My Cause
Winnipeg Foundation Grant
How YOU Can Help

Royal LePage Support – Purcell Mountain Challenge

Royal LePage agents have shown incredible enthusiasm and ongoing support for Willow Place services, with a variety of fundraising and donation initiatives. This August, two Winnipeg real estate agents, Alix McIntyre and Chris Pennycook, participated in the Purcell Mountain hiking challenge in British Columbia. Each participant had to raise a minimum amount to qualify. Together, Alix and Chris have raised over $100,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, of which proceeds with be distributed to beneficiaries including Willow Place. HUGE thanks from all of us a Willow Place!

Hockey Helps the Homeless – Cycling Fundraiser and 2nd Annual Hockey Event

Hope is on the horizon! For the third consecutive year, Willow Place is grateful to be one of three Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) beneficiaries. This summer, Brothers of the Fork, a Winnipeg cycling club, collaborated to raise over $40,000.00 (September 11, 2021).  Willow Place receives one third of the proceeds, which are shared with Resource Assistance for Youth (rAy) and Red Road Lodge. In addition, plans are in full-swing for the 2nd Annual Hockey Helps the Homeless dream tournament where players get an opportunity to skate alongside their hockey heroes. Mark your calendars for December 3, 2021. Team sponsorships still available! 

For player, volunteer and sponsor info: CLICK HERE

Summer Day Camp – Canada Summer Job Grant
Thanks to granted funds from Canada Summer Jobs, Service Canada, Willow Place was able to hire two university students from June through August, 2021 to support our Summer Day Camp activities for children in shelter.  Thank you to Megan and Jasmine for their dedication, organization, flexibility and enthusiasm which resulted in a wide range of activities and supports for our young residents and their families.  Aside from providing regular programming and outings, Megan and Jasmine also supported administrative tasks and provided childminding nd meal-time support.

Simons – My Heart My Cause – National T-Shirt Campaign

In August, 2021, Quebec-based retail chain, Simons, launched their My Heart My Cause t-shirt campaign. Artists and designers from across Canada participate and nominate charities in their region. This year, Willow Place was nominated by Winnipeg design duo, The Ba.sic.  You may be familiar with The Ba.sic from local venues such as Third and Bird and Scattered Seeds. If all of the limited edition t-shirts are sold, Willow Place will receive a $10,000 donation. The white t-shirt with a bold, abstract graphic is the featured Willow Place design – please share and support if you are able, thank you.

 For info and to purchase: CLICK HERE!

Winnipeg Foundation Grant – Stabilization Funding

This July, Willow Place was grateful to receive stabilization grant funds through The Winnipeg Foundation.  The $50,000 received will sustain community outreach and housing support programs offered by Willow Place, including partnerships with Caring Dads, Access Health, The Salvation Army and Wahbung Abinoonjiag.  These funds are helping Willow Place with earlier intervention strategies and expanded support for diverse family violence prevention needs in the community.

How YOU can help! – Donations, Fundraising, Awareness-Raising

With 38 beds, Willow Place operates the largest and most-utilized family violence prevention shelter services in Manitoba.  In a typical year, we support 850-950 individuals in the shelter program, providing more than 9,000 shelter stays.  The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for our services, and has resulted in increased costs. As such, monetary and in-kind donations are especially important to sustain services on a 24-hour, no-cost basis. Please contact Renée or Pam for more information on either in-kind of monetary support or to inquire about a donation drop-off appointment: [email protected] or [email protected]

Monetary donations including cheques and bank drafts can be made out to “Willow Place” and mailed to P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9. Monetary gifts can also be provided safely and securely online using Canada Helps: CLICK HERE!

In-kind donations are non-monetary gifts such as cleaning and craft supplies, and toiletries. Not all donations can be accepted at all times due to space and staffing limitations. Staff may recommend other organizations we collaborate with to help our clientele. All in-kind donations must be pre-approved and dropped off by appointment. Drop-offs are on a no-contact basis in keeping with coronavirus health precautions. A up-to-date “wish list” can be found on our web site: CLICK HERE!

Fundraising: the majority of Willow Place fundraising is third-party fundraising where individuals or groups organize events to benefit our services. Some examples are donation drives, product sales, performances and birthday celebrations. These events not only provide much needed monetary and in-kind support, they also encourage discussion about family violence prevention, and why organizations like Willow Place are important in our community.

** Third party fundraising forms and info can be requested by emailing [email protected] **

Copyright © 2021 Willow Place Inc.
All rights reserved.

Our mailing address:
P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3C 2Z9

WILLOW PLACE NEWS – May 2021

image of woman in jeans sitting barefoot on green grass with legs outstretched

SafePet Program
The Winnipeg Humane Society

Thank you Willow Place support and SafePet foster parent, Pam Rempel, for providing her valuable insight on the Winnipeg Human Society’s SafePet Program!

“Winnipeg Human Society staff pair SafePet foster animals with experienced foster homes, providing safe, confidential, comfortable accommodations for pets while individuals or families are supported by Willow Place’s family violence prevention shelter programs and services. As a SafePet foster parent, I can say that we take care of a SafePet foster animal like they are one of our own family members.” ~ Pam RempelWhen a pet arrives at the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) to be cared for through the SafePet Program, there are a few things that happen:

1) Foster parent, who are WHS volunteers (screened, trained, with background checks), receive information on available foster animals and basic information: species, size, needs, medications, etc.  No photos are included, but behavioural information is provided to help foster parents know if they are best-suited for the animal.  Foster parents know the animal will not be up for adoption and that no photos, social media posts, or other web activity is permitted to protect the owner and pet identities.

