2024
Featured Autumn 2024 E-Newsletter
CAEH Conference 2024
Ottawa hosts national gathering
October 28-31 marked the latest Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness annual conference, which was hosted in Ottawa. Two members of Willow Place’s leadership team, Clinical Supervisor, Daniette Ogamba, and Community Supervisor, Pam Hadder, were grateful to attend the conference this year and shared the following highlights.
Pam Hadder: “I really loved the CAEH conference app and the ability I had to preview the program choices and plan my selections before our arrival. It was hard to choose from over 100 fantastic presentations, but I was focused on themes of sustainability for frontline supports, as well as creative ways to collaborate, along with leveraging community and regional efforts. Themes that stood out for me at this year’s conference were Indigenous-led solutions and supports; improving shared data collection and imagining a future where everyone has a safe home. There were a lot of great moments at the conference, but three of my favourite moments included hearing survivor stories, learning about drastic reductions of homelessness in Finland (reduced by over 80%), and meeting Olympic gold-medalist, Winnipeg-born Jennifer Botterill!”
Daniette Ogamba:“I was thrilled to participate in the CAEH, eager to explore how different organizations deliver their services and discover the latest best practices. With a plethora of sessions available, selecting just three each day proved challenging, but I concentrated on Indigenous-led support initiatives, advocacy for women and gender-diverse housing justice; and strategies for assisting those facing homelessness.
The conference had several highlights for me, particularly the impressive Calgary shelter, which spans over 96,000 square feet and features more than 1,235 rooms, as well as the focus on Indigenous-led harm reduction and trauma-informed care. Ultimately, three key themes emerged: the importance of Indigenous care and support, the impact of systemic racism and historical injustices in housing, and the need for improved connections and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.”
Power of PJs
November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Each November, Willow Place joins other Manitoba violence prevention agencies to collect new pajamas for women and children in our shelter program. Through the Power of PJs campaign we work to raise awareness while providing comfort to those we serve by providing each shelter program participant with a pair of new pajamas. Currently, Willow Place is experiencing higher numbers seeking shelter amid rising operational costs. Our shelter program participants have increased by more than 40% in the past two years alone, and we are also seeing more children (30% increase in the past year). Most children in shelter last year were aged infant to six years.
If you want to donate a pair of pajamas, please call 204-615-0313, ext. 245 to arrange your donation – THANK YOU! Monetary gifts are also welcome, to donate: CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Hockey Helps the Homeless
Fundraising event returns December 6, 2024
Willow Place is excited to once again be a beneficiary of Hockey Helps the Homeless along with Red Road Lodge and Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY). Each year, community organizations and companies enter teams into a fun tournament that allows players to fulfill a dream of skating alongside their hockey heroes. This year’s event will be held December 6 and all games are FREE to attend – it is a great opportunity to glimpse some hockey greats between games and collect autographs! There will be an amazing rainbow raffle as well, thanks to many community donors who are supplying prizes.
There are still sponsorship and volunteer opportunities on game day – CHECK IT OUT!!!
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION!
St. Charles Country Club
Roots for Growth Fundraiser
Willow Place has been very fortunate to be beneficiaries of the St. Charles Country Club’s fundraising efforts over the past few years. On October 1, St. Charles hosted a gala dinner which featured survivor stories, information on Willow Place services, and a video tour of Willow Place’s shelter program. Special thanks to the fundraising committee at St. Charles, and to event lead, Wanda Zajac (former Willow Place volunteer), for her leadership and passion. Thanks also to Nicole Dube-Chipman for expert hosting of the event. Our heartfelt appreciation to the amazing Nicole Hacault of Royal LePage Top Producers who donated her time, expertise and a videographer to create the virtual tour of our shelter program. Further thanks to Willow Place board member, Sarah Brown for her presentation on future needs for Willow Place, and to Willow Place Executive Director, Marcie Wood, and Community Supervisor, Pam Hadder, for their participation. Proceeds totaled $100,000.00 – truly amazing support!
