2025
Willow Place Summer 2025 E-Newsletter
Summer Day Camp
Program for children in shelter resumes
We are so excited to welcome summer day camp staff members, Sophia and Kaitlin to the Willow Place shelter program team. Willow Place is thrilled to offer the summer day camp program for children and families in shelter again this year, thanks to granted funds from Canada Summer Jobs and a Children and Youth Grant from the Winnipeg Foundation (Community Fund, Nourishing Potential Fund). These grant dollars support summer day camp wages, program supplies and equipment; and nutritious snacks for children. We are so grateful to have received these valuable supports, and could not support this valuable children’s program without these contributions!
We also wish to acknowledge in-kind donations from The Assiniboine Park (The Zoo and The Leaf), Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Goldeyes Community Zone, Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Manitoba Children’s Museum, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Donated admission passes allow Willow Place to provide stimulating and memorable outings for children and families in our shelter program; most-often a first-time experience and a summer highlight for the participants.
Staff Feature
Meet Facility & Support Supervisor, Kathy S.
Kathy S. is a valued member of the Willow Place leadership team, with over 25 years of experience in the violence prevention sector. In her role as Facility & Support Supervisor, Kathy very capably supports the violence prevention shelter program, including scheduling and training of support and other staff, and ensuring compliance with fire safety and other safety-related policies and procedures. Kathy also liaises with provincial staff and volunteers relating to maintenance of our facilities, orders supplies for the shelter program. Overall, Kathy contributes daily to a healthy, supportive environment for all participants, volunteers and staff members. Thank you, Kathy, for all you do!
What are some of your interests outside of work?
I enjoy learning about historic events, nature and country music.
What are your main responsibilities and tasks at Willow Place?
As Facility & Support Supervisor, I am a leadership team member and I assume overall accountability for daily operations of the shelter, including facility management, as well as Support Worker and Support Worker practicum placements at Willow Place.
What are three things you enjoy about this role? What are some difficult aspects of your role?
It is never the same day twice, and I enjoying contributing to the overall organizational success and working together as a team. Challenges include seeing intergenerational violence play out: e.g., children and grandchildren of former shelter participants also coming into shelter years later. Also hearing and seeing impacts of violence and abuse in day-to-day work (vicarious trauma) can be very difficult. Limited resources always present challenges – we all need to do more with less.
Can you tell us about trends or common needs in the shelter program?
There is a lack of safe and affordable social housing, and this hinders vulnerable populations in obtaining long-term safe accommodations that could promote a successful healing journey.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of violence prevention?
I am hopeful for expanded services and programs to meet growing community needs.
Is there a person or experience that has shaped your interest in violence prevention, or has motivated you to help others?
I can’t really think of a specific person, but I have benefited from specialized courses and training, and have been given opportunities to learn and grow as an employee and in my supervisor role.
Donation Highlights
UNESCO Take Action and Healing Garden Projects
This spring, Willow Place was delighted to be contacted by Vincent Massey high school student, Sarah Schroeder about her UNESCO Take Action Project. Sarah collected in-kind and monetary donations to supply our shelter program with over ten boxes and bags of priority wish list items in June! Thank you for thinking of Willow Place, Sarah – your support has made a positive difference for our busy shelter program, including help to raise awareness of Willow Place’s violence prevention services.
Special thanks to donor, Blaine Wall, for creating five new raised planters for our Healing Garden project this spring. Blaine also delivered soil for the planters, and our handyperson volunteer, Doug Peters helped our community team staff fill the beds. The Healing Garden growing areas provide important spaces for women and children to connect with nature. For many of our participants, it is their first experience growing things from seed, tasting garden produce, or tending to a garden. Seeds, plants and supplies/equipment for the garden were made possible due to in-kind and monetary donations totaling $140.00 – amazing! We are grateful to our shelter program, on-site teacher, Mrs. S, staff, volunteers, and summer day camp staff for their role in planting and maintaining the growing areas. Thanks also to counselor, Dee for the donation of prairie sage, which is thriving. It takes a team!
Want to donate? Do you have donation questions? Please reach out to our community team!
Weekdays – day-time hours:
Kimi 204-615-0313, ext. 245
Pam 204-615-0313, ext. 237
Purse Bingo
Outstanding fundraising for Willow Place
In May, Willow Place leadership team staff were treated to a fun evening out to play Purse Bingo in support of The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. 80% of proceeds raised will be granted to Willow Place, and remaining funds support the Foundation’s ongoing work Canada-wide. The Purse Bingo concept was unique and dynamic – instead of calling letters and numbers, music clips were played. If a song played was on your bingo card, you got to dab the corresponding square. Ten fun games were played, and the prizes were a dazzling selection of designer purses, many of which were sponsored by local businesses and other realtors. Our team was happy to join in with hundreds of women as enjoyed Manitoba-made snacks and sang along to favourite music from all genres.
Heartfelt appreciation to Nicole Hacault, Royal LePage Top Producers real estate agent and her wonderful team. Nicole consistently shines bright as an avid supporter of our violence prevention work in Manitoba! Nicole is once again participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Trek for Shelter and will be traveling to Cambodia this October (Cambodia Challenge 2025). Please consider helping Nicole help those in need – link follows, below.
Donate and follow Nicole’s progress here: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
Summer Memories Prize Draw
By Pam Hadder, Community Supervisor
Do you have favourite childhood summer memories? I recall endless sunny days, taking my little brothers to the local paddling pool with a picnic lunch. Once our fingers and toes got too “pruney,” we would move on to the swings and blow-dry while dreaming under a canopy of trees. Mom would also set up a tent in the backyard. Shaded and bug-free, hours were spent reading comic books with siblings or friends, sometimes enjoying Kool-Aid or homemade popsicles.
Often it is the simple, small things that I recall with joy, like building forts, climbing trees, and the time I found a fossil by the lake with my Dad. To this day, I can replay these memories like movie clips, and I never tire of dreaming under a summer sky.
SUBSCRIBER DRAW!!!
Please email us your favourite summer memories: pamh@willowplace.ca (two or three sentences). We will be drawing from all entries in August for three Willow Place prize packs, and will share the memories and winners’ names in a special Summer Memories email blast this August.
2025
International Women’s Day 2025
International Women’s Day (IWD) occurs March 8 and is a global observance to draw attention to the achievements of women and also to raise awareness of human rights violations against women. This year’s theme is Accelerate Action. Check out the event link to view over 300 events from around the world, many of which are virtual.
Women’s rights are human rights, and it is important for each of us to work together to address misogyny, inequity and violence against women.
2024
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
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).
