Domestic Abuse Services Oxford
975 James Street N4S 0A5 Woodstock, ON, Canada

Our kitchen team and staff do some pretty amazing things and Valentine's Day was no exception! Thank you so much for making it an awesome self-love day for our women and families!

Thank you Jean.

We have the most amazing community friends and supporters. Thank you so much Jordan for putting this together for DASO. You and all who donated are so very generous and we are truly grateful for that.

Thank you Val, for helping us raise awareness on the issue of violence against women and supporting those accessing services right here in Oxford County. We couldn’t do it without community friends such as yourself! Hoping many of you will sip and stretch and celebrate Val’s 30th!

Information about accessing services and support across Canada is also included in the article. It is your choice, when the time is right for you. We are here to help.

CONESTOGA COLLEGE WOMEN IN SKILLED TRADES FREE INFORMATION WORKSHOP!!!!! On Wednesday, January 27th from 10am until 12:00am Michelle Ruston, Liaison Officer, Sc...hool of Trades and Apprenticeship along with Weston Scholars from Conestoga college will be participating in a Zoom Presentation encouraging women to choose Skilled Trades as a career. There will be a general skilled trades presentation, a panel discussion from various trades student and an virtual activity at the end. Are you a woman thinking about a career in the skilled trades? Non-traditional occupations for women, such as the skilled trades, can offer a direct route to a secure and fulfilling future. Whether you’re choosing a career for the first time or considering a career change, a non-traditional career path can be just the thing for you. It can help you: balance work and family life, keep learning and growing as long as you wish and contribute to your community in ways you may have not yet considered. Conestoga College is a leader in skilled trades training for women. Through gender specific programming and opportunities for mentorship, Conestoga has assisted many women in pursuing a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Presented by the Women's Employment Resource Centre in Woodstock. To register call 519-421-2077 or email [email protected]

We would like to take a moment to thank the Zonta Club of Woodstock (pictured is our friend Ann Campbell) for their years of continued support and generous donation of $1000 towards our Community/Sexual Assault Counselling Program.

A wonderful gesture from Akins-Brewer Lumber. Thank you for choosing DASO and being a community supporter.

Nate Picknell and Steve Spilak presented our team members, Sarah and Lara with just over $1500 which they raised this past weekend doing 12 workouts in one day! They tirelessly support our organization and we are incredibly appreciative of their efforts. We wish you rest and good health! Thank you

The big day is almost here!! Not Christmas, although it is also getting close lol The big day I am talking about is the 12 workouts of Christmas! Steve Spi...lak and I will once again be completing 12 workouts in one day to raise money for DASO (Domestic Abuse Services Oxford). For those who don’t know, DASO is a very important organization in Woodstock that provides a safe place for women and their children when they are in abusive relationships. They need support and this is our way of helping them! Any amount of donation is welcome. Last year we raised $1,500 and we are hoping we can hit that again! If you would like to donate send myself or Steve a PM and we can set something up. Thanks everyone! See more

An all to devastating reality for too many women. We must continue the work to elevate the issue of domestic violence to effect systemic change. As a community we can collectively use our voices to raise up the voices of survivors. We are stronger together. Please share and show your support.

November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month and DASO is proud to be participating in the 8th Annual Wrapped in Courage Campaign. But we need to do things a little differently this year. Although we aren't selling the purple scarves, support is needed more than ever as violence against women is on the rise and shelters - including ours - need more funding to manage capacity. You can participate safely and conveniently with your mobile phone by texting the word ‘COURAGE’ to 41010.... You can give $5-$25. All money raised will go to participating shelters across the province, helping to ensure more women and children can access safe shelters immediately. Will you join thousands of people across the province - including @cfltigercats Hamilton Tiger Cats’ Offensive Linesman, Mike Filer - who are saying "enough is enough?!" https://drive.google.com//1blouRjXbGyFtfv3dWtHFbJUi3/view

Zach Burke, Melissa Wesselson and Mike Carson present proceeds of $5500 from our Triland golf tournament to Karen Moritz at Domestic Abuse Services Oxford. Our golf event challenged 20 golfers to raise a minimum of $1000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. They rose to the occasion and raised over $41,000 in total proceeds for 4 shelters in our area." Thank you to everyone from Royal LePage. We couldn’t be more appreciative.

Sincere thanks to Brock & Visser Funeral Home for selecting DASO as one of the beneficiaries of an inspiring outdoor event: the lighting of the memorial tree on Friday, December 11, 2020. Each $20 donation will add a light to the tree in memory of a loved one, and their name on the memorial sign. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at South Gate Centre.

