Victoria Women's Transition House
Guest contribution by Carolyn Fast
In 2006-2007, Victoria Women's Transition House Society answered 1,721 calls on our 24 hour crisis line. 250 woman and children found safety in our 18 bed shelter, while women and children used out non-residential counselling and children's programs. We presented over 100 prevention education programs, and worked with police and other community services in an ongoing effort to prevent violence against women and children in Greater Victoria.
Our other services include a Safe Home Program for Older Women, and Harrison Place, a new 22 unit apartment building for older women who have experienced violence.
A volunteer board of directors governs the work of the Victoria Women's Transition House. With an annual operating budget of $1.87 million dollars, the Victoria Women's Transition House raises close to 35% of its budget through donations, grants and bequests. We depend on our community to build partnerships with individuals, businesses, and groups who share our vision and wish work together to end relationship abuse in Victoria.
Thank you Opus Framing & Art Supplies for your incredible support! The staff at the Herald Street Store in Victoria fundraised throughout the month of December, raising $4,278 for Victoria Women's Transition House (VWTH)!
"The staff demonstrated incredible enthusiasm and commitment and we truly appreciated their efforts to raise awareness about the issue of violence against women and to support women and children who have been impacted by abuse right here in our community." Remarked Carolyn Fast, Executive Director for VWTH.
"As the Art Break program enters its third year it has become one of the most popular programs at the Shelter." States Mariruth Morton, Shelter Program Manager. "Moms and kids benefit from the time they spend working on an activity together, and all participants are enriched by the opportunity to express themselves creatively. This year we were very fortunate to receive this generous donation from Opus Framing & Art Supplies. These funds will go a long way towards purchasing the supplies the program needs."
In addition to the cash donation from funds raised at the store, Marsha Arbour also matched the donation with a $4,278 store credit for the Art Break Program to purchase supplies.
The purpose of the Art Break program is to provide the residents of the shelter with a fun and creative opportunity to explore the visual arts. We believe that the visual arts can serve as a valuable tool in allowing both women and children to express their emotions during a difficult time, provide an opportunity to tell their stories in a different way, learn new skills and art techniques, as well as access their creative potential. Art Break is also a time for mothers and their children to engage in a positive and enriching activity together. The Art Break program has been an inspiration and a source of comfort for the women and children who come through the house.
The Art Break Program offers a weekly opportunity for Shelter residents to come together as a group and participate in art making. The Program is a fun, hands-on experience that women and children can enjoy together. The group is facilitated by a Women's Counsellor with a background in art therapy, and a Children's Counsellor who works closely with the kids.
For further information, please visit www.transitionhouse.net
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