Celebrating Women 2020

a publication of family transition place

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Norah Kennedy

March 2020

35 YEARS OF FTP

Sheralyn Roman

INTRODUCING BRENNAN Brennan Solecky

A NEW PERSPECTIVE Travis Greenley

THE LIVING BASKETEERS THE DREAM Tabitha Venasse

Lisa Post

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a publication of family transition place March 2020

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With love, from FTP FTP

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A World of Difference Norah Kennedy

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35 Years of FTP Sheralyn Roman

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Introducing Brennan Solecky Brennan Solecky

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A New Perspective Travis Greenley

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The Basketeers Tabitha Venasse

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Living the Dream Lisa Post Artwork contributed by Priya Anand Pariyani. Our sincere thanks to Priya for her perfectly splendid donation again this year. We are honoured to share her art.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Kelly Lee ART DIRECTOR: Liesje Doldersum

COPY EDITORS: Jeanette McCurdy and Sheila Harris

CONTRIBUTORS: Norah Kennedy, Travis Greenley, Lisa Post, Sheralyn Roman, Brennan Solecky, Tabitha Venasse PHOTOGRAPHY: as credited / stock / submitted photos

CELEBRATING WOMEN 3

With love, from FTP EVERY YEAR, CELEBRATING WOMEN GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY to reflect on many incredible moments: the time we all have shared together at our International Women’s Day Celebration Luncheon over the last 10 years; all of the successes, failures, heartbreaks and triumphs the staff at FTP has shared with the women, children and men we have served; and, around the world, the many, many milestones that have been achieved over the years in support of women’s equality—and how much work there is still left to do.

Some may think that progress is measured in milestones. But with each passing milestone, there is also an opportunity to look ahead and consider change. While it is a relief to so many that we are still here offering our services after 35 years, it’s also difficult to consider why we are still here. Our goal at FTP is to ultimately put ourselves “out of business.” But, is that possible? One of our core values is to continue learning and looking for new and different opportunities for service improvement, and other ways to end the cycle of violence through healthy relationship education.

Looking ahead to the next milestone, what more can we do to make the lives of the individuals living in this community better?

We are so thankful that you have been with us on this journey for the last 35 years—some of you, right from the beginning—and hope that you’ll be with us in the years to come. Perhaps, one day, our services will no longer be needed and we will be together celebrating the closing of our doors. What a moment that would be.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the creation of this year’s edition of Celebrating Women magazine. And thank you to you… for reading it and sharing it with your friends, family and co-workers.

With love from all of us at FTP.

Family Transition Place

519.942.4122 www.familytransitionplace.ca

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Family Transition Place (FTP) has been committed to helping women and children in Dufferin and Caledon since 1985. In times of crisis, women have found their way through our doors and into safety, often with their children in hand, and here they start the arduous work of re-building their lives. In our welcoming and cheerful shelter, they meet other women whose professional lives are dedicated to helping them overcome their challenges and build new relationships—at the centre of which is the relationship with themselves and their children.

Apart from the shelter services and our critical clinical counselling services that support women with the trauma of the abuse, and both women and men who are dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault, FTP has become known as a leader in the field of healthy relationship education.

We believe that by educating youth and children about the importance of respect, self-esteem and nonaggressive behaviours, we can influence the next generation of families, so that they are emotionally healthy and strong.

last year, >1 , 0 0 0 INDIVIDUALS accessed our programs “STATISTICS ARE HUMAN BEINGS WITH THEIR TEARS WIPED AWAY.” ~PAUL BRODEUR

numbers don‘t tell the full s tory Emergency Shelter

73 women & 45 children

Second-Stage Housing

11 women & 9 children

Support

Because no call for help should ever go unanswered, there’s always a friendly voice on the other end of the support/crisis line, 24-hours a day. This is available for anyone experiencing abuse, their families, friends and members of the community.

Within Housing/Outreach 53 women

24-Hour Support Line

3,261 calls

Woman Abuse Counselling

343 women

Sexual Abuse Counselling

149 women & 17 men

Child Witness

50 women & 52 children

Transitional Support Services

324 women & 1 man

Addictions & Outreach

50 women

Rural Response Program

85 women

Youth Education

1,663 students

Caring Dads

16 men

Housing Allowance Program

13 women/families

>3,200 calls were answered on our

24-hour support line 1-800-265-9178

~129,210

~12,480

IMMEASURABLE

HOT MEALS A YEAR

TISSUES TO DRY THE TEARS

HOPE FOR A BETTER LIFE

CELEBRATING WOMEN 5 Some icons on this page made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com.