Rock for Shelter
Thank you, Royal LePage Top Producers
Willow Place was treated to an exceptional evening of Winnipeg music at the Park Theatre October 17, aptly named Rock for Shelter. Three incredible bands performed: Whitemud Rhythm and Blues, Green River and Sweet Alibi. Royal LePage organizers also held a 50/50 draw and fantastic prize raffles to help raise funds for Willow Place at the event. Special appreciation to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation for providing complimentary admissions for Willow Place staff to attend. We continue to be inspired by the community-focus and generous spirit of Royal LePage brokerages and realtors in Manitoba and nation-wide and we feel very fortunate to count them among our valued supporters!
Donate-A-Car
A new way to support Willow Place
Do you have an old vehicle that is taking up garage or yard space? We hope you will consider donating to Willow Place through Donate-A-Car – vehicles do not have to be in working order, and free towing is provided where needed. Please help us spread the word, THANK YOU! For more details, click here: DONATE-A-CAR INFO
Staffing Updates
New roles and milestones
Willow Place continues to evolve to better serve the region. Among recent staff changes, we welcome former shelter program counselor, ‘Lola, to the role of Outreach Counselor. ‘Lola works from our community outreach office in St. James, and also visits three partner sites weekly: Wahbung Abinoonjiiag, Salvation Army SonRise Village, and Access Main Street. Those seeking outreach counseling info can reach ‘Lola at 204-230-9399.
Former Community Facilitator, counselor Shannon Cameron, has accepted a multi-year secondment with the General Authority where she will be fulfilling a Domestic Violence Response Coordinator role. Collaborative efforts such as this are an important support to Willow Place’s strategic goals. Shannon has been central in piloting and expanding the internationally-recognized Caring Dads Program, and is also completing her Safe and Together trainer credentials. Those wishing to inquire about Caring Dads can reach Shannon at 204-599-3463.
Our busy community team welcomes dynamic new Community Coordinator, Kimi Bawa! Kimi has diverse experience working collaboratively with teams, and marketing-communications expertise. Kimi ably supports the Community Supervisor, Pam Hadder, in vital areas including donations, public education, shelter programming, and social media planning. Kimi can be reached at: 204-615-0313, ext. 245
CONGRATULATIONS!
Willow Place Staff Recognition
Special thanks and congratulations to Erin M, Clinical Supervisor and Joan N., Shelter Support Worker for their dedication and contributions to the Willow Place team – we appreciate you!
2024
Featured Summer 2024 E-Newsletter
Summer Wellness
Safe enjoyment of the warm summer months requires both awareness and planning. In particular, heat, sun exposure and insects pose risks to both comfort and health:
1) HEAT: higher temperatures coupled with humidity can increase risk for heat stroke and dehydration
2) SUN EXPOSURE: without adequate protection, sun exposure risks include sun burn, and long-term skin damage, including premature aging of skin and skin cancer
3) INSECTS: awareness and protective measures for mosquitoes, wood ticks and black flies are essential, particularly with young children and pets, who are dependent on care-givers
Here are a few tips to consider when planning your summer outings:
1) Try to avoid PEAK HOURS of day when temperatures and ultra-violet radiation risks tend to be the highest (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
2) Carry adequate FRESH WATER and wash water bottles daily with hot, soapy water to avoid gastric distress from bacteria
3) Wear a SUN-HAT or head covering, use a sun umbrella, or SEEK SHADED AREAS
4) Dress in LIGHT, BREATHABLE LAYERS, considering coverage of areas for highest sun burn risk (e.g., shoulders, arms)
5) APPLY SUNSCREEN prior to spending time in direct sunlight, and reapply every 2-3 hours, or after getting wet or if sweating
6) For both mosquitoes and ticks, AVOID LONG GRASS and wooded areas
7) Mosquitoes are most active at DAWN and DUSK – avoid activities during these times
8) Mosquitoes like dark colours, so cover up in LIGHT-COLOURED loose-fitting clothing, and spray exposed skin with insect repellent
9) Mosquito bites can be very itchy, but RESIST SCRATCHING – itch and red bumps usually disappear within 24-48 hours – consider cold packs to reduce redness and itch, and/or use a paste of baking soda and water. Antihistamine creams may also provide relief.
10) For tick protection, WEAR LONG PANTS and boots or runners with socks, tucking trouser legs into socks – thoroughly check children, adults and pets for ticks at the end of your outing, including scalp and undergarments.
