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: [email protected] 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 ([email protected])
Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 ([email protected])
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 ([email protected] )
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: [email protected]
· Or by mail: P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
2023
Power of PJs
November is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and Willow Place is collecting donations of new pajamas for women and children in our shelter program. In 2022-2023, our shelter program saw an increase in numbers seeking shelter, counting over 13,450 stays (average yearly is about 9,000 stays). More than ever, we need community support to raise awareness of violence prevention needs in our region, in our nation, and throughout the world.
To donate, please call Renee at 204-615-0313, ext. 231 or Pam at 204-615-0313, ext. 237
Monetary gifts can be directed for the Power of PJs campaign through Canada Helps:
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
2023
Willow Place Summer 2023 E-Newsletter
GROWING SPACES
Grant funding supports shelter
Outdoor growing areas at our family violence shelter program received a welcome boost this spring, thanks to an Urban Ag and Community Garden grant (City of Winnipeg). Funds received enabled us to purchase plants, supplies and equipment, including expandable garden hoses.
Willow Place’s healing garden is a small, welcoming space where those sheltering with us can putter and reconnect with the outdoors. For many, it is a first-time experience to plant or tend a garden. This year our growing spaces include containers and raised beds, and include tomatoes, squash, flowers and aromatic herbs. Special thanks to our teacher, Lisa S., and to donor, Dick M., for their support with gardening tasks and acquiring plants.
Are you looking for ways to enjoy summer produce? Here are some ideas!
MINT: delicious watermelon salad
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
CUCUMBERS and RADISHES: cool & creamy salad
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
ZUCCHINI: yummy one pot pasta
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
GOVERNOR GENERAL VISIT
Willow Place Shelter Program
June 6, our shelter program was honoured by a visit from Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon. Her Excellency met with shelter program participants as well as Willow Place staff, and walked through our program spaces with her team. Program participants expressed the importance of services for those fleeing family violence, and that expanded supports were needed. One mother with young children expressed her appreciation for our on-site school.
Thank you to her Excellency and her team for including Willow Place family violence shelter program on their Manitoba visit itinerary. Manitoba consistently experiences some of the highest crime rates, child poverty rates, and family violence per capita in Canada.
2023 ECUADOR CHALLENGE FOR SHELTER
Chris Pennycook sets $100k goal
Winnipeg resident and Royal LePage Dynamic real estate agent, CHRIS PENNYCOOK, is once again participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Ecuador Trek fundraiser. This November, Chris will be traveling to a rugged and remote region of Ecuador for an arduous 5-day hike to raise money for Willow Place, and has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.
We are so grateful for the awareness and funds Chris and other Royal LePage agents are raising through the Trek initiative! Willow Place relies upon donors and third party fundraising events like the Trek to sustain our work, and we encourage you to share the word, to follow Chris, and to donate if you are able.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO! Thank you, Chris & the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation!
DONATION HIGHLIGHTS
Caring community makes a difference!
Thank you to the many amazing donors who have helped our family violence shelter program in recent weeks. We tend to receive fewer donations in the summer months, so these supporters have been especially helpful. Sadly, family violence does not take a vacation, and our donation needs continue year-round. Willow Place could not provide many daily essentials without the support of caring community; we are so grateful for your thoughtful generosity.
Each year Willow Place supports about 1,000 women and children in the shelter program alone.
DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770?v2=true
WISH LIST: https://willowplaceshelter.ca/wish-list/
AMAZON WISH LIST: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3KAE8O4STE7GS?ref_=wl_share
Note: for all donation inquiries, call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 (weekdays, daytime hours)
Thank you for your thoughtful support!
ROYAL LEPAGE DYNAMIC
Declutter for a Cause a huge success
Royal LePage Dynamic’s DECLUTTER for a CAUSE garage sale on May 28th was a resounding success, raising over $10,000 for Willow Place. THANK YOU to the Royal LePage Dynamic team, and to all those who donated sale item and/or shopped the sale. Your support will help Willow Place sustain 24-hour family violence supports for diverse needs!
HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS
Annual fundraising tournament returns
Plans are underway for the next annual HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS fundraising event in Winnipeg, November 2 and 3, 2023. November 2 is draft night and November 3 is the tournament day. HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS allows players to fundraise while they skate with the pros, with each team having a professional hockey captain. Willow Place is grateful to be one of three charities who benefit; other beneficiaries include Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY), and Red Road Lodge.
Teams are close to being sold out, including four women’s teams, but sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities are still available. If you are interested in joining the Winnipeg event committee, please email Lacey Tryon[email protected] or Scott Sullivan [email protected]
For game day or draft night volunteering info:https://hhth.akaraisin.com/ui/F2023WPG/volunteer
Be a GAME-CHANGER! Donate, volunteer, play, sponsor – THANK YOU!
THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISING
Inspiring ways to help Willow Place
Third party fundraising is a significant contributor to Willow Place’s donation needs. We are continually inspired by the creative ways individuals, businesses and organizations opt to help us. Third party events not only raise much-needed revenue for Willow Place, they also help to spread awareness of both community need, and also about available supports. These events are especially meaningful, as the majority of Willow Place’s staffing component is directed to 24-hour family violence crisis supports, leaving very little time for staff to fundraise.
Thank you to the following groups and individuals who helped with third party fundraising in recent weeks, and who are currently planning events – we appreciate you:
Yoga in the Park – June event raised $1,500
J’Adore Body Sugaring – promotion to collect wish list items for the shelter
Blush Beauty Bar St. Vital – collected donations for their July grand opening event
Insurance Institute of Manitoba – September Trivia Night fundraiser planned
Lilystone Gardens – August “appetizers and entertainment” event planned
For questions and for information re: planning a third party event, please contact Willow Place Community Coordinator, Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime hours).
