Rosewood Shelter
Posted by Bill Molesworth
Dave DesRoches introduced Kathy Willis, the director at Rosewood for 13 years.
Kathy said she was pleased to be able to bring the Club up to date. Midland Rotary helped start Rosewood in 1985. It's grown since then - in 1997 a Francophone outreach was started and the Sexual Assault Centre and Choices for Children (who have witnessed abuse). In 1998 Trillium provided some money to help raise awareness and promote volunteers. The name was changed to Womens' Resources of Simcoe County, to reflect the reach of these services. Started with $250,000.00 and just the shelter, the organization now ovvers Counselling, Choices for Children, Transitional Support, and Outreach.
When a woman arrives, she usually has nothing. Rosewood supplies all the necessities, they will accompany her back home to pick up personal belongings, and they guide her through the adjustments that have to be made.
It is most often when a woman sees that her kids are at risk that she makes the move, either through the Crises Line, the OPP or Children's Aid. Rosewood givers her time to regroup, relax, to reflect, to get counselling and to get information so they can make informed choices. The kids go through a period of high energy when they are removed from a repressive environment.
Research shows that violence against women is used for control, as an intentional tactice and that all sectors of society are affected. Women become isolated and fearful. Violence is a learned behaviour, it's generational and it's up to the community to break the cycle.
Kathy said she was pleased to be able to bring the Club up to date. Midland Rotary helped start Rosewood in 1985. It's grown since then - in 1997 a Francophone outreach was started and the Sexual Assault Centre and Choices for Children (who have witnessed abuse). In 1998 Trillium provided some money to help raise awareness and promote volunteers. The name was changed to Womens' Resources of Simcoe County, to reflect the reach of these services. Started with $250,000.00 and just the shelter, the organization now ovvers Counselling, Choices for Children, Transitional Support, and Outreach.
When a woman arrives, she usually has nothing. Rosewood supplies all the necessities, they will accompany her back home to pick up personal belongings, and they guide her through the adjustments that have to be made.
It is most often when a woman sees that her kids are at risk that she makes the move, either through the Crises Line, the OPP or Children's Aid. Rosewood givers her time to regroup, relax, to reflect, to get counselling and to get information so they can make informed choices. The kids go through a period of high energy when they are removed from a repressive environment.
Research shows that violence against women is used for control, as an intentional tactice and that all sectors of society are affected. Women become isolated and fearful. Violence is a learned behaviour, it's generational and it's up to the community to break the cycle.
In 2005 Rosewood hosted 96 mothers and 65 kids in 15 beds. The place if full 87% of the year. Approximately 20% of these women go home again but the rest elect to start afresh. The government provides about 93% of the funding needed. The rest is raised in the community.
A new project, for which Rosewood is seeking financial support, is Adopt a Family - $900.00 to help fund a family's transition to a new life.
For 2006 the intention is to continue to meet the needs of these women, to tell their stories and to raise support throughout the community.
Jamie Hunter offered his thanks to Kathy and to Rosewood for the work they are doing.
A new project, for which Rosewood is seeking financial support, is Adopt a Family - $900.00 to help fund a family's transition to a new life.
For 2006 the intention is to continue to meet the needs of these women, to tell their stories and to raise support throughout the community.
Jamie Hunter offered his thanks to Kathy and to Rosewood for the work they are doing.