Norah Kennedy

A World of Difference

Norah Kennedy

Recently, as part of a special presentation being prepared for this year’s International Women’s Day event, I was privileged to be in intense conversation with six very different women.

At first glance, these individuals appeared to share only one thing in common: they were successful in careers and roles that traditionally were held by men. But as we spoke, I had cause to look a little deeper.

The first woman to sit opposite me talked to me about coming from a Warrior caste, and how she credited this with her ability to fight for each success in her career. The next talked about having to prove herself each step of the way; 6 CELEBRATING WOMEN

the following woman, about having to set clear boundaries (no bum pats) with determination and humour. One woman emphasized the importance of her family supports; another, her self-confidence.

As we talked, each woman shared with me their very different career journeys. Some had doors open relatively easily, while others needed to prove themselves along the way. It was evident that they were each trailblazers in their own right, yet their stories were remarkably unalike.

Initially, it was the great differences between these women that struck me as interesting. But as I thought about them and their experiences over the next few days, it became apparent that despite the variations in age, background, and life experience, there was much more that they had in common, and it was, in fact, this common thread that contributed to their ultimate success.

As the women spoke about their careers, about being surrounded by men and the challenges that came with work-

ing in a man’s world, they spoke about the importance of having strong support systems—family and friends who cared for and believed in them, a network of strong women to lean on—and the value of having female role models.

Few of those role models existed when many of these women started their careers.

They talked about the need to have personal convictions, a strong values and belief system, especially in themselves. When others challenged or questioned their competence or right to belong, they never doubted themselves; they knew they had a right to be there and that they “could do anything” their male colleagues could do.

They all talked about bringing different perspectives and insights, finding new ways of thinking and doing that played to their strengths (brains, not brawn!), and challenging the status quo.

Almost all said that the driving force behind their commitment to their roles and their success was the compassion and empathy they had for the people they served. They were committed to making a difference. That was what kept them going, even when it was hard.

These powerful conversations made me realize that we are quick to spot differences in each other. On the surface, my interviewees were vastly different from one another: one appeared in traditional Indian dress, another in a business suit, and one walked in wearing her Blundstones. One woman wore her hair wild and curly, another sleek and ponytailed.

Their stories were as varied as their appearances. We seem to be programmed to notice contrasts, and for whatever reason, these dissimilarities tend to

capture our attention quickly and easily.

Maybe it is more important to acknowledge these differences while moving past them to see what it is that we share.

When we talk about needing more women in politics or in leadership, in corporations and at boardroom tables, these shared qualities are what we are seeking, for they are the ones that will create change.

And as far as the dearth of female role models goes, I am much heartened. For here were six shining examples of strong women whom I consider trailblazers and leaders, and I am confident that these remarkable women are providing strength, courage, and inspiration to the many women who will follow their paths. These paths will not look the same, but they will lead, maybe now a little more smoothly, towards a common destination.

To a place we all want to be.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Each for Equal.”

Each of these women has done more than their part in moving us closer to equality, without even knowing that that was what they were doing. They have made a world of difference.

#EachforEqual #IWD2020 Norah Kennedy has been FTP’s executive director for the past 13 years. She has worked in social services for over two decades. Her passion for the work FTP does is exceeded only by her pride in the agency and the people it employs and serves.

The scene is set for our IWD 2020 conversations.

CELEBRATING WOMEN 7

FTP then...

This year, Family Transition Place (FTP) acknowledges 35 years of service to the community— years filled with many families and plenty of transition.

In 1983, FTP began as a determined group of community members committed to creating a shelter and acquired its first physical location on Hillside Drive in 1985.

FTP then developed and offered secondstage housing, and later (1997) founded its current building at 20 Bredin Parkway, which comprises a residence, counselling centre, and administrative offices.

Thirty-five years has also seen a transition in the core services provided, with FTP now offering a variety of programs to suit changing times.

