LINDSAY~ It’s been quite the waiting game, but Vicky’s Values is finally open in its new location.

Over 20 people gathered to help mark the opening of Women’s Resources’ thrift stores new digs at 50 Mary Street W. in Lindsay. Amoung them was executive director Lori Watson who was thrilled to see the day actually arrive.

“This is truly a great occasion,” Watson told those congregated for the ribbon cutting outside Vicky’s Values. “We’ve been waiting for this for a while.”

It was roughly two years ago that Women’s Resources learned they would be unable to take their thrift store with them when they moved to their current location on Russell Street East. The store continued to operate at its previous location off Mill Street until the building it shared was sold.

A search for a new site resulted in securing space at J.E. Specialty Products thanks to the generosity of the owner Emma Thomas. Close to Fleming College, near a highly residential neighborhood and on a bus route, the much larger space was perfect.

Unfortunately, the location was not zoned for commercial use.

“We had to be creative while we were waiting,” explained Watson of the interim period between moving in and resuming business.

She added that Thomas’ patience during this time was greatly appreciated. “She could have easily leased the space to someone else.”

Volunteers coordinated ongoing yard sales to help maintain revenue-needed to pay the lease- and keep an updated turnover of donations.

City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Barb Kelly also expressed her appreciation of the work of the volunteers, once again reiterating they are the “backbone of the community.”

She noted her family has been blessed over the years, but not all families are so fortunate, and congratulated Women’s Resources staff and volunteers for helping make a very important difference in the lives of women.

The reopening celebration included a special presentation of a plaque acknowledging the contributions of community members in the innovative fundraising campaign. Values of Vicky’s encouraged everyone to purchase $25 gift certificates which would be presented to women living at the abuse shelter, Victoria’s. The women could use the certificates to purchase items from Vicky’s Values.

In total, $4,700 was raised.

“The community support has been just phenomenal. All this would not have been possible without your help,” said Watson.

The new and improved location is not only accessible, but also features the same level and ample space for storage, sorting, and supports for clients. Having a larger space means increased opportunities for sales, and ultimately boosted revenues.

“Which means we will be able to help even more clients,” said Watson.

Vicky’s Values is open Monday to Friday form 10a.m. to 4p.m. and also on Saturdays form 10 a.m. to 1p.m.

For more information on Vicky’s Values, making a donation or becoming a volunteer, please telephone 878-5938.

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The Spirit of Giving

December 16, 2005

The Daily Post
Picture: Catherine Whitnall

Trish Campbell, coordinator of Amy’s next step housing program, accepts a bounty of food and gifts from Ellen Roberts and Janet Dellaire who, with their other sister Karen Smith (not pictured), own Sister’s Pace in Bobcaygeon. This is the third year the generosity of the business and its members has helped brighten the holidays for the women and children at Amy’s.

Credit Union Gives to Women's Resources

Aptil 8, 2006

The Daily Post
Picture: Jason Bain

Kawartha Credit Union branch manager Al Mackay hands over a $3,500 cheque to Women’s Resources executive director Lori Watson at the businesses’ March 29 grand opening at its new Lindsay Square location. The money was raised through the cooperative business’ community dividends, Mackay said, and Watson said it will be used to purchase items for the Vicki’s Values campaign.

Helping Women’s Resources

July 8, 2005

The Daily Post
Picture: Catherine Whitnall

Kathie Fowlie, past chair of the CAW Local 222 Eastern Women’s Network, hands over $1,800 to Women’s Resources shelter coordinator Consuelo Kuettner recently. Last year the group raised money to purchase a freezer for the shelter and fill it with meat. The group hopes to repeat the donation.

Quilt of hearts to help victims of abuse

July 7, 2005

The Daily Post
Reporter: Catherine Whitnall

The top prize in a fundraising raffle for Women’s Resources has passed through many hands to ultimately touch many hearts.