Receiving such a tremendous donation on behalf of DASO is our Business Manager Karen Moritz. We are one of three recipients of a $5000 donation from CUPE 1146. Your support of organizations in our community is heartwarming. Thank you!

This post concludes our 16 Days of Activism campaign Over the past 16 days we have covered lots of content and resources available in our community. Violence c...an be experienced in many different shapes and forms, and we hope that during this campaign we have been able to educate the people in our community more about gender based violence and its effects. Remember to follow Zonta International on facebook, instagram and twitter to keep updated and continue to help fight violence against women. If you are someone you love is experiencing violence within a domestic partnership, be sure to check out the linktree in our bio to see resources available in Oxford county. #ZontaSaysNO #16DaysofActivsm #Day16 #EmpoweredOxford See more

DASO’s Board of Directors is currently looking for prospective new Directors to fill current and upcoming vacancies on the Board. The Board of Directors is responsible for the effective, efficient, and accountable governance of DASO to ensure the ongoing long term success of the organization. Directors also act as ambassadors of DASO and its vision to build a world with gender equality for all. The Board meets nine times a year (currently by ZOOM) on the last Monday of the mo...nth at 5:30 p.m. We encourage applications from women and men who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve including but not limited to; survivors of violence, people of colour, Aboriginal women and men, lesbian/bisexual/queer/trans/intersex community members, individuals with disabilities, and individuals representing the range of socio-economic realities in our communities. We are looking for individuals who have a strong commitment to empowering women, are able to work collaboratively and bring expertise in one or more of the following areas: organizational development; legal; financial management or accounting; business management; experience in the not-for-profit, charitable sector; networking skills. Violence against women and/or homelessness sectors understanding or experience is a definite asset. Required: Demonstrated evidence of community involvement and engagement Must be 18 years of age or older Must be a resident of, or employed in, Oxford County, Ontario Please email a letter of interest and resume to the Chair of the Nominating Committee by Wednesday, November 25, 2020 in care of Rhonda Hendel, Executive Director at [email protected] and indicate Application for Board of Directors in the subject line of your email. Domestic Abuse Services Oxford offers services & programs for women, children and youth impacted by domestic abuse and/or homelessness. DASO is a feminist organization with anti-racist, anti-oppression operating values. We are progressive, innovative community leaders on the issues of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and homelessness. We foster a culture of continuous learning and quality improvement.

As we near the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign, you may be asking, How can I help Say NO?... Well there are many ways! You can... investigate our club for membership or support our fundraising activities such as our Mint Smoothie sales or our June Golf Classic Women Golfing for Women. You can also donate to Zonta International or our partnering organizations. Finally, the main goal of this campaign is to encourage support and help women stay educated on gender based violence...so by continuing to spread the word and empower women you are not only helping Zonta Say NO, but empowering women in Oxford county as well. Follow us at Zonta International on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as the Domestic Assault Resource Team (DART) Oxford on Instagram and Facebook. #ZontaSaysNO #16DaysofActivism #Day15 #EmpoweredOxford Learn About Us Here: https://zontawoodstock.com Donate Here: https://secure2.convio.net/zonta/site/Donation2

Too often is the definition of a healthy relationship construed because of intimate partner violence. Violence is not just physical, which can make it hard to d...istinguish as abuse. We hope to be able to educate and guide the women in our community in order to help eliminate gender based violence within intimate relationships. #ZontaSaysNO #16DaysofActivism #Day14 #EmpoweredOxford See more

November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month. DASO is helping to spread the word about this important campaign and how you can help provide safety for women and children experiencing violence today. Will you join Canadian singer-songwriter, anti-poverty and social justice activist @Bif Naked and thousands of others who are saying: enough is enough? Text COURAGE to 41010 right now and a donation of your choice ($5-$25) will be automatically directed to participating women’s shel...ters in Ontario. https://drive.google.com//1j4pVf467ASe0e6VxEHi2xxgzJ/view

Your generosity, sense of community and support of the work we do is powerful so it is only fitting that you can pull off 12 workouts in one day! Thank you so much Steve Spilak and Nate Picknell! We will be cheering you on!

We support the United Nations sustainable goals, especially number 5! Zonta and DART both strive to achieve gender equality within Oxford county and empower ALL women and girls within our community. #ZontaSaysNO #16DaysofActivism #Day13 #EmpoweredOxford

DASO is pleased to share information about the "She is Indigenous" campaign, which is raising awareness about the strengths and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women in Ontario and the rest of Canada. The campaign is the outcome of discussions with national and provincial Indigenous advisory groups working to reduce violence against Indigenous women and girls. The expertise and guidance they provided was to hear and share the voices of Indigenous women and to cha...llenge the negative stereotypes that many non-Indigenous Canadians hold about Indigenous women. Visit the website http://www.sheisindigenous.ca/ to hear inspiring stories about entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, leaders and other First Nations, Inuit and Métis women who are shaping our communities across Canada. The website also includes resources and answers to common basic questions about Indigenous cultures.

