With their stated mission of “Empowering women and families” we spoke with local organization Maggie’s Resource Center about their new transitional housing units.
Board chair Cheryl Easton said that Maggie’s has recently completed 2 units to accomodate women and families that are seeking safe housing from situations of violence.
She also spoke of help from other local women on the project.
“Whatever we created, it needed to be a space that we would feel comfortable in” Said Easton “So when York River Interiors came along and asked if they could gift us with the gift of turning our house into a home, we jumped on the opportunity”
Laura Van Driel from York River interiors happened by when we were talking with Easton and we had the chance to hear form her as well:
“When I moved up to this area, I joined the 100 women who care event and when I started going to the events, I just learned more about the community and what’s available here” Said Van Driel, “And I was just absolutely amazed at the community efforts. And so I really wanted to help out with that. So it’s been really a rewarding experience and everyone has been so wonderful”
In the conversation Easton also addressed the progress that has been made at the government level for women facing violence:
“The provincial government of Ontario has recognized that domestic violence is now an epidemic in the province. So when the powers that be recognize those things typically they start to put resources and funding into helping with those things”
Maggie’s is a not-for-profit agency, with a volunteer, all female Board of Directors, as well as an all-female team of frontline workers and support staff.
Services offered include Crisis Intervention, Safety Planning, Transitional Housing Support, Counselling, Safe Placement and transportation for women and their children leaving abusive relationships, Advocacy, and Referrals to health, legal and income support resource centres and advocacy with legal and social services.
For more information you can call check out Maggies resources and they also remind everyone in crisis that their phone lines are open for 24/7 support.