It makes perfect sense, then, that the beautiful king size, hand made quilt donated to Dave and Lynda Chessman for their annual Toy Ride aiding children at Victoria’s shelter and Amy’s next stage housing, is covered in hearts.

The quilt originated with Karen Chambers, a Peterborough area resident who thoroughly enjoys the hobby.

However, instead of keeping them for herself, she donates the top portion to local charities which then have the opportunity to complete them and use them to raise funds.

Recently, such a quilt was presented to members of the Trinity United Church Women in Omemee. The group had attended a UCW rally where a representative from Women’s Resources had spoken. It made sense the quilt – generally used to make a house a home – be donated to help women and their children leaving abusive environments in search of a safe haven.

“But we were all too busy to quilt it ourselves, so we hired a Lindsay quilter,” said UCW member Heather Grassie.

She was referring to Anna Eyre who put in the final stitches on the 90-by-100-inch quilt.
The UCW purchased a piece of French toile for the backing. The completed product is reversible, which is just as fitting in the summer as it is in the winter.
“It’s a perfect fit,” said Grassie of the two materials. “Everything complements one another.”

Grassie is particularly pleased with the incorporation of hearts into the quilt. They are a steadfast symbol of love that signifies the emotion connected to the generous donation from start to finish.

“The journey of this quilt has been one of love,” said Grassie.
The quilt is the top prize for the raffle which will culminate the day of the ride on Sunday, Aug. 7. Tickets are available now and other prizes include gift certificates from HB Cycle, Tupperware and a man’s watch.

Dave Chessman will be at the Lindsay Square Mall July 19 and 20 selling raffle tickets. The quilt will be on display.

Proceeds from the raffle will be combined with money raised through the Toy Ride, which marks its 14th year.

Those wishing to take part in the ride are asked to bring a new toy donation as the registration cost. The ride starts at 11:30 a.m. sharp at Riverwood Park – one block south of Highway 7, west of Hwy 35 South near Lindsay.

The event includes motorcycle games, trophies and entertainment by Johnny Mac.
Over the years, the Toy Ride has helped collect thousands of toys for children staying at Victoria’s and Amy’s Many of them are presented at Christmas, and included in Women’s Resources’ Santa’s workshop, where children can pick out gifts for their siblings and mother.

Money raised through the event has also assisted in developing children’s play areas.

Shoppers showing signs to help end violence

May 5, 2005

The Daily Post

Hundreds of local Zellers shoppers have been helping cover the store’s walls in a sea of red while spreading the message to ‘Start to Stop Violence.’

In fact, the Lindsay store is leading the charge to halt violence against women, coming out in front of other stores involved in the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) campaign.
Individuals in the community are aware that violence in relationships exist and are doing what they can do to stop it, organizers said. Collectively, it is a powerful message.
Women in abusive relationships have long felt isolated and ashamed – so much so they do not seek help.

But they are not alone – people do care and want to help, as illustrated by the Start to Stop Violence campaign.

“The message is getting out there, in one year the shelter occupancy has increased by 20 per cent. My interpretation is that more women are now seeking help – not that abusive relationships are on the rise,” said Kathleen Wild, public education and marketing co-ordinator for Women’s Resources.

“It is only by taking steps of seeking help, educating ourselves and our children, being positive role models and ensuring that essential services are supported financially that we can end the cycle of violence.”

Proceeds from the sales of the $1 stop signs will be split between Women’s Resources, which is the local shelter and resource centre for abused women and their children, and the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

“With the government’s expectation that we raise 10 per cent of our annual operating budget locally, the Zellers’ Start to Stop Violence program is crucial to help meet our goal,” said Wild.

“The community is once again helping us provide essential services for abused women and their children.”

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is the only national foundation that provides grant opportunities to end violence against women. The foundation is supported by HBC and the Royal LePage Shelter Foundations, among others.