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Throughout threeplus decades of change, two themes have remained constant: the impact of violence on families and the incredible resilience of women. Communities at large have a role to play in helping to educate and empower future generations to help break the cycle.

For FTP, that has meant transitioning not only the physical building in order to meet the needs of clients, but also the services and support they provide.

In reflecting on 35 years of service, FTP reached out to those who have been involved with the agency along the way.

Former Board Chair Penny Dainard observed, “The community went from people being skeptical about the need for a shelter”, to support-

need for a women’s shelter….we were blown away when the shelter was full in less than a week when it first opened its doors.” Today, the shelter houses up to 24 women and children and is still full most of the time. For 35 years, FTP has supported women who’ve courageously chosen to leave situations of domestic violence. And today, FTP offers so much more—including a range of counselling and support services in Orangeville, Bolton, and Shelburne, and a full-scale education program.

It’s heartening to note how many have been a part of the FTP family for decades, including Lyn Allen, who has been with the agency for 32 years, and Lu Clark, who started with the organization in 1985, retired in 2000 (staying on as a member of the Board Advisory Council), then returned as relief, and later, parttime staff before again retiring in 2012.

Lu commented that working with the organization “impacted how we raised our family and caused us to continually point out examples of violence and inequality in sports, life, and especially the media.”

Lyn told us “no part of my life has not been touched by this work,” and that the work has both changed and enriched her.

35 YEARS OF FTP

BY SHERALYN ROMAN

ing an agency that “is always evolving,” and one which “serves the needs of our community in many areas.” Those areas have changed significantly in 35 years.

What began as a steering committee of 22 people, and, later, a board of nine members, has transformed into the fullservice agency FTP is today. The original shelter was a home located on Hillside Drive, with the primary purpose of aiding women and children fleeing family violence.

Founding board member Lynda Lockyer also describes the FTP’s early years. After sending out “surveys to area doctors, ministers, lawyers etc., to establish whether there was in fact a

Another shared, “I got involved due to my interest in engaging men to stop violence against women [and] FTP has the most committed and dedicated team of people I have ever met or had the privilege to work with. Their positive attitude and commitment to the women, children, and men they work with can’t be compared.” For most respondents, it was (or continues to be) a privilege to work with FTP’s dedicated staff and volunteers to help families in our community.

Many of those who provided feedback commented on themes of transition and change, but also on how much has stayed the same. That is, throughout the agency’s

thanks [who] is now a child protection evolution as a service provider, its values worker and attributed much of her suchave consistently been “inclusive and cess to her time at FTP.” Lu Clark reflects progressive.” Marianne Breadner shared further upon this idea, “besides having a that the agency “had a huge impact for safe environment to go to when needed, I women and children in our community think education about the issue of woman [and] it also educated and enlightened abuse and its impact on children was one medical professionals, police, and school of the most important things. Women staff in a big way.” Today, she reflects, “the learned they were not alone and they had new facility is a great improvement from choices. They were being heard. It did Hillside Drive [and allows] the expansion of counselling services and the addition of not take long for FTP to reach out to the community with educational events as the educational programs in the schools.” well. We worked with other agencies and One individual, who asked not to be started to develop individual protocols, named, commented on current Executive quickly realizing there had to be a comDirector (ED) Norah Kennedy and her approach, saying, “I think the most signifi- munity response. I feel FTP has always kept current—if not one step ahead—of cant change was recognizing the role men need to play if the issues [of domestic vio- the issues and changes impacting women and woman abuse.” lence] are going to be addressed. The fact Another constant has been the resilshe supported having men on the board ience of the clients served at FTP. Person and even as chair was significant.”

Recent fundraising initiatives like the “10 Guys, 25 Ties” campaign are a reflection of this transition from family violence being a “women’s issue” to one where we recognize men must also be advocates for change.

In fact, it’s an issue we all must work together to resolve. Since 2001, FTP’s youth education programs—designed to teach kids what healthy relationships are all about—have reached over 50,000 students ...and FTP now at 40 area schools; a crucial step toward eliminating violence. after person shared such comments as the The impact FTP has had, under the following: “You cannot work in this envioriginal leadership of ED Doreen Armronment without acknowledging some of strong, and now ED Norah Kennedy, is the strongest women you will ever meet,” long-term and far-reaching, and is an and “I have seen resilience and survival up impact that will outlast their 35-year hisclose. People always say men are stronger, tory. “I have seen the effect we have had but honestly, I have seen women who are on women,” says Lyn Allen. “I have had five-foot nothing rise up and find strength women call us back and say thank you. I to advocate for their children, or say no to remember one woman who called to say

their abuser, with a fierceness they didn’t even know they had.”

