Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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TRANSITIONS
Volume I, Issue I, Summer 2007

WELCOME

Welcome to the first edition of Transitions, the newsletter of the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (THANL). This year marks the 20th anniversary of our Association and it is our continued hope for a collaborative approach to equality-seeking and anti-violence work that will help advance the status of women in our province and our country.

We began thinking about an e-based publication during the last couple of years when anti-violence / equality-seeking organizations seemed to be struggling more than ever with the uncertainty of their future because of provincial and federal changes in government, the everyday uncertainty that women's organizations across the country face and our own need to be involved and connected to the broader women's community. This newsletter is the product of a tremendous amount of work on the part of THANL's Assistant Coordinator, Melanie Parsons, who is computer savvy and always open to expanding our capacity to engage our transition houses and other anti-violence / equality-seeking organizations across the province and country. An organization like THANL strives to stay connected to its sister organizations locally and nationally, but it is often difficult to achieve that. Technology has evolved and accessibility to the Internet has increased our ability to communicate in an affordable and secure way. That is why we have decided to make this publication an e-based forum.

Our first edition will read like a review of the activities of the Association. In the future it will serve as a forum for the discussions and activities that are integral to the anti-violence / equality-seeking work that we do collectively. We hope that it will become a place, not only for our own transition houses, but other anti-violence and equality-seeking groups, as well as individuals who wish to contribute.

This past year we have seen powerful calls for action regarding women's rights and violence against women, on a provincial, national and international level. We are all to familiar with the cuts to Status of Women Canada that has seen the closure of the regional office here in Newfoundland and Labrador, and numerous offices across Canada. As anti-violence/ equality-seeking organizations it is imperative that we work together to continue to promote the full equality of women in our province, country and world.


Shelter Training Conference, October 17 & 18, 2006 6 

On October 17 &18, 2006, THANL hosted a two-day training conference for forty-five shelter workers from across Newfoundland and Labrador. We would like to thank the following for their financial contributions, without their kind support it would have been impossible for us to hold such a conference.

The Canadian Women's Foundation
Congregation of the Sisters of Presentation
Government of NL, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
Government of NL, Department of Justice
Government of NL, Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Ratcliffe Foundation
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Liberal Members
Newfoundland Power
                       

It had been almost six years since shelter workers had had an opportunity to come together to network and share information. THANL was able to bring in two facilitators from outside the province.  Jan Richardson provided training on Information Technology, Shelternet and Vicarious Trauma.  Lyn Barrett facilitated a discussion on the use of risk assessments in the shelter environment.  

Effective Practices in Sheltering Women Leaving Violence in Intimate Relationships.

In June 2006, YWCA Canada published research findings based on entrance and exit surveys conducted in 10 Violence Against Women (VAW) Shelters which highlight the needs of women fleeing violence.

To download this full report, visit:   http://www.ywca.ca/public_eng/advocacy/Shelter/YWCA_ShelterReport_EN.pdf
 

Iris Kirby House ~ New Toll Free Number

Iris Kirby House has introduced a new toll-free number.  Outside the St. John's area, you can call 1-877-753-1492.