11) If a TICK HAS BITTEN and is stuck to the skin, apply a blob of petroleum jelly – the tick will smother and be easily removed, or will drop off. Alternatively, pull straight up with tweezers – do not twist while pulling. Dispose of ticks by wrapping with tape and discarding, flush in toilet, or burn (e.g., campfire). Some ticks carry LYME DISEASE and are potentially dangerous to pets and humans for this reason. Watch for symptoms including a localized, red rash if you have been bitten. If rash occurs, seek medical attention.
HOME-MADE SPORTS DRINK
Ingredients:
240-300 ml (8-10 ounces) cold water or carbonated water
Small pinch of sea salt
90 ml (3 ounces) natural orange juice
30 ml (1 ounce) natural, unsweetened cranberry juice
1-2 wedges of fresh lemon or lime
Method:
Combine all ingredients in large glass or water bottle – can be served over ice. Makes 12-14 ounce serving.
PINEAPPLE REFRESHER
Ingredients:
125 ml (1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices)
250 ml (1 cup) fresh or frozen pineapple pieces
540 ml-600 ml (18-20 ounces) cold water
A few leaves of fresh mint
Ice cubes – add to desired consistency
Method:
Place cucumber, pineapple, mint and water into blender, blending until smooth. Add water to make desired consistency. Add ice to desired consistency. Servings: 1 – 2 adults
Staff Feature – Erin H.
Erin H. is Willow Place’s Children’s Program Specialist – violence prevention shelter program.
Thank you, Erin for participating in our summer e-newsletter!
What are your favourite aspects of your current role?
I spent my first 1.5 years at Willow Place working with adult women, and as much as I loved that position, I think I truly found my calling and my passion when I began working as the Children’s Specialist. I particularly enjoy using play therapy as a tool to learn a child’s history, to help them problem solve, and to help with learning coping skills. Some children may not have the verbal language to express feelings and experiences, and play helps them communicate and learn. I find this very rewarding as I often can see immediate results.
Why did you choose to work in the violence prevention sector?
I felt this would be a field where I could make a tangible impact, and I still feel that way today. When I help mothers, I know I am also helping their children and other family members, and vice versa. By helping one family member, you can support the family unit.
Please describe your typical work day in three words
Rewarding, challenging and creative, as I have to adapt my approach to each child and family.
What personal qualities and strengths help you meet the daily demands of your role?
I am very comfortable with being flexible. I enjoy that every work day is different and can change at any moment. This keeps each day interesting and I am able to stay calm even when plans change suddenly. I also enjoy being around children, which is great as I spend a good deal of my day in the play area rather than at a desk.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
The stories we hear in the violence prevention sector are especially heartbreaking and emotionally upsetting through the lens of a child. Therefore it is crucial that I engage in self-care and regular check-ins to ensure I can do my job well and maintain my well-being.
Who do you admire; who inspires you in your work?
My co-workers are a big inspiration for me. Seeing the compassion and patience they show each participant makes me strive to do the same. We share an excellent work ethic and camaraderie within Willow Place, and I enjoy being a part of this team.
Can you share a recent success or something you are excited about?
Since taking on my role as Children’s Specialist, I have worked with my supervisor, Daniette O., to facilitate a brand new program for in-shelter families called SOAR. The acronynm, SOAR, stands for Support, Optimism, Acceptance, and Resilience – traits that we consistently see our clients exhibit and develop, and which we strive for as staff members. SOAR provides mothers the opportunity to learn emotional regulation, communication and parenting skills, as well as pass these skills along to their children through mother-child activities. Helping to kick-start SOAR and hearing the positive feedback is an accomplishment I feel proud of.
Volunteer Excellence – Shelley S.
This spring, Willow Place was fortunate to have volunteer support for our outside growing areas. Support volunteer, Shelley S., loves to garden and she assisted us with clean-up, weeding, and planting. Shelley has also offered invaluable support for food services in the shelter program.
We appreciate you, Shelley – thank you for your generous spirit and many talents!
Are YOU one of the 500?
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 with a goal to obtain 500 new monthly subscribers. Reaching this goal would provide Willow Place with assured monthly funds to bridge current funding gaps, and would enable us to better-serve increasing numbers of program participants.
Just $10 to $20 a month can make a difference, and helps Willow Place support those in need!
