Enterprising Women Making Art Program
What do you imagine when you think of women who live in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside? We see strength, resilience, creativity, passion and so many other qualities that often escape others' perceptions of this under represented population.
Atira Women's Resource Society's Enterprising Women Making Art (EWMA) is a program that strives to bring dignity and independence to women, while attempting to bring awareness to a society that often fails to see the potential in this community.
Atira is a feminist identified organization that operates 19 different programs and projects in the Lower Mainland for women and children who have experienced violence and/or abuse. From housing programs such as Durrant and Shimai Transition Houses in White Rock and Surrey and Bridge and Sereena's House in the Downtown Eastside to employment programs like The Painter Sisters and EWMA, Atira has made enormous strides in supporting women and children to live lives free from violence. EWMA is a harm reduction, social development program for women who face multiple barriers to employment. The program was conceived of in 2002 when employees of Atira's Bridge Housing for Women noticed there were many talented and gifted artisans residing there. Yet due to their circumstances, the women often sold their products on the street or to friends at far below market value.
EWMA attempts to identify women's strengths and skills, and nurture their vision of independence and their entrepreneurial goals. It also connects women with their peers and allows them to share strengths, skills and ideas with each other. More importantly perhaps it allows women who due to circumstances beyond their control may never work in a traditional job; to earn income and to feel like an important and valued part of their community.
The program offers three, three-hour open workshops that focus not only on supporting women to create high quality and unique artisan products, but also to support women to improve their emotional and physical well being. Current participants have created a viable source of supplemental income, have gained valuable skills and increased self-confidence. If you're interested in supporting EWMA in either a volunteer capacity or by providing financial support or donating art supplies; or know someone you'd like to refer to the program, please call Rebeccah at 604-331-1407 ext. 110.
For more information about this program visit the ATIRA website at www.atira.bc.ca/womenmakingart.html
To read about Opus' bake sale for contributions to this program click here
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