2) When a volunteer feels they are a good match, the WHS Foster Department is contacted. Dedicated WHS staff discuss the SafePet’s needs with potential foster parents, while maintaining owner confidentiality and anonymity. WHS confirms suitability of foster home, and ensures that the foster home is not located in the same area where owner has lived – this prevents run-ins while walking dogs, etc.

3) Once approved, the assigned foster family brings the SafePet home. The animal is given the care, support and attention that matches their needs.

4) The WHS behaviour department is available to foster volunteers should there be a need for advice. Foster parents can also be matched with a mentor for questions and advice.

5) When the SafePet is able to return to their owner, the foster volunteers bring the animal to the WHS where a summary of their foster stay is recorded (Foster Pet Profile). The Profile highlights success and opportunities for support that may have occurred during the foster stay.”It is an honour to be entrusted with a pet while new housing is established. Having a plan for beloved pets is so important, and I’m proud to be part of the SafePet Program.” ~ Pam Rempel

Royal LePage Purcell Trek
Winnipeg Real Estate Agent supports Willow Place

Willow Place has been fortunate to have ongoing support form Royal LePage real estate agents through the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s national initiatives.  Not only do these hard-working individuals help Willow Place sustain 24-hour family violence prevention services in Manitoba, they also raise awareness through on-going fundraising efforts.

In August, 2021, Winnipeg Royal LePage real estate agent, ALIX MCINTYRE, will be off-the-grid on a 6-day hike through the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia, participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Challenge for Shelter fundraising trek. Alix must fundraise a minimum of $5,000 to participate, and has identified a $10,000 fundraising goal.For more info and to support Alix McIntyre:https://royallepage.myetap.org/fundraiser/purcell/individual.do?participationRef=1185.0.2325457503

Hockey Helps the Homeless
Virtual fundraiser a success!

2020-2021 presented unique challenges for the annual Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) fundraising efforts. In 2019-2020, Willow Place was a beneficiary of HHTH’s inaugural dream tournament in Winnipeg, where amateur players enjoyed the opportunity paly in a dream tournament where teams are captained by hockey pros. The hockey heroes donated their time for this spectacular event.  The coronavirus pandemic made in-person play and spectator participation impossible last year, and resulted in HHTH National and title sponsor, Canada Life, devising a virtual fundraiser called THE CANADA LIFE CUP.  The new format allowed anyone to form a “team” and participate in fundraising activities. The Winnipeg event committee also re-grouped and hosted a 50-50 draw, as well as an online prize auction. Thanks to the generosity of community members, businesses and clubs, over $5,000 was raised through the online auction. Special thanks to Qualico Homes for their very generous donations of décor and furnishing items for the online auction. In total, The Canada Life Cup raised over $90,000 and proceeds will be shared equally between Willow Place and two other beneficiaries: Red Road Lodge and Resource Assistance for Youth.

Trauma-Informed Yoga 

NCJWC Grant expands shelter programming

In April 2021, Willow Place received granted funds ($3,000) from the National Council of Jewish Women Canada (NCJWC). Winnipeg Section, to augment trauma-informed yoga services in the family violence prevention shelter program. Trauma-informed yoga is a gentle, inclusive practice that is structured for “every body,” using an adaptive approach that provides choice and suggestions versus instructions to participants. Yoga is available for all shelter residents including adults and children.  The trauma-informed yoga program leader, Richelle, is currently developing pose charts for the shelter so that women can practice yoga when she is off-site. Trauma-informed yoga has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety; help with mood regulation, improve sleep and self-esteem, along with physical fitness benefits.

Did you know that monetary donations can be designated for a particular program area or service?
Some options include: trauma-informed yoga, cultural services, children’s services, outreach services, food security, and COVID-19 health and safety.

For more information on donations and fundraising opportunities:
[email protected] or 204-615-0313, ext. 237

How YOU can Help
In-kind and monetary donations

Willow Place operates Manitoba’s largest and most-utilized family violence prevention shelter services. In a typical year, over 900 women and children will access the shelter, translating into more than 9,000 shelter stays. The coronavirus has further highlighted the need for family violence shelter supports, and has resulted in increased operational costs. As such, monetary and in-kind supports are especially important to sustain Willow Place’s 24-hour, no-cost services.

Monetary donations:
Cheques and bank drafts can be made out to “Willow Place” and mailed to:
P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
Monetary gifts can also be given online, safely and securely using Canada Helps:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770

In-kind donations:
In-kind donations include non-monetary gifts such as program and household supplies, toiletries, and clothing. Not all in-kind donations can be accepted at the shelter at all times, due to storage and staffing limitations. Donations staff may recommend community partners who regularly assist Willow Place clients with provision of free necessities. All in-kind donations must be pre-approved and dropped off by appointment.  Current donation drop-offs are no-contact, in keeping with recommended health precautions for coronavirus.

For more information:
[email protected] – 204-615-0313, ext. 237  (Monday through Friday, daytime hours)
[email protected] – 204-615-0313, ext. 233  (Tuesday and Thursday, daytime hours)Copyright © 2021 Willow Place Inc.

All rights reserved.

Our mailing address:
P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3C 2Z9