The FTP team is inspired by these women and the families they’ve supported over 35 years of service in Caledon and Dufferin County. While their core service as a shelter remains, key changes in their service delivery model have been implemented over the years. A staff member had this to say when asked about how things had changed, “oh boy...did you know we used to see the abusers for counselling...in the basement of the shelter? We used to be able to have lunch or get together socially with clients. We used to go and help paint a client’s new apartment...without thinking about the potential risk involved. We were really the only victim-serving agency in town. There was no Victim Services or Victim Witness Assistance Program. I would attend court

with clients, go with them to their home to get their belongings [with a police escort]. We would do everything. We have grown into a professional, well-respected agency that everyone wants at the table.

We are seen as cutting-edge, collaborative.

We have professional credibility and respect throughout the community.”Another said, “I think over the years cont’d next page CELEBRATING WOMEN 9

cont’d from page 9 FTP has gained greater recognition. It doesn’t need to be explained to anyone now... they just know.”

In contemplating the 35 year milestone, Norah Kennedy observes, “When I took on responsibility for heading up FTP I was very aware that I was assuming the legacy from women of strength and vision. During my tenure, we have worked as a team to build upon the foundation they laid, expanding services, evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the people we serve. I wish I could say we will not see another major milestone anniversary, because we have done our work so well that we are no longer needed. Sadly, I suspect we will continue to be a community fixture for a long time to come.”

From a small home on Hillside Drive to its current iteration, FTP offers space for people leaving domestic

violence, space for people to learn how to prevent domestic violence, and space for people who support, fundraise for, and care about the prevention of domestic violence in our community. People know FTP and what they do. As (former board member and Mayor of Orangeville) Mary Rose perhaps said best, “I cannot imagine an Orangeville without FTP. It’s as necessary for our community as any other service.” That the services have changed is undisputed, but the values central to the core of FTP? They haven’t changed at all. FTP provides safety, support, and hope, “building healthier communities – one relationship at a time.”

Sheralyn Roman owns Writing Right For You, helping entrepreneurs succeed in business using words that work. She speaks regularly on the topic of communication and sits on several boards volunteering primarily with youth-oriented nonprofits.

Spring is here!

Lots of great gift ideas for Easter and Mother’s Day.

REOPENING APRIL 3 Large variety of spring flowers: hydrangeas, Easter lilies, pansies, potted tulips, hyacinths, and fresh cut flowers.

Fresh picked strawberries and u-pick strawberries, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, fresh baked pies, fresh baked bread, preserves, jams and maple syrup. Ontario fruits and vegetables also available.

U-PICK STRAWBERRIES OPENS APPROXIMATELY JUNE 19 905-584-9461 16930 Airport Rd 2.5 km north of Caledon East rockgardenfarms.ca Farmer Fresh Produce from our table to yours

10 CELEBRATING WOMEN

Open every day!

April to November Including holidays 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Brennan Solecky is FTP’s Manager of Development & Community Relations.

Our thanks to Le Finis by Lavender Blue Catering for providing a beautiful setting and to Jim Waddington for his generous assistance with our photo session.

Introducing Brennan Solecky Recently, my sister asked me if I am a feminist. Without giving it too much thought, I responded, “I think so.”

“You think so?” she questioned, which prompted an important examination of how I really feel about feminism and my connection to the feminist cause.

I have always believed in equal rights. Growing up in a loving family of strong, independent, driven women and supportive men, I was instilled with the conviction that I was as capable and deserving as any male counterpart. The values of feminism—equal social, economic, and political rights for women—were enacted in front of me each day. Feminism wasn’t just theory in my house, it was practice.

I am also the oldest of three sisters and I take this responsibility seriously. While we disagree and laugh and drive each other crazy like any other siblings, I always strive to lead by example for their sake. Now that we are older, with children of our own, I feel a duty to my nieces to continue demonstrating that women are just as powerful and important as men. I want

them to grow up knowing that their future is limitless and their opportunities boundless— because they are women, not in spite of that fact.