DONATE TODAY: CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
Summer Day Camp Kick-Off
In June we were happy to welcome our summer day camp workers, students Celina R. and Kera M. The summer day camp program begins when our shelter teacher takes summer vacation (June), and extends throughout the month of August. The summer day camp provides, recreation, creative play, respite for parents, and includes a variety of community outings that would not be possible without community donations! Heartfelt appreciation to the following organizations that are supporting the program with free passes and admissions this summer: Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Art Gallery Art Reach Program, the Manitoba Children’s Museum, The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (The Leaf and Zoo), and the Winnipeg Goldeyes.
We’re Hiring! Career Opportunity
Visit our careers page for info and to apply: CLICK HERE!
Violence Prevention – Why it matters
Violence against women remains the number one global human rights issue. More often than not, women experience violence within family or intimate partner relationships – it is unusual for women to experience violence from a stranger. In fact, over 85% of family violence and intimate partner violence incidents reported to police involve female victims. In 2016, the Public Health Agency of Canada identified family violence as the number one public health issue in Canada. At that time, it was estimated that the cost to Canadians exceeded $7 billion annually. At the time of the PHAC report, a Canadian woman lost her life to family violence every six days, and today that statistic is every 2.5 days.
Family violence includes an array of abuses including spousal abuse, elder abuse, sibling conflict, and other family or close relationship conflicts. Children who witness or experience family violence are at risk of lifelong negative impacts to their health, mental health and development. Family violence also increases homelessness risk and, due to prolonged experiences of stress, may impact all metrics of human health, including gastro-intestinal health, reproductive health, heart health, and mental health, as well as diseases like arthritis and cancer.
Willow Place provides inclusive, confidential, no-cost support for diverse violence prevention needs in Manitoba. This means that any person, any culture, any gender, and at any age or life stage can contact us 24-hours for information or support. Willow Place services include: 24-hour phone, text and chat supports; outreach counseling, short-term protective shelter, shelter program counseling, follow up program for those departing from shelter, children’s supports, men’s services, and public education services.
It is important to recognize that family violence and abuse incidents may be life-threatening, and those seeking our help have limited means and have exhausted all supports. The majority of Willow Place energies and resources are currently directed toward the crisis support and shelter aspects of violence prevention services.
WERE YOU AWARE?
Our community team provides no-cost presentations on Willow Place services and topics related to violence prevention. For information call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays/daytime).
2024
Willow Place Spring 2024 E-News
Mother’s Day
RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN
As we prepare to celebrate mothers this May, we are also acutely aware that violence against women remains the number one global human rights concern. Although all people, genders and cultures are welcome to reach out to Willow Place for violence prevention supports, the vast majority of those we help are women and children. Sadly, expectant mothers and mothers with young children face higher risk factors for intimate partner and family violence. When thinking of violence against women, it is important to know that most often the abuser or abusers are family members, intimate partners or close connections of the victim.
This Mother’s Day, please consider helping Willow Place sustain no-cost supports for women and children forced to flee violent situations. You can make a one-time donation, or become a monthly subscriber by clicking here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770
Summer Day Camp
DONORS AND GRANTS SUPPORT CHILDREN
Every year in late June through the month of August, Willow Place offers a summer day camp program for children in our violence prevention shelter program. This program is made possible thanks to annual staffing grants from Canada Summer Jobs. Willow Place also reaches out to recreation organizations and museums to provide enriching and educational options for the day camp. For most of our shelter children and their parents, these outings are a first-time experience.
Thanks to these exceptional organizations who have already pledged free admissions for summer day camp attendees: Royal Canadian Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (Zoo and the Leaf), and the Manitoba Museum!
Willow Place is currently accepting job applications from university or college students who are returning to school in fall 2024. For info and to apply: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Willow-Place-Inc&t=Camp+Counselor&jk=c53e68318b294188&xpse=SoDO67I3CQEo1twYoZ0LbzkdCdPP&xkcb=SoDd67M3D-KXJ4Qxmx0JbzkdCdPP&vjs=3
Staff Feature
MEET SHELTER PROGRAM TEACHER, MRS. S.
How long have you been in your current role?
