Mission Statement
Our mission statement is to provide transitional supports and housing to women, with or without children, who are leaving an abusing relationships.
Statement of Values
- We value participation. We work in partnership with the community to enable women and children to increase their personal control and to
- We value respect. Through our staff, volunteers, space, programs and services we strive to create an environment that is safe, caring, trusting, friendly, supportive and understanding.
- We value equity. We believe that all people should have access to services and programs and the right to achieve their fullest potential through access to the prerequisites for safety and well-being.
- We value professionalism. Our client and program participants have the right to well planned, reliable and confidential programs and services delivered by professionals, engaged in life long learning and who are accountable to themselves, each other, their organization and the community they serve.
- We value responsiveness. In order to meet the community needs we are well versed in women abuse issues and proactive, focused and flexible service.
Programs
Transitional Housing & Support Program - Transitional support is offered to women that are waiting to move into the residential program. These supports include emotional support and safety planning in order that the woman can transition into the program in a safe manner. Referrals and advocacy are offered based on identified needs. Follow-up supports are offered to women as they exit the program.
Residential Counselling Program - Group and individual counselling is offered to women and children. Group content focuses on helping women gain an understanding of the impacts of abuse, understand feelings, develop problem-solving skills and coping strategies, build social networks, enhance self-esteem, understand and name issues of power and control, assess personal options and develop skills in setting goals for their futures. The psycho-educational groups are offered weekly and in the week that follows group, women and children meet individually with a counsellor to discuss group content and apply it personally.
Children’s Program - The children's support group offers education about family violence, safety planning, problem solving skills and feelings. One to one counselling is available to the children in order for them to talk about issues privately. Children of all ages are offered support during recreational activities throughout the week.
Residential Counselling Program - Group and individual counselling is offered to women and children. Group content focuses on helping women gain an understanding of the impacts of abuse, understand feelings, develop problem-solving skills and coping strategies, build social networks, enhance self-esteem, understand and name issues of power and control, assess personal options and develop skills in setting goals for their futures. The psycho-educational groups are offered weekly and in the week that follows group, women and children meet individually with a counsellor to discuss group content and apply it personally.
Children’s Program - The children's support group offers education about family violence, safety planning, problem solving skills and feelings. One to one counselling is available to the children in order for them to talk about issues privately. Children of all ages are offered support during recreational activities throughout the week.
Herstory - The story of St. Thomas-Elgin Second Stage Housing
In 1989, a group of concerned citizens from St. Thomas who were interested in promoting housing development became aware of the need for second stage housing for women, with or without children, leaving abusive relationships. They learned of the concerns of front-line shelter workers in Canada who saw women leave first stage shelters to return to abusive partners because of a lack of affordable, secure, and supportive housing options.
In February 1991, the Federal Government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, announced the provision of $20.6 million new funding for 250 units of additional housing for abused women and their children. Funding was secured to build a 12-unit apartment complex at 15 Golding Place, St. Thomas, Ontario.
The first staff member was hired in February 1994 and the first resident moved in April 27, 1994.
Operational funding for the program was secured in 1994 through the Provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services.
However, in October, 1995, the ministry informed all second stages throughout the province that all funding from the province was being
withdrawn. The Board of Directors of St. Thomas – Elgin Second Stage Housing met and determined that the services
provided, were too important to the women and children of Elgin County to be withdrawn. A business plan was developed and the Board of Directors and the staff went forward with a plan that would support the program’s growth and development.
In February 1991, the Federal Government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, announced the provision of $20.6 million new funding for 250 units of additional housing for abused women and their children. Funding was secured to build a 12-unit apartment complex at 15 Golding Place, St. Thomas, Ontario.
The first staff member was hired in February 1994 and the first resident moved in April 27, 1994.
Operational funding for the program was secured in 1994 through the Provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services.
However, in October, 1995, the ministry informed all second stages throughout the province that all funding from the province was being
withdrawn. The Board of Directors of St. Thomas – Elgin Second Stage Housing met and determined that the services
provided, were too important to the women and children of Elgin County to be withdrawn. A business plan was developed and the Board of Directors and the staff went forward with a plan that would support the program’s growth and development.
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In 2004, the Province restored some funding to Second Stage Housing programs. That funding required the development of the Transitional Housing and Support Worker (TSW) position. Through this program, approximately 100 women annually are offered transitional support as they are leaving an abusive relationship and transitioning to a life beyond the abuse. Today, funding for the programs comes from Ministry of Community and Social Services (33%), Fund Raising (31%),
United Way (11%), and Rent (25%). The United Way funding supports the Children’s Program. On average, 28 women and 45 children live in residence each year. The women are provided approximately 564 hours of individual counselling, 90 hours of group counselling in addition to life skills groups, parenting support, referrals and advocacy. The Children’s program also offers preschool groups, school-aged group and individual counselling along with recreational groups. |
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