I believe in supporting and celebrating women. Whether in my personal or professional life, when one woman succeeds, we all do. I have been very fortunate to have inspiring, accomplished, and talented female colleagues, mentors, and friends, whose attitudes and beliefs have helped mold me into the woman I am today.

It is my aim to continuously pay this forward, which makes this next step into my role at Family Transition Place (FTP) so meaningful.

So, if I could go back and respond to my sister again, I would tell her that I don’t think I’m a feminist—I know I am.

It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you as the Manager of Development & Community Relations at FTP. I grew up in Sarnia, Ontario, and am now happily raising my family in Grand Valley.

I have been volunteering in the charitable sector for as long as I can remember and have had

- by Brennan Solecky

the opportunity to work at some of Canada’s most well-known not-for-profit organizations, including McMaster University, Sunnybrook Foundation, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. I am honoured to have the opportunity to bring this experience to FTP. I am inspired by our reputation in the community and by the strong leadership and dedicated volunteers driving us forward.

I could not be more excited to be an ambassador for an organization I believe so deeply in, in a community I feel such pride for and connection to.

With this new role, I am looking forward to jumping in and working with my colleagues, board members, and volunteers to support FTP’s ambitious strategic plan.

I’m dedicated to nurturing the relationships already established within our community and to building new ones.

Most importantly, I am looking forward to meeting many of you in person over the next weeks and months and to achieving great things together for Family Transition Place and the families that rely on us.

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Travis Greenley

New Perspectives Our thanks to Travis Greenley for sharing this excerpt (Chapter 2) from his new book ‘In Her Shoes’.

“SO, ARE YOU A FEMINIST?” I stared at this angry-looking woman with wild hair, a loud sweater, and crossed arms as she waited for my reply. It was my first month on the job, and logically, my program manager thought it would a good idea for me to receive some training.

It was a one-day conference held annually by a provincial organization of which my agency was a member. It was held in a larger city about an hour from home and had staff members in attendance from many different women’s shelters across Ontario. I was warned on the drive down by some of my co-workers that I might receive some looks or questions when I arrived. At that time, there weren’t many organizations in the VAW sector that had male staff members, so I would probably stand out as a bit of an oddity.

They also kept warning me specifically about a woman named Phyllis. They said things like: “If you get cornered by Phyllis, one of us will come rescue you.”

“Don’t worry, Phyllis may just try to test you to see what you’re all about.”

“Her bark is worse than her bite. Just be yourself and you should be fine.”

I wasn’t nervous or worried before, but I was starting to feel a little uneasy now.

As it turned out, this was the first time I truly took a walk in a woman’s shoes.

And to be honest, there are still some nights I wake up screaming about it.

I entered the large conference room where there were well over 300 people in attendance. This means there were well over 300 women in attendance.

As I mentioned before, the fact I was the only male working in my organization rarely ever seemed relevant to me. But here, that seemed like the most relevant 12 CELEBRATING WOMEN

Working in an all-female environment in the field of violence​ against women has given Travis Greenley the chance to see things differently. But​has that been enough to allow him to be called a feminist?​During his journey as a Violence Prevention Educator in local​schools, Travis has tried to share what he has learned to help people​ explore the issues surrounding gender-based violence. From dads​groups, to boys programs, and all the way to all-girls health classes,​Travis has heard so many different life experiences.

He has witnessed​heartbreaking stories, hilarious moments, and courage that can help​shape the next generation. Join Travis on his journey as he shares the​ highs and lows of working with children, learning about feminism, and​ultimately finding his place in helping end violence against women. thing of all. I looked around and felt the regular kind of awkwardness many people feel when they enter a room where everyone else seems to know each other.

That awkwardness soon changed to a very uncomfortable feeling of being watched. I suddenly felt very different, almost exposed.

At first, I tried to casually glance around the room to see if I could spot another male. After a little while, I actively searched for another male.

Feeling completely different from every-

one else was the weirdest thing. I had never experienced being in the minority.

After all, I had been a white male who worked in business in a relatively small town. You can receive all the training you want. You can talk for hours about different issues people experience in our world.

But nothing will allow you to understand a new perspective like living it.I had been living it for about six minutes and already understood the feeling of being a minority.