I started with a half-time position in February, 2016. The Director and Board felt strongly that children should have full-time school, so they hired me on a contract basis to work with the children in the afternoons. In 2019, the Department of Education, now known as Inclusion Support Branch of Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning, funded the program full-time.
Please describe your typical work day in three words:
Awe-inspiring, Interactive, Safe
Why did you choose to teach in the shelter setting?
The principal of Interdivisional Student Services, Dee Smith, call me and offered an interview for the teaching role at Willow Place. We met at a Safeway and she drove me to Willow Place for a tour, to see if I was interested in the position. I went for the tour and, as they say, “the rest is history!” I have loved every day since then.
Have there been “aha” moments from teaching you can share?
I was teaching a grade three student who was behind in their reading. He was at a grade one level. We worked on learning the sounds of the letters using McCracken spelling. He said,”I didn’t know you could sound out words.” After working on the letters, he was able to start writing words and he was reading books by the time he left shelter.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
The most challenging aspect of my job is when children are turned off of school because of the trauma they are facing, being in a house where they have witnessed domestic violence, and the teacher does not understand. The beauty of our school is we work on helping children get their brains out of fight and flight mode, and into social engagement and their brains can learn again.
Who influenced your career choices as a student?
I cannot think of a particular teacher that influenced me, but I knew that I wanted to work with children.
Can you share a quote or song that inspires you?
“Find something you care about, and live a life that shows it.” – author unknown
Our shelter classroom and full-time teacher (grades K-8) is provided by Interdivisional Student Services, Winnipeg School Division, and funded by the Inclusion Support Branch (Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning).
THANK YOU, MRS. S. – WE’RE SO GLAD YOU ARE PART OF OUR TEAM!
Pink Walls
PERFORMER SUPPORTS VIOLENCE AWARENESS
In recent weeks, Willow Place was contacted by Canadian pianist and singer-songwriter, Esther Ling. Esther released her debut single, Pink Walls, and wanted to share it with violence prevention charities Canada-wide. The song is about the impact of violence upon children, and tells the story of trauma and recovery. In this poignant song, a young woman recalls the pink walls of her childhood bedroom where she hid from family violence.
Listen to Pink Walls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlYeveZBPxQ
About Esther Ling: https://www.estherlingpianist.com/
Follow Esther: https://www.instagram.com/estherlingpianist
Thank you, Esther for sharing your beautiful artistry with us! Watch for an upcoming public education series on our social media this June aligned the United Nations’ June 4 observance, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (Child Victim Day), featuring the beautiful music and lyrics of Esther Ling’s, Pink Walls.
Spring Wellness
RAINBOW INSPIRATION FOR IMPROVED HEALTH
Spring is finally here and it is a great time to revisit wellness goals. When it comes to nutrition, more and more health promotion organizations are recommending “eating the rainbow” for improved well-being. Based on the Mediterranean diet consisting of an array of colourful vegetables and fruit, healthy fats and moderate, lean proteins, eating the rainbow has been shown to support immune and heart health, as well as healthy weight goals. Possibly you have heard the phrase, “we eat with our eyes” – enjoying food truly is a sensory process involving taste, scent, texture and sight. Beyond improved appearance and sensory aspects, selecting a wide variety of colourful foods helps to ensure that a healthy assortment of essential nutrients, vitamins, and fibre are present in the daily diet.
Want to learn more? Here are some helpful links to get started:
RAINBOW EATING BASICS: https://the-rainbow-diet.com/articles/the-colourful-mediterranean-diet/what-can-i-eat-on-the-real-rainbow-diet/
RAINBOW RECIPE BOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/Rainbow-Recipes-Inspired-Health-Benefits/dp/095653919X
Inspiring Community Support
PEGCITY STEPPERS COMBINE ACTIVE LIVING & ACTIVISM!
Earlier this spring, Willow Place was fortunate to receive very generous donation support from a Winnipeg active living group called PegCity Steppers. This group meets regularly to exercise and connect socially. Although they started as a BIPOC activity group, all cultures are welcome and invited to participate. All levels of fitness are also included and encouraged to participate. Members benefit in many ways, including through improved motivation and resulting fitness outcomes!
