2025
Willow Place Spring E-Newsletter
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:
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).