I imagined this is what a person of color experienced in my hometown, or how a woman might feel in an all male work environment. No one was intentionally trying to make me uncomfortable; they were just going about their business as usual.

That is, everyone except for Phyllis.

As I scanned the room looking for a friendly place to settle, I noticed a woman staring at me. We locked eyes for a moment, and before I knew it, she was on the move. She advanced toward me with an obvious sense of purpose that left me with no other conclusion than I had done something wrong. I quickly looked to my left and then to my right to see if one of my co-workers was close by, but no one was. I felt like I was on an island all by myself, except for the angry-looking visitor rapidly approaching.

“So … are you a feminist?”

I was more than a little taken aback. I didn’t know who this person was, why she was so angry at me, or most importantly, if I was a feminist or not. Something clicked in my brain as I stood there looking a little dumbfounded. Sadly, what entered my mind was not the answer to the important question that had been just posed to me, but rather, “This must be Phyllis!”

“Are you a feminist or not?”

That was the question. As I mentioned, when I entered this job just a month prior, the deep introspective questions and issues weren’t my main priority. At that moment, it certainly felt like they should have

been. I had heard the word “feminist” before. I knew in the vaguest of terms what it meant, but I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to answer that question. Should I answer “yes?” But what if this woman felt a man couldn’t be a feminist? I surely couldn’t answer “no.” I couldn’t imagine that response putting a smile on her face. I decided to go with an approach that had worked for me in the past—honesty.

“If you’re asking me if I believe men and women should be treated equally, then yes. I don’t know if that makes me a feminist, but I do believe everyone should have the same rights.” I waited for her response. She seemed to be mulling over my answer. I didn’t know how my answer sounded. Naïve, dismissive, offensive? God, I hoped not.

I watched as her scowl slowly turned quizzical and then into a broad grin. Her shoulders dropped, and before I knew what was happening, she enveloped me in a large bear hug. She then clapped me on the back and said, “Hi, I’m Phyllis.”

I didn’t have the heart (or guts) to say, “Yeah, I know.”

That was the day my perspective about my new job began to change.

I left that conference with questions I had never considered before: “Was I a feminist?”

“As a man, was I permitted to be a feminist?”

Of course, before I could answer either of those questions, there was the most important one: “What was a feminist (really)?”

Historically, there have been many different waves of feminism, and it has taken many different forms. Essentially, feminism is the acceptance of a core set of beliefs: photo © Embrace Photography

Travis Greenley has been one of FTP’s Youth Educators since 2009.

• Women and men should have equal rights and opportunities.

• Women are intellectual and social equals to men and should be treated as such.

• Sexism exists.

• Sexism against women, and misogyny, is systemic, cultural, and ingrained.

It seemed pretty clear, straightforward, and logical to me. Of course, I believed in equal rights and opportunities. It was ridiculous to me that anyone wouldn’t consider women equal to men in all aspects of life. That’s how I was raised.

I grew up in a household where there were no jobs specifically for men or women. My dad did laundry and cooked just as much as my mom worked outside the home. I was taught respect was never

based on one’s gender and all people should be treated equally. So, when I compared my upbringing and views to the first two points of feminism, it seemed easy to conclude I was essentially a feminist.

Or was I? Did I have the other core beliefs?

Did I believe or understand sexism and misogyny still existed and they were an ingrained part of our world?

To be honest, I had never really thought about it. As a young man, I never really had to think about it. But now, working in the VAW field and having a young daughter, it was something I was thinking about a lot. It was a question I would carry with me into my role as a youth educator in classrooms. It was there, in the classroom, the question would be answered for me very quickly.

CELEBRATING WOMEN 13

Cheryl Stoneburgh started The Basketeers in 2000, to support abused women in their new beginninngs.

The Basketeers Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead The above quote is used by the Basketeers, a grassroots organization dedicated to helping women feel the courage, support, and love they need to get back on their feet after being the victims of domestic violence.

The idea and vision for this group came from Cheryl Stoneburgh and began to take form in 2000, thanks to the help of some of her friends. “In the past, we heard from shelters that it was easy to find people to buy for or donate to children, but I noticed 14 CELEBRATING WOMEN

BY TABITHA VENASSE

there was no program in Ontario to do the same for women,” Cheryl explained. “When I started, the idea was to support abused women in new beginnings and make them feel like someone—even someone they don’t know—is thinking about them.”