Filling shelves

April 13, 2005

The Daily Post
Picture: Catherine Whitnall

Denyse Peever, owner of Curves for Women in Lindsay, gives Women’s Resources food cupboard volunteers Muriel Herkner and Teddy Furter a hand filling the shelves which are now full thanks to Curves’ annual food drive. Similar drives are held internationally by the company, last year collecting four tons of food worldwide. Last year, the local business collected 850 pounds of food and topped it this year with 1,185 pounds. Being an organization dedicated for women, Peever saw supporting Women’s Resources as the perfect choice.

Local shelter first in Ontario to get Mary Kay grant

March 3, 2005

The Daily Post
Reporter: Catherine Whitnall

For years, the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation has assisted American women’s shelters, expanding their support to Canada for the first time last year.
Just as one shelter in each U.S. state was selected annually, the organization was to choose a deserving recipient from each province.

“When we found out we had been selected we were thrilled,” said Women’s Resources executive director, Lori Watson of receiving the $1,500 grant. “It’s a great honour to know that we were thought of for this.”

Thanks to the generosity and dedications of sales directors to Mary Kay’s mandate of enriching women’s lives, more than $100,000 was raised in 2004, helping support the foundation she initiated in 1996.

Mary Kay independent senior sales director Maria Bennett explained the company has continued its founder’s legacy through the ongoing support of two causes which were near to Mary Kay Ash’s heart – finding a cure for women’s cancers and putting an end to violence against women.

When the charitable foundation decided to expand its grant program to Canadian Shelters, Bennett and Gloria Broad, an independent sales director, didn’t hesitate to get the local shelter nominated.

“I think this area is very deserving of support,” said Bennett.
Broad agreed, adding the grant program fits in perfectly with Ash’s own spirit of helping give hope to women who lacked opportunity and self-esteem. The fact she was a single mother of three trying to rebuild her life somewhat parallels the status of those seeking help from Women’s Resources.

Also following the lead of their company’s founder, local sales directors have also been doing their part, independently, to support the organization.

One way has been through hand cream sales in November where $5 from each sale is donated to Women’s Resources. The first year the local unit members embarked on the fundraiser, $1,200 was donated to the agency.

Community comes through to create shelter

When it comes to expressing their appreciation of support for their capital campaign, Women’s Resources wishes to say, ‘thank you’.

Two-hundred and twenty times over.

When Women’s Resources first embarked on its ambitious capital campaign in 2002, executive director Lori Watson wasn’t totally certain it was reachable.

“I thought we’d be raising $60,000. I was confident we could do that,” she said.

Instead, the total the agency would be raising was higher, Much higher. More than three times higher, actually.

The bar was set at $225,000. The funds were needed to transform the former Sisters of St. Joseph’s convent into an updated – and safer – abuse shelter for women and their children, as well as house the offices of support staff and the organization’s resource library.

The convent needed to be brought up to fire code and building code standards and, aside from obvious renovations to rooms, several crucial pieces had to be added – the least of which was a place for the children to play.

At the former Victoria’s shelter, communal living took on a whole new meaning. Not only did women, children and staff share the kitchen, the living room was the only common area. Privacy was non-existent and at times, the positive energy of young children was a negative for a woman struggling to deal with the decision she had just made – to leave behind everything she had and everything she know to start over from scratch.

The new building not only afforded much needed space but also held a great deal of opportunity. A greatly improved kitchen area was completed along with various rooms designed for privacy and fellowship. Layout made it easier to address security issues and there was potential to expand services – all available right on site.

“I swear this building was made for us,” said Watson.

However, the impressive blueprints and plans came with a daunting price tag. And Watson said she knew, in a community already being asked to support so many other important causes, reaching their goal was not going to be easy.

But the community stepped up to the plate and donations began to arrive, paring down the gap between target set and goal achieved.

The campaign received a major financial boost when Dom Fox, owner of the Canadian Tire store in Lindsay, and his manager son John, made the largest corporate donation to the campaign. They pledged $30,000 through the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families, along with an additional $5,000 to the cause, a considerable part of the $220,000 contributed to the campaign.