Aside from their dynamic healthy living focus, the Steppers also like to incorporate community support into their activities. On March 8th they hosted an International Women’s Day get-together, including a virtual presentation on Willow Place services and the topic of violence prevention. Those attending brought priority donations for Willow Place’s busy violence prevention shelter program, which were later delivered to our community outreach/flex office by PegCity Steppers founder, Shana, and member, Meridith.
We are so inspired by PegCity Steppers and are grateful for the awareness they raised. Additionally, their monetary gifts, and a large collection of toiletries, hygiene, and self-care items will greatly-benefit vulnerable populations in our shelter program.
How to Help
VIOLENCE PREVENTION – WE NEED CARING COMMUNITY
Increasingly, Willow Place relies upon both monetary and in-kind donations to sustain no-cost, 24-hour violence prevention supports for Manitobans in crisis. If you would like to help out, but are unsure what to do, there are many ways to offer support! No support is too small – every supportive action has potential to positively impact for those in need. Here are a few options and ideas:
- Follow us on social media – please like and share
- Subscribe to and read our quarterly e-news – share with your contacts
- Consider becoming a MONTHLY DONATION SUBSCRIBER – just $10 or $20 monthly can have a big impact for those in need, and subscriptions make great gifts as well! CLICK HERE!
- Check out our shelter program WISH LIST and call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 to set up your donation drop-off appointment CLICK HERE!
- Purchase something on our AMAZON WISH LIST ((insert link here)) and contact us re: drop off (same as above) CLICK HERE!
- Donate gently-used towels or blankets for the shelter program
- Donate household items and clothing to our community partners, Centre Flavie-Laurent and The Helping Hand (these cannot be accepted at the shelter program due to space and staffing limitations)
Questions? Need more information? Call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime)
2022
WILLOW PLACE NEWS – October 2022
AGM REFLECTIONS
Willow Place Executive Director, Marcie Wood
Resilience is defined as the ability to withstand hardship. It is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands. As I reflect on the past year, “resilience†is what comes to mind. Once again, Willow Place was faced with unprecedented challenges in the wake of the pandemic and the “shadow pandemic†(UN Women) that emerged. As we continued to navigate and adapt service delivery to maintain safe 24/7 residential and outreach programming, we were also challenged with an increased demand for our services. This demand as well as the complexities of delivering 24/7 programming resulted in further obstacles for the organization to overcome, however, these obstacles provided opportunity for the evolution of “Strength and growth that come only through continuous effort and struggle.†This courage and resilience is what truly defines our Willow Place team.
The impact of the pandemic was felt deeply by all, professionally and personally. Together, we experienced restrictions related to COVID-19 while we still persevered each day to end gender-based violence (GBV). Personal and organizational resilience is intertwined. What we practice daily, how we feel and act allows us to be motivated by certain thoughts, strategies and relationships while limiting others. While the pandemic has highlighted the increased need for partnership and collaborative capacity building, hiring, staff training, and service delivery that centers culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, survivor- and human-rights based perspectives, it also challenged us daily to remain committed to action based on respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth. To achieve balance as well as maintain growth in an environment where all of these needs intersect requires an exceptional commitment from a resilient team.
The work we do is difficult and not one organization cannot do it alone. The spirit of partnership and collaboration is foundational to support coordinated services. Willow Place is grateful to be a member of a community network of corporate sponsors as well as agencies and funders who are committed to the perpetual enhancement of services available for these we serve.
As we leave one year behind and move onto the next I would like to, once again, honour the dedication, commitment, resiliency and growth of our organization. “The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived†(Robert Jordan, the Fires of Heaven).
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Another successful program wraps up
Willow Place was fortunate to receive grant funding from Canada Summer Jobs again this year, helping to fund summer day camp staffing. This year, we were fortunate to hire two University of Manitoba social work students, Norien and Patricia.
