WRRC Newsletter no. 2

                       July 2011

On September 25th we will be having our second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in Strathroy.  Last year this event raised over $12,000 with over 50 men taking part in the walk.  This year we hope to grow the participation considerably!

Please consider registering as an individual or getting a team of men together. Registration and sponsoring can be done online.  Follow this link to register today.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Strathroy  

I am Jane. I am a single mother of a 2 year old boy, who left my abusive partner when I was 4 months pregnant. I was ignorant to what abuse was, and had no idea that I was in an abusive relationship. I just knew that he didn't treat me well, and when I got pregnant he treated me even worst.  I was never beat up - but experienced physical and emotional abuse for 2.5 years.

It was my public health nurse who pointed out the abuse I was still enduring when my son was only a few weeks old, and recommended I seek counseling at Women's Rural Resource Centre. Well, I did and it was the best decision I ever made.

The support, counseling, education, information and guidance that I received from my cousnellor was life changing. I now understand emotional abuse, and understand that because he didn't hit me, does not mean he wasn't physically abusive. He threw furniture items at me, chased me with weapons, punched the wall etc. He also called me names, put me down and took away my dignity and any self confidence. During this time to deal with this, I went on anxiety pills and drugs and was absolutely miserable.

Now, I can honestly say that I have gotten past this experience and became the women, mom and person that I always hoped I could be. I still refer to the tools and information that my counselor provided to me; my "rules to communicate with your abuser" and turning negative thoughts into positive thoughts.

I also joined a women's support group lead by WRRC and met the most wonderful and supportive women that I could have imagined. Hearing their experiences and sharing mine was invaluable for me, in moving past the abuse that I endured.

If I had not gotten help from Women's Rural Resource Centre, I am not sure where I would be today. The services that they provided to me will never be forgotten, and all the women and counselors that I met along the way will always be remembered by me, as changing my life and my son's!

Your support and the gifts of time, effort and skill are the quiet actions that create the ripple of change in our clients' lives and those of our communities.

As rural residents in an area that has a long tradition of joint effort for the greater good, we know that our communities thrive due to the generosity of our residents. People like you.

Donors and volunteers play an integral part in our achievements, by assisting in the creation of healthy, safe and vibrant communities. We are re-energizing our volunteer program in an effort to expand our capacity to assist women and children impacted by abuse.

Volunteers and donors create a significant impact by: assisting clients in changing their lives from chaos & fear to structure and joy; assisting women to meet their needs and those of their children; allowing staff to make the most of their time, skills and talents; providing women who seek our assistance to feel less isolated, more valued and more capable.

If you are looking for an opportunity to extend your assistance by volunteering, please contact our Rural Development Officer - Frances Hickmott ext. 239 or email her at francesh@wrrcsa.org

This summer WRRC is embarking on a new fundraiser selling organic, fair trade loose leaf teas.  The teas are supplied by Shanti tea in Ottawa. The initiative was kicked off at our Annual General Meeting with an overwhelming response. Teas are available in 75 gram pouches for $7.00.  We will be selling the Tea's at local fairs and farmers markets in the upcoming months.  Tea is also available to purchase at our office at 145 Beech Street.

Feel good enjoying your tea and knowing that the profits will support WRRCservices in our community, as well as helping organic farmers in countries such as India, Egypt and Shri Lanka.      

The Caring Dads program focuses on helping fathers recognize attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that support healthy and unhealthy father-child relationships, develop skills for interacting with children in healthy ways and appreciate the impact on children of controlling, intimidating, abusive and neglectful actions including witnessing domestic violence.

During Caring Dads, fathers will develop skills to cope in healthy ways with frustrating situations, including: Understanding how different fathering strategies and choices effect children; increasing their awareness of controlling, abusive, and neglectful attitudes and behaviours; developing strategies to strengthen the father-child relationship.

The group runs for 2 hours, one night a week, for 17 weeks.  Men's children and partners do not attend. Groups are co-led by male and female facilitators with knowledge and experience with challenging issues around various aspects of fathering.

For more information contact Brenda at

519-246-1526 ext. 227

On June 16th our Annual General Meeting took place in Strathroy.  Our guest speaker Allan is a young man who had spent time in WRRC shelter with his mom and sister after experiencing years of family violence. Allan's inspirational talk demonstrated the amazing resilience of human beings to overcome the "odds" and fulfill their dreams.  Allan is currently enrolled in college pursuing his dream of becoming a sign language interpreter.

For a copy of our annual report click here  

On April 14th Premier McGunity presented Kim Gibson (one of 11 recipients) with the Attorney General's Victim Services Award of Distinction. These awards recognize victims of crime whose courage and dedication have raised awareness of victims' issues in Ontario, as well as the volunteers, professionals and organizations that advocate on their behalf.

Following a horrific assault, in which she was stabbed multiple times by an ex-partner, Ms. Gibson became a tireless leader and advocate for awareness of and education about violence against women. Ms. Gibson draws upon her story of survival and strength to inspire other victims of intimate partner violence to seek the support that they need. She has also worked closely with Victim Services of Middlesex County in various roles, and devotes her time to speaking with other victims, victim service workers and police organizations to increase understanding of the struggles of victims of intimate partner violence.

Congratulations Kim!