DASO is now accepting donations of new items (please check out our Wish List at www.daso.ca under the Give Help link for those items most needed) in addition to non-perishable groceries and fresh produce. Contributions of food and other essentials help stretch DASO’s budget and are most appreciated by the women, children and teens staying at our 24/7 high-security emergency shelter. We are following local public health pandemic guidelines which include taking the name and t...elephone number of all donors for potential contact tracing purposes. Donations are received by appointment only Monday to Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please call 519-539-4811 to let us know when you are coming. Donations of grocery and other items may also be made through our Amazon Wish List, the link is here: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3DEKOGPPNE8BW and he delivery address is 975 James Street, Woodstock ON N4S 0A5. Financial donations are always appreciated. Please contact us or visit our website for information about ways to give and help. We are very grateful for the generous support of our friends and benefactors in the community. Thank you too for your patience and understanding.

Vacancy rates in Oxford County, paired with the high cost of the housing market, make it next to impossible for people to find safe, affordable housing. With a...ffordable housing wait lists currently reaching up to 8 years, it is crucial that supports are in place to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in our community. The Housing Stability Outreach Program, through the Oxford Community Health Centre, works with individuals across the County, helping them find appropriate and safe housing. They advocate with landlords and connect people with the resources they need to build a better future. Thank you to the Canadian Mental Health Association - Oxford's Photography Club for providing the image in this post. #UNIGNORABLE #ShowYourLocalLove #StrongerTogether

Contribute and get involved! Please follow the link to learn more. Stay safe and well

On Twitter? Follow us! @DASOHelps

The impact from a National perspective.

What's made these difficult times more bearable for essential services like DASO, is the understanding, support and generosity of benefactors and friends. When the Donations Committee members at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge learned of our challenges, they contributed $5,000 to help defray the extra costs of providing safe, secure shelter for women and children during the pandemic. Heartfelt thanks to everyone at TMMC!

DASO is seeking Relief Residential Support Workers! Are you interested in working shifts on an as-needed basis? Relief work may appeal to those recently retired or to those who have a flexible schedule and want to contribute to the healing and well being of women, children and adolescents.... Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) are leaders in providing effective, efficient and accountable services for women and their children who have been impacted by abuse and/or homelessness in Oxford County. DASO is a residential workplace operating 24 hours, 7 days a week. Relief hours of work are mainly on a call-in basis and require flexible availability including the ability to work last minute on a variety of shifts: during the weekday, weekends, statutory holidays, days, afternoons and overnight. There may be potential for some scheduled shifts. For a full job description and application details (candidates must submit a resume and covering letter to [email protected]) please visit: https://daso.ca/job-postings/

We are lucky to have such supportive community friends. Thank you to everyone involved!

Did you know about our Amazon Wish List? We've put together a list of items we need to help ensure the health, nutrition, safety and comfort of the women, teens... and children staying at our Woodstock shelter. You can order any of the items through Amazon and have them shipped directly to us! It's a wonderful way for our friends and supporters to help while protecting everyone's safety during the pandemic. Click below to see our list: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3DEKOGPPNE8BW The delivery address for packages is: 975 James Street, Woodstock ON N4S 0A5 As always we are grateful for all donations, small and large, and will be pleased to issue charitable tax receipts (simply email a copy of your receipt to [email protected]). We hope you and your family are safe, well and enjoying the summer!

Please read and share. Only until we understand and begin to hold systems accountable, will we leverage ourselves to end violence against women.

Amazing support from our community friends. Thank you so much.

Please reach out. We are here 24/7 for support.

An important read to think about. Stay safe. Stay well.

When our friends and supporters ask how they can best help DASO, we generally begin by saying that financial donations - of any amount - are always welcome and appreciated and allow us the flexibility to direct funds to greatest needs. And while that's true, we know many of you enjoyed purchasing and dropping off essential supplies at our Woodstock shelter. We were grateful for those contributions too - and we miss you! We're still unable to accept donations at the door due t...o Covid-related safety measures. But did you know you can still help us from the safety of your own home?! Click the link below to view our Amazon Wish List with items at various price points, but all important to maintaining our shelter and providing women and children with nutritious foods and important necessities. On Amazon's delivery page, please specify our address: 975 James Street, Woodstock ON N4S 0A5. https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3DEKOGPPNE8BW As always we're deeply grateful for the support and assistance of the generous people in the communities of Oxford County!