She added that in most cases, if you gave a mother $50, she would spend it on her children, rather than herself. In situations where a family is in need, many mothers will focus on ensuring their kids are supported and loved, rather than doing something for themselves. “I think when we give something like this to the mother, it also benefits the children because it’s like a domino effect,” Cheryl said. “If the mother is feeling better about herself, she will feel stronger for herself and her children.”

Each basket provided by the Basketeers

has an approximate value of $200 and features a theme such as beauty and bath, bedtime items, coffee kits, and more. The baskets are delivered once a year, in an event format, on the third Saturday of November.

They are intended for women who have either recently left the shelter or will be moving out to start over in the next few months.

“We regularly receive feedback that when women receive [the baskets] they are taken aback in a good way, and are shocked a stranger is giving them a gift,” Cheryl shared. “I feel like it’s as if you are giving them a hug. You’re reaching out to someone you’ll never meet and encouraging them.”

In the first year, the Basketeers put together 14 baskets. There was no website at the time, and everything began to build momentum based on word of mouth. photo © Kathy Badham, Timeless Clicks Photography

In 2019, they celebrated their 20th anniversary, producing 2,045 baskets for 19 different chapters across Canada, with one in the United States. The Basketeers have now supported a total of 20,831 women in their new beginnings, and raised $4.4 million in in-kind donations.

“I had an idea and I could visualize it and see where I wanted to go, but to actually experience it—the Basketeers blossoming into what I envisioned—has been incredible,” said Cheryl. “Did I think it would grow this much? No. Did I envision it could? Yes. But I didn’t think I would be looking at 20 years of success.”

Over the years, more people have come together to volunteer, whether it’s helping to lead the chapters, helping directly with basket production and delivery, growing the organization, or more.

Thanks to a teacher who created a class assignment for the group, students helped create a website, combining all of Basketeers’ information in one easily accessible location.

The momentum continued when their current Resource Director, Corinne, joined the team and began making the organization more media-friendly, started the organization’s newsletter, and focused on the resource end of the group.

“It’s not me doing all of this,” said Cheryl. “I’m leading, but it takes everyone.

Corinne has given a lot. One of our drivers, Peter, has delivered to Orangeville every year. It takes a community to bring this together. If people didn’t make the baskets, I wouldn’t have a program. We have people young and old—some in their 90s even.”

Currently, the Basketeers are in the process of opening a new chapter in New Brunswick. Each chapter has grown to do more than support women leaving shelters—they are bringing awareness to the communities they live in about domestic abuse. Some chapters participate in additional events such as Take Back the Night.

“A lot of the members of the Basketeers are people who might not have volunteered ever before,” Cheryl explained. “We’re a

very grassroots organization who receives no funding. I think we’re growing and teaching, and it’s all about sharing in the community. I am learning just as much on this 20-year journey from the shelters and thank-you notes I receive. I’ll always be learning, always.”

Those interested in helping out can sign up to donate a basket for November 2020 at the chapter nearest their location.

Spreading the word is also a great way to assist the Basketeers. “When you change the focus from yourself onto someone else, especially in your own community, then your life becomes bigger. That’s what I have found to be true,” said Cheryl. “Join us this year, make a basket, and send a hug to someone you’ve never met.”

For more information, including updates on event locations, visit the Basketeers website at www.basketeers.org. Drop-off day will be November 21, 2020.

Tabitha Venasse is a writer, layout/graphic designer, and blogger who is experienced in covering topics ranging from politics, community events, feminism, mental health awareness, books, faith and more.

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Address: Unit 110 - 210 Broadway, Orangeville, ON CELEBRATING WOMEN 15

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D B & E a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where delightful home decor and artisanal gifts are found… and made.

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Person Centered Employment B Social Dufferin is about creating jobs, creating opportunity, providing an even playing field for employment.

It is about giving people a sense of independence, pride & purpose.

CELEBRATING WOMEN 17

by Tabitha Wells

by Lisa Post

LIVING THE DREAM IN 2019, COMMUNITY LIVING DUFFERIN (CLD)—an organization dedicated to providing services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities—launched an exciting initiative in our community. B Social Dufferin is a social enterprise that helps remove the barriers to employment faced by those looking to enter or re-enter the workforce who have additional needs or who require additional accommodations.