On Tuesday, the Foxes helped unveil a plaque letting the public know of their contribution. Since the funds donated to the campaign were used to develop a play area inside the shelter – an area which the general public doesn’t get ot see – it was decided to create a Garden of Hope and install the plaque outside.

“This was an amazing contribution and we want the public to be aware of their generosity,” said Watson.

But both Foxes were honoured to assist the organization.

“We are very pleased, on behalf of the Foundation for Families, to make this contribution to the building program,” said Dom Fox. “The organization does great work in the community. They are a much needed service and we want to help them succeed so that they can continue to make a difference in the community.

They were visibly affected when Watson informed the Foxes that, since opening the new Victoria’s earlier this year, the agency ahs seen almost a 100 per cent occupancy. At the previous location, occupancy averaged about 60 per cent.

And the shelter isn’t just service the city of Kawartha Lakes. Women are seeking help from all across the province, as well as across Canada.

Campaign committee member Ina Currie was instrumental in helping obtain Canadian Tire’s support. With the campaign officially closed, she was pleased to see fundraising come so close to goal. It might have been a much different story had the business not stepped up to the plate.

“It definitely gives you a great feeling,” said Currie of the community’s support of the organization. “We certainly appreciate all the support we have been given over the last two years.”

Watson would have loved to reach the $225,000 campaign goal, but understands there hs to be a time to cap things off.

“I think we did exceptionally well,” she said. “I honestly don’t think we could have done it at all without the community’s help.”

In the meantime, Watson looks forward to the ongoing evolution of supporting women and their children in crisis through their many programs.

Those who stay at Victoria’s 18-bed emergency shelter have access to 24-hour staff, security and confidentiality. Weekly meetings for residents are held to discuss issues of self-esteem, personal growth and healing. Workers offer recreation programs and emotional support to children who have witnessed abuse, as well as information and parenting support to mothers.

Women’s Resources community support program also helps assist women. This short-term, goal-oriented program helps women who are ready to develop and follow a specific action plan leading toward a violence-free, independent life. Women receive one-on-one support in creating a transition plan that will identify the short and long-term goals and concrete steps needed to reach those goals. Community support workers also help women find the community resources that will help them build lives free from abuse, including housing, financial assistance, legal aid, education, parenting support, counselling, health, and wellness.

The organization also offers supportive counselling to women who have been abused or who are currently in an abusive relationship. Sessions focus on how their experiences of abuse affect their daily life. Outreach counsellors provide information, resources and referrals for housing, legal, financial, parenting and employment matters. During meetings women can discuss such issues as what is abuse, ways of keeping safe, managing emotions, developing self-awareness, increasing self-esteem, developing life strategies and making decisions.

Further help is provided through support groups and educational workshops throughout the year. Support groups are for women who have experienced abuse in their lives and run for eight to 10 weeks. Groups are intensive and women must be group ready to participate. An intake interview is conducted prior to enrolment to ensure the woman is capable of participating.

Workshops, however, are open to all women in the community and provide information on a variety of issues affecting women.

The move to the new facility also assisted in expanding the agency’s resource centre.

Women’s Resources provides information and education on woman abuse and women’s issues. Open to the public, the resource library offers a wide range of material. Books and videos cover topics such as woman abuse, separation and divorce, custody, child care, parenting, self-esteem, teen dating, sexuality and aging. Books are made available on loan for three weeks, while videos can be borrowed for three days.

For more information on Women’s Resources, call 878-4285.

Community helping to change lives

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child – and it appears that local community is doing its part.

To help mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th, Women’s Resources decided to thank the many individuals, community groups and companies who have helped make the new shelter and resource centre a reality.

They included Dave and Lynda Chessman, whose efforts in organizing their annual motorcycle toy ride – and encouraging people to get involved – helped add a new children’s playground to the shelter.

