2022
WILLOW PLACE NEWS – February 2022
WINTER WELLNESS
Supporting well-being: body, mind and spirit
Maybe you have heard of the winter blues? The shorter days, extreme cold temperatures and factors like challenging road conditions and transportation concerns can amplify feelings of isolation and higher stress levels that can occur during long, prairie winters. For the past two years the impact of the coronavirus has contributed additional stresses.
The good news is that small changes can really tip the balance toward a happier and healthier winter! Suggestions include taking a walk outdoors daily to both support healthy immune, physical strength and endurance, as well as mental health. Just 10-15 minutes can make a difference!
Hydration is also important – winter air can be dry, and with many of us wearing COVID masks, it takes a bit of extra effort and awareness to remain well-hydrated. One guideline suggests one glass of water for every 10 kg of body weight, so a person weighing 70 kg should aim for 7 glasses of water a day. Not a water drinker? Start slowly, and boost hydration with herbal tea or soups.
Social needs can suffer during the winter. Setting up check-ins with friends or family that live alone; for those working from home, or confined to home by weather or illness, can be transformative for both parties. Volunteering once or twice a month, including random acts of kindness, also help with social needs, as well as another fantastic benefit – did you know that when you help others, it triggers a biochemical reaction to support a healthier immune system?
Preparing meals in advance, and freezing portions for later use can also support wellness, providing a break on days when you feel too tired to cook. Preparing extra soup to share with a friend or neighbour, running an errand, or offering a ride on a cold day, are examples of small gestures that offer a welcome boost to both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. Where health precautions allow, connecting with a family member or neighbour to share bulk purchases and meal preparation can also build positive supports, and lessen the burden of meal preparation and food costs.
Another wellbeing tip to beat the winter blues is trying a new hobby or activity – many options are available online and with low or no cost. Having something to look forward to is a wonderful thing, and depending on the format, hobbies can also support social needs.
Acceptance is possibly the most important aspect to managing wellness – what are some things you can only enjoy in winter? Appreciating where you are at can support shifting the focus to things you have and can do, versus what you may lack. Listing what you are grateful for each day, and posting it where you will see it throughout the day is a helpful way to see potential in each day, regardless of the weather or season.
Here are some links to support your winter wellness goals:
https://www.winnipegtrails.ca/trails-maps/ GET OUTDOORS
19/https://financialgym.com/blog/2020/2/8/how-to-meal-prep-on-a-budget MEAL PREP ON A BUDGET
https://www.crayola.com/crafts/ GET CRAFTY
GRANTS UPDATE
Sustaining vital programs; responding to needs
Increasingly, Willow Place relies upon donations, fundraising and grant funds to sustain 24-hour family violence prevention programs and supports. Willow Place continues to see higher demand for our services, along with increased operational costs, due to the coronavirus pandemic. We are also seeing individuals seeking support with more acute and complex needs. Willow Place must continually re-assess and adapt service delivery to meet changing needs. As such, we are especially thankful for the following organizations who have provided granted funds:
Women’s Shelters Canada, COVID recovery grant
Second Harvest Canada, food security grant
Healthy Together Now, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – healthy living grant
Hockey Helps the Homeless, housing support grant
Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, granted funds from agent fundraising
Winnipeg Foundation, family fund grants for general operations
Abundance Canada, gifting funds for general operations
We envision a future where healthy relationships flourish – thank you for sharing in this vision!
Text support: 204-792-5302
CAREER FEATURE- SHELTER SUPPORT
Making a difference daily
The shelter support worker role is fundamental to Willow Place’s family violence shelter program. Shelter support workers are versatile and highly skilled individuals who provide a wide range of valuable supports to women and children in the shelter program. Support workers may manage 24-hour reception desk duties, while assisting with new participant intake and orientation to the shelter, and meeting daily needs of diverse participants in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. To allow mothers time to meet with counsellors, take a shower or make phone calls, shelter support may assist with child-minding. Coordination of meal-times, snacks and preparation and cleaning of rooms and common areas, as also areas where shelter support plays a vital role. Twice weekly, support workers will facilitate house meetings with shelter residents, to share guidelines and information with participants, and to hear and bring forward participant concerns. Shelter support workers also support receiving and organizing of donations. Maintaining safe and comfortable spaces is only possible with the contributions of shelter support staff – throughout COVID there have been additional tasks required, including more frequent general sanitizing as well as deep-cleaning routines.
Here is what Shelter Support Worker, Analita, had to say:
Q: What is your favourite aspect of the shelter support role?
A: Getting to work directly with the women and children who are in shelter and supporting participants in activities such as games, crafts and groups
Q: What is one thing you have learned?
A: Learning to communicate positively with women from different cultural backgrounds and supporting individuals who are involved in abusive relationships
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a shelter support worker?