CLD joined forces with Family Transition Place (FTP) and Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) to work collaboratively to ensure that marginalized people who are supported by these three organizations are given an equal opportunity to secure paid employment that is customized to meet their needs. For example, if a person is unable to work a traditional eight-hour shift due to physical or emotional circumstances, shifts are accommodated to suit their needs.

Likewise, if transportation is a barrier, it is provided for them. If someone requires additional support in the workplace, they are partnered with someone who can be of assistance.

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By Lisa Post

For CLD’s Executive Director, Robert Bingham, B Social is about helping people fulfill their dreams. “There was a young man who was being supported by CLD and he desperately wanted to move out of his group home and into his own apartment but didn’t have the financial means to do so.

His math skills were also quite poor, which made a traditional retail or food industry job virtually unattainable. We modified his work environment so it is cashless, allowing him to work without the added pressure of having to handle cash. He has since gained confidence and some financial independence which has allowed him to move out into his own apartment and he is, as he puts it, LIVING THE DREAM!” B Social is currently operating out of four facilities in Dufferin County: a cafeteria at Orangeville’s Georgian College Campus and one in the County of Dufferin’s Courthouse, as well as managing the operation of the snack bars at both the Alder and Tony Rose arenas. The goal of B Social Dufferin is to allow employees to acquire the skills, stamina, and additional training required to eventually move into a job elsewhere

in the community when they are ready, while also working towards some financial independence. “We know that for many of our clients, employment and housing are the two biggest challenges they face,” says Norah Kennedy, Executive Director of FTP. “Once hired with B Social, they know they have an employer that understands and will work with them around their individual needs. We think this is only the beginning!”

There are currently over 22,000 hours of employment being provided by these four cafés to members of the community who have been unable to find appropriate employment elsewhere. B Social’s Manager, Philip DeWar, finds the entire experience extremely fulfilling. “I have seen self-esteem and a sense of pride grow in our employees. The feeling of purpose and independence is something that can’t be measured on a financial document. I love being able to use my skills and background to create jobs and opportunities and to level the playing field for those who face barriers to a traditional workspace.”

Jennifer Moore, Executive Director of DCAFS, notes that when someone faces barriers to employment as a result of their specific needs, their lives are deeply impacted. “When I consider the impact of B Social, I think not only about the individual who is employed but also of those around them. Imagine the feeling of pride for a parent who may have wondered if their youth with additional needs would have supportive employment opportunities and to see them having success with B Social. Imagine the child who was afraid they would not have groceries, who can now feel the security of

knowing their parent has employment.

Imagine a community where citizens have the ability to contribute to and build on the well-being of the community. The impact of a social enterprise like B Social will be felt far and wide.”

Any profit made in this organization will be invested right back into growing the program and creating more employment opportunities for even more people in our community who need it. The goal is for B Social to eventually have the resources required to provide small capital loans to people interested in starting their own businesses outside

of the food industry. The opportunities for B Social are endless. With key leaders in place who have a passion for driving true community inclusivity, I can say with confidence that this is just the beginning for B Social!

•• CLD’s goal is to help the people they serve achieve their fullest potential. Their vision is an inclusive community where people are accepted, appreciated for their uniqueness and treated equitably.

Lisa Post is a writer and the author of In My Humble Opinions blog: inmyhumbleopinions.net.

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Coming together to

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Families choose our office because they want a natural approach to better health and wellness.

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CELEBRATING WOMEN 21

Practicing yoga just 2x/week will make you healthier and happier.

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Representing more than 1400 teachers in Dufferin and Wellington counties as they support students and families within our community.

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Finders Keepers Offering new and gently used women and men’s clothing and accessories. Most items under $20.00!

We are delighted to support Family Transition Place (FTP) by accepting quality used clothing and selling it on their behalf. Clients accessing their services can shop for items they need with the FTP account credit.

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The best way to support a community is to be a part of it.

At the heart of every community, you’ll find organizations fuelled by committed people who are passionate about building a better future for us all. We are inspired by our friends at Family Transition Place and their continuous efforts to provide support to women and children in our communities.

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