“What better way to celebrate than by honouring those who have helped make such a major difference to the lives of women and their children who are staying at Victoria’s and Amy’s,” said Women’s Resources executive director Lori Watson.

However, the Chessmans are not willing to take all the credit.

“We might do a lot of the organizing, but we wouldn’t be able to do it without the riders and those at Riverwood,” said Dave Chessman.

The fundraiser has been taking place every August at Riverwood Park since 1992 and, through the collection of toys, has helped brighten the lives of hundreds of children staying at the shelter or living at Amy’s Next Step housing.

The event also raises money instrumental in the purchase of the equipment.

“Before we were really limited as to what we could do with the children,” said Penny Chatson, a children’s worker. The playground complements the children’s playroom that was made possible with a grant from the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families, through the support of the Lindsay Canadian Tire store.

Recently, a donation from the Omemee and District Lioness Club made possible the purchase of a wall-mounted television for children’s programming and video games for the children to enjoy.

The outdoor play area is crucial, as often it is not safe for a woman and her children to venture out into the community on their own while staying at the shelter. Going to public parks, swimming areas, schoolyards often is not possible.

“So this gives them the opportunity to have a place to play and their mothers have the peace of mind that they will be safe,” said Chatson.

Unfortunately, the celebrations are tinged with sadness and remembrance as members of the agency will be handing out roses in memory of the 21 women and children murdered since November 2003 in Ontario through acts of domestic violence. There is still much work to be done to eliminate violence.

But Thursday was also a day of action. Agencies of the Ontario Association of Interval and Transitional Housing, (OAITH), which includes Women’s Resources, will be presenting an open letter to their Member of Parliament. It is a call for the government to make November a month for real change.

Rotary helps out Women’s Shelter in final stretch of fundraising

Photo Caption: Women’s Resources executive director Lori Watson joined New Home capital campaign chair Ina Currie in accepting a cheque for $5,000 from Rotary Club of Lindsay president Carol Timlin. The funds mean the campaign is within $20,000 of its $225,000 campaign goal. (photo coming soon)

LINDSAY – Women’s Resources has headed into the final stretch of its capital campaign to transform the former Sisters of St. Joseph’s convent into a resource centre and shelter for abused women and their children

But support is coming to cover that final $25,000 of the organization’s $225,000 New Home Campaign.

Most recently, it came in the form of a $5,000 cheque from the Rotary Club of Lindsay, in the hands of newly elected president, Carol Timlin.

Women’s Resources executive director Lori Watson was thrilled with the donation. She sang the service group’s praises through an interesting note.

“The Rotary Club sponsored us at the time we were trying to get our first shelter off the ground,” explained Watson. “So they’ve been helpful to us over the years, and now into the future, for sure.”

The donation puts the campaign at $204,948, leaving just over $20,000 to go.

The fact the project ended up thousands of dollars over budget due to unforeseen complications hasn’t helped any.

“The City of Kawartha Lakes was supported to cost share the matter of the storm water management construction,” said Watson, citing the city’s share would have been roughly $27,000.

But because there was no written agreement, the city was not obligated to fulfilling the verbal agreement.

Disappointed but not derailed, Watson said staff, volunteers and members of the capital campaign committee have continued to work toward settling the issue and making the gap between the current fundraising total and their goal smaller and smaller.

One of the ways staff have successfully moved forward behind the walls of Women’s Resources is the creation of a new website. One of the great features of www.womensresources.ca is that visitors can take part in a virtual tour of the facility.

“Many women are planning on making a change in their lives, but they’re not sure whether coming to our shelter is the right move,’ said Watson. “The website gives them an immediate sense of what’s available and puts them in contact with the people they need to talk to right away.”

What the new shelter provides that was not possible with the original shelter is well-designed space and security. Quiet spaces are readily available for women needing privacy, away from the reality of communal living and shared bedrooms.

Women’s Resources counsellors and respresentatives from other community agencies can meet with omen in privacy, comfort and a home-like setting.