A: This line of work can be stressful, lean on your coworkers and support them in the same way – always make sure to find time for laughter!
FOR WILLOW PLACE CAREERS OPPORTUNTIES: https://willowplaceshelter.ca/careers/
OUTREACH PROGRAM
Serving diverse needs in community
Outreach is an important service provided by Willow Place, both on our own and with partner organizations. Outreach is needed for a number of reasons – for example, for earlier intervention when individuals are facing relationship difficulties. The outreach program allows Willow Place to support a broader variety of needs, including supports for women, men, and also couples. Participants in outreach programming can access trauma-informed counselling and referral to other beneficial supports.
Willow Place counsellor, Sherri, provides outreach services by phone and also on-site with community partners and offered the following insights:
Q: What are some things you have learned or observed in the outreach program?
A: I was reminded today of how abuse does not discriminate. No matter the gender, race, educational level or socio-economic status, abuse can affect anyone
Q: Can you share a success story?
A: I have been blessed to walk alongside an individual that has connected back to their roots and traditional ways after fleeing an abusive relationship. What an honour to bear witness to someone moving from crisis toward thriving
Q: What is a something that inspires you in your work?
A: “The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself.†~ Aristotle.
For 24-hour info and support: 1-877-977-0007 or 204-615-0311
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Donate, share and connect
There are many ways to support Willow Place – all support, large and small is appreciated and makes a difference for participants of our family violence shelter and outreach programs! Willow Place relies upon both in-kind and monetary support to fund our services and to provide a wide array of essentials for our participants. We keep a wish list on our web site for those wishing to donate in-kind items. Due to limited space and staffing resources, we cannot accept all in-kind donations, but will happily refer donors to community partners who may be in need of certain items.
Another great way to support Willow Place is by sharing our information! Willow Place provides information on programs and services, family violence statistics, donation needs, community partnerships, healthy relationships and wellness on our web site and social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest. When you follow Willow Place and share our posts, you let others know about resources available in our region.
In recent months, Willow Place has been inspired by the kindness, generosity and creativity of caring community members! Domino’s Pizza and Supper Central have shared meals for shelter participants; EMK Clothing has donated proceeds of sales via their Kindness campaign; and many local crafters have shared quilts, afghans, mittens, scarves. Recently, the Alt Hotel, Winnipeg has donated gently used bedding and towels, and I.C.E Recreational Marketing donated 30 boxes of children’s COVID masks! Winnipeg Soup Sisters continue to bring family packs of frozen soup to feed our shelter participants, along with wonderful wish list items collected from community. Calendar Club stores have provided several large bags of new charity teddy bears for the shelter, and SuperStore locations in Winnipeg continue to support us with occasional donations of Joe Fresh clothing and other items. Chatters Salons have made several general donations of hair care products in the last year, and Richlu Manufacturing, Tough Duck staff and management have supported Willow Place year-round, including during the holiday season, and in the summer months with “Christmas in July†initiatives to fulfill wish list needs of our shelter program – truly amazing!
The coronavirus pandemic has radically changed so many things and has presented many challenges, including widespread economic impacts. One bright spot, however, has been increased awareness of the need for family violence prevention services, and improved online giving support. Willow Place also maintains an Amazon Wish List to make purchasing decisions easier for donors, and uses Canada Helps for safe and convenient monetary donations.
Here are some helpful links to support Willow Place!
WILLOW PLACE WISH LIST https://willowplaceshelter.ca/wish-list/
AMAZON WISH LIST https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3KAE8O4STE7GS?ref_=wl_share
CANADA HELPS https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770
2021
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
2021
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
2020
WILLOW PLACE NEWS – February 2020
Challenge for Change
Domestic Violence Youth Media Contest 2019
By Marcie Wood, Executive Director, Willow Place
Challenge for Change is a three year (May 2017-April 2020) project funded by WAGE Canada and hosted by Willow Place. The project is supporting gender-based violence (GBV) system transformation through collective impact. The project is overseen by the Willow Place Board of Directors, and a multi-sectoral Steering Committee provides guidance and advice to the project. A needs assessment was carried out in the early stages of the project, which resulted in the identification of selected practices that require change to adequately support those experiencing gender-based violence. The project is implementing actions under each of the four recommendations:
2019
WILLOW PLACE NEWS – October 2019
New Willow Place Executive Director
Congratulations Marcie Wood
Willow Place is pleased to announce that former Community Coordinator, Marcie Wood, has been hired in the role of Executive Director. Marcie brings a rich history of work in the family violence sector, and was a key member of the three-year Challenge to Change project funded by Status of Women Canada, and led by Willow Place. We hope you will join us in welcoming Marcie to this new role.