Patricia shared the following highlights of her work experience with Willow Place:
“Working closely with children, it’s inevitable that one will form bonds with them. I remember one morning just when I arrived, one of the kids ran up to me with excitement and said “Hey friend, I went to the classroom and it was locked; now that you are here can you go open it†… to me that statement was heartwarming as well as felt special. Other highlights were personal skills enhancement, knowledge acquisition and abilities realization through supporting children’s creative and recreational skills. Patience and consistency yields great results when working with children. Overall, the summer day camp was rewarding and fun!â€
Norien shared the following personal reflection:
“The most interesting experience I’ve had while working as a day camp worker is seeing how the unique personality of every child always shined through in a matter of a few minutes. The children have taught me how listening goes a long way when it comes to establishing respect and trust in a relationship. Patricia who taught me the importance of communicating and planning, which resulted in the creation of an environment in our day camp that was welcoming, respectful, and fun. Patricia and I hope that the short time we spent with the children at day camp will be something they can remember when they grow older. Whether it be about the friends they’ve made, the outings we went on, or any feelings they were able to express and let out due to their comfort in our room and the people that they were interacting with. I hope that every child that we have had the pleasure of working with this summer had a positive and memorable experience that they can utilize to become the most amazing versions of themselves.†Special thanks to community donors who provided passes for individual and group admissions this summer: Manitoba Children’s Museum, Goldeyes Baseball Club, Manitoba Museum, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. For the majority of our shelter participants, these donations allowed for first-time experiences – we valued and appreciated your generosity!
VOLUNTEER SUPPORTS
Updated training program launch
After a two-year hiatus, Willow Place is thrilled to have volunteers on-site once again. We have maintained a waiting list of prospective volunteers during this time, and in September and November 2022 volunteer training is commencing, with those on the waiting list.
Our volunteer training program has been updated and streamlined to include virtual and in-person components. We have also expanded volunteer opportunities to include shelter support, donations support, maintenance assistance, special event volunteering, and cultural supports. We look forward to welcoming new volunteers to a variety of roles in the weeks and months ahead. All volunteers are interviewed and must obtain criminal records back-checks with vulnerable sector search. For those accepted into our training program, Willow Place is able to provide no-cost adult and child abuse registry applications.
For more info, Willow Place Community Team (Shannon): [email protected]
Phone: 204-615-0313, ext. 224 (weekdays, daytime hours)
FUNDRAISING UPDATE
Caring community makes a world of difference!
Each year Willow Place must fundraise to meet operational funding gaps, and to effectively respond to changing community needs. Current priorities for Willow Place include food security funding, cultural and wellness support funding, as well as replacement funding (shelter facility supplies and furnishings). On the horizon is a capital campaign to support a new facility with expanded service and support capabilities – demand for family violence prevention services continues to grow, and the needs include transitional housing.
A growing area of support for Willow Place is third party fundraising. Throughout the pandemic, the creativity of community members and organizations was inspiring, as they hosted a wide variety of events to raise both awareness and much-needed dollars for Willow Place. Both service needs and costs continue to increase, and we are witnessing more acute needs among program participants. As such, the support of caring community is particularly precious, and allows us to sustain valuable services for vulnerable populations.
If you are interested in hosting a fundraising event or donation drive, please reach out to us for information:
Phone: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime hours)
Email: [email protected]
How YOU can help
Every connection matters
There is an added layer of comfort when a friend, co-worker, or other supportive person recommends a service. For Willow Place, community and agency sharing and partnership is important. Many of the populations we serve have mistrust of others due to experiences of abuse, neglect and racism.
Commonly, family violence survivors will downplay their hardships and the abuse. Like the tip of an iceberg, what is disclosed or witnessed is typically a snap shot or small part of their full experience. It is important to not underestimate the value of listening without judgment, and the positive impact of a kind word of encouragement.
One reason that many victims of family violence and abuse do not seek help, is that they are not aware of no-cost supports available to them. If someone discloses family violence or abuse, it can feel uncomfortable for those receiving the information, and although they are sympathetic and concerned, supportive friends and family may be unsure what to say or do. If someone discloses family violence or abuse:
- LISTEN and BELIEVE the person
- Express CONCERN for their wellbeing
- Let them know about supportive RESOURCES
- DO NOT JUDGE them
Willow Place provides inclusive no-cost supports for diverse family violence prevention needs in Manitoba – 24-hours, every day. Any person, any gender can call the crisis support line for information and to access supports such as emergency shelter and counselling:
1-877-977-0007 (this 24-hour line directs callers to the closest family violence resource in Manitoba)
204-615-0311 (Winnipeg local – call 24-hours for Willow Place supports and information)
204-792-5302 (text-only line, for information and support in Manitoba)
