Transportation

There is transportation available for apartment hunting and for accessing services in the community.

About the children

Children witnessing abuse are victims too.  We provide parent support, guidance and referrals to resources best suited to assist women helping children affected by witnessing the abuse.  

Ojibway Women’s Lodge, with Community Counselling Centre and Program Partners, facilitate an early intervention program for children exposed to woman abuse called Changing Patterns. It is free for children ages 4 – 16 and their mothers or foster parents or caregivers.    

For a native perspective of Changing Patterns, Gii waamdaab Nii gii gid (I saw…I shall speak) is facilitated by partner Nipissing First Nation Native Child Welfare Department. 

If a woman is determined to leave an abusive relationship, personal safety and the safety of her children must be the primary concern.  A plan should be in place with a specific time to leave and a strategy. The shelter can help with this.  Knowing there is support, a safe place to go and supports waiting will help to reduce the stress, anxiety and fear of severing the abusive ties.

Onsite child care is available allowing women to attend meetings and appointments.

Safety Planning

Prepare Yourself

You know your situation better than anyone. Be prepared in advance in case you must leave in a hurry. Have a personal safety plan that reflects your immediate circumstances, needs and choices so you know how you will respond in the possibility of violence. Awareness and ability to act quickly can help you to protect yourself and the children from abuse. Our staff can help you make a plan that is thorough, practical and will include safety strategies and referrals to appropriate services.

Keep a box or bag with the following items in a spot where you can get to it quickly and easily

• Restraining orders, peace bonds, court orders
• Extra set of keys for the apartment/house and vehicle
• Driver’s license and registration
• Health cards and other important documents
• Small bills and change for taxi etc.

Crisis Support/Counselling

Non –residential services provided as close to home or in home whenever possible, are available for women in need of assistance, guidance and counseling. Self help groups, personal development programs and more are facilitated through outreach.  Follow-up services are provided to former residents if they wish.

Services

• Home visits for those unable or unwilling to come to the shelter 
• Accompaniment when attending important appointments and to advocate in legal matters
• Advocate in child welfare matters
• Referrals for information on relevant services, resources and community contacts
• Individual counseling services are available in a safe, secure environment
• Transportation to relevant services
• Public Education
• On-going support groups for women

Transitional & Housing Support Program

For women who are in the process of reestablishing themselves in the community, help is available with setting up a network of supports including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, education, training, health and legal services.  

Our support worker helps women in their search for accommodations and assisting in preparing housing applications. 

Services

• Home visits for those unable or unwilling to come to the shelter
• Accompaniment when attending appointments and to advocate in financial, social, housing, health, legal and education matters
• Referrals for information on relevant services, resources and community contacts
• Individual counseling services are available in a safe, secure environment
• Transportation for apartment searches and other important appointments
• Enrollment of children in school
• Public education