“Since the shelter opened we have had an average occupancy of 80 per cent. Many days we have been over 100 per cent occupancy something that rarely happened at the old shelter,” states Watson, who believes this is due in part to the improved layout and comfort of the new facility.

“We could not have had a new shelter without the caring members of our community.”

For more information on Women’s Resources or to make a donation to the shelter or capital campaign, contact Lori Watson at 878-4285.

Reprinted with Permission: The Daily Post, July 21, 2004

Women's Resource opens new shelter

Photo Caption: Women’s Resources executive director Lori Watson, joined by founding member and current outreach worker, Lynda Chessman, centre left and right, and Sister Kathleen and Alma of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s – which formerly occupied the building – in cutting the ribbon to officially open the organization’s new resource centre and shelter for women and their children.

LINDSAY - If anyone ever asks Lori Watson how long it takes to get a women's shelter up and running she will be able to tell them; right down the last minute if necessary.

"Two years, five months and 29 days," Watson told those gathered at new home in honour of its official opening." And I could break it down into hours and Women's Resources' minutes probably if you gave me a minute."

It was a statement made half in jest and half in the realization that the organization had finally made one major dream a reality.

"It's all now coming to an end," said Watson, Women's Resources' executive director and one of many who would not let that dream fizzle.

During the last two years, all it took was a glance at a picture of the new shelter and a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt - "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - to keep Watson going despite some rocky times.

Actually, Watson didn't really want a new shelter two years ago. Sure, maybe someday, but she wasn't ready then. Waston's mind was changed after being convinced to tour the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent on the next block that was up for sale.

"Immediately, it was apparent that this was the perfect building for a new shelter," Watson said.

Unfortunately, the bank account said differently.

"We had no money," Watson said, to which the reply was later, 'you never know what might happen'.

Before long, the organization received word the provincial government was making an investment into their project to the tune of $1.2 million.

However, when the Sisters were contacted, it was revealed a conditional offer had already been made on the convent and things looked pretty good. Watson left on vacation, trying to be optimistic. It was rewarded. During her vacation she was emailed the deal had fallen through. She returned, was able to negotiate a deal with the Sisters and it wasn't long before the two groups were working hand in hand to see the shelter become a reality.

"The Sisters have always been there for us," Watson said. "We really appreciate their support, their energy and their enthusiasm."

Women's Resources chairperson Lynne Glenney, accompanied by her husband John, unveiled plaques recognizing the contribution made to the organization's shelter project by the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families. Through owner Dom Fox and his son John, who manages the store, the foundation made a $30,000 donation toward the captial campaign. The plaques will be located in the children's room and in the Garden of Hope.

CATHERINE WHITNALL
Daily Post Reporter

Shelter gets boost from Canadian Tire

LINDSAY - With unexpected costs and unforeseen minor delays, there were times when those at Women's Resources were concerned about realizing their $225,00 New Home Campaign.

Today there is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but a bright beacon for the future with a $30,000 corporate donation by the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families. "It's unbelievable. It's an incredible bonus," said Women's Resources executive director Lori Watson, noting the funding is the largest single corporate donation ever received in the organization's history.

Watson said the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families and Women's Resources are a perfect fit as the foundation - supported by all Canadian Tire stores - supports families and children in need while Women's Resources focus is on helping women and their children rebuild their lives after abuse.

And it's not the first time Women's Resources has worked with Canadian Tire's Dom and John Fox. Earlier in the year, through the Fox's efforts and on behalf of their customers, the agency received $5,000 from the foundation.

The Canadian Tire Corporation's Dom and John Fox were honoured to be part of the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families assistance to Women's Resources capital campaign with a $30,000 contribution - the largest corporate donation in the organization's history.

Photo Caption: The new indoor children's play space at Victoria's which was made possible through the generosity of the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families Foundation.

CATHERINE WHITNALL
Daily Post Reporter

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