Nova Vita Brant

Eating Disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic class, abilities, races and ethnic backgrounds. That is why, Eating Disorder Awareness Week occurs every year from February 1st - 7th for a week of action focused on education, awareness, and breaking down stereotypes. For more information about how you can take action, or join a virtual event, visit: https://nedic.ca/edaw/

An update from Nova Vita regarding COVID-19. As always, we remain steadfast in our vision to help create a world where individuals, relationships, families, and communities are safe, empowered and healthy. For additional updates, visit www.novavita.org.

We are always here for you. In 2019-2020, our 24hr Crisis & Support Line answered 6,367 phone calls from those looking for help, resources and support. If you, or someone you know needs help, call 519-752-HELP.

A BIG congratulations and thank you go out to our friend Justyna from Lush Lemon Co. With an original goal of $500, she surpassed all her expectations and raised $3,245 for Nova Vita by raffling off her beautiful artwork, Mosaic of Moraine Lake in Alberta. Thank you to everyone that supported her fundraiser and special congrats goes out to Monika M, the proud new owner of this piece! Thank you for making a difference.

We are always open. If you, or someone you know needs help or feels unsafe, call our 24hr Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP. For more information about Nova Vita's impact last year, visit https://novavita.org/annual-reports.

Need a great outfit to get you through a bad day? Closet Couture Boutique’s online store is open. Visit their Facebook page, and click on the SHOP tab for exclusive items. Remember, when you shop at CCB, you are supporting families in your community impacted by violence and homelessness. Thank you for your support!

Happy New Year! We hope you and your loved ones were able to ring in 2021 with cheer. Our 24hr Crisis & Support Line is always open. Call 519-752-HELP if you need to talk.

February is Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honouring the enormous contributions that Black people have made and continue to make, in all sectors of society, both here in Canada and around the world. It is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and determination to work towards a more inclusive and diverse Canada this month, and all year long. Learn more, including how you can celebrate virtually this year, by visiting: https://www.canada.ca///campaigns/black-history-month.html

Members of the HOPE (Helping Others through Purposeful Engagement) Club at Chartwell Retirement Residences Tranquility Place wanted to support Nova Vita, and had the fun idea of hosting a raffle draw for residents. They raised $250, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support during these difficult times. Thinking of all of our friends at Chartwell Tranquility Place. Thank you for making a difference!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, all physical donation appointments are booked for the remainder of the year. Thank you to our amazing donors! Our Physical Donations Program will resume in the new year, with scheduling opening on January 4th, and first drop-off appointments happening January 7th. If you would like to support Nova Vita through the holidays, please make a donation at www.novavita.org/donate. Thank you!

Did you know that last year, 3 babies called Nova Vita their first home? Nova Vita offers safe shelter for women and their children of all ages. For ways that you can support these families, visit www.novavita.org/donate.

In your safety plan, remember to not post any identifying information on social media platforms, including locations, upcoming plans, etc. For more information on what to include in your Safety Plan, visit: https://novavita.org/safety-planning/ or call our 24-hour Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP.

Raise funds. Raise awareness. Raise your voice. Join Nova Vita on November 24th to Break The Silence on Domestic Violence! Create your team at www.novavita.org/break-the-silence #BreakTheSilenceBrant

While we are still unable to accept physical donations and have the essentials we need on hand, our friends at Friendship House of Brant Inc. are currently in need of gently-used warm winter outerwear. Please see details below and connect directly with them. Thanks for making a difference #Brantford #Brant #SixNations

...domestic violence abuse isn’t always physical. Victims can face emotional, financial, and verbal abuse as well. In fact, most clients aren’t victims to physical violence. - CBC News For help, or to ask questions, call our 24hr Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP or visit https://novavita.org/i-need-help/ https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.5852689

If you are being stalked, harassed or threatened on social media channels or websites, report any threatening behaviour to the support team of the website, so the individual can be blocked or removed. For more information on what to include in your Safety Plan, visit: https://novavita.org/safety-planning/ or call our 24-hour Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP.

Thank you to everyone that has supported our first ever #BreakTheSilenceBrant campaign! Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which leads into the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25 - December 10). We're going to be showcasing different ways you can get involved, and are therefore extending the Break The Silence On Domestic Violence campaign until December 10th! Can you help us reach our goal of $10,000? To sign up or donate, visit: www.novavita.org/break-the-silence.

You can now book your donation drop-off appointment right on our website. Visit www.novavita.org/wishlist. Thank you for your support!

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It's a day we recognize by wearing our purple Wrapped in Courage scarves, to show that it takes the support of an entire community to end violence against women. Pick up your very own purple scarf to show your support, available exclusively at Closet Couture Boutique. Our Crisis & Support Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you, or someone you know, needs help, call 519-752-HELP.

1 in 3 women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Break the silence. Join, or donate to the campaign, at www.novavita.org/break-the-silence. #BreakTheSilenceBrant

We love when kids choose to help other kids by donating gift cards in support of our Hope for the Holidays Program. Thank you for giving everyone a great holiday. *Photo taken prior to lockdown*

Thank you to Mayor Kevin Davis for supporting the Wrapped in Courage campaign! To purchase your purple scarf, be sure to visit Closet Couture Boutique this week before they sell out! #WrappedInCourage

Thank you to Brantford Power for once again sponsoring two of our families receiving support from our outreach programs. A mom and her two children, as well as a couple caring for their elderly mom who has recently escaped an abusive relationship, are receiving some tidings of comfort and joy this holiday season. Thank you for your generosity!

Abuse is a pattern of behaviour that a person uses to gain and maintain power and control over another person. There are many types including emotional or psychological abuse. Emotional/Psychological Abuse is when an individual purposefully uses words or gestures that cause emotional pain and affects a person's physical or mental health wellness. If you are experiencing any of the following, or have questions, call our 24/7 Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP. Someone is here to listen.

Every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner. Break the silence. Join the campaign at Break The Silence On Domestic Violence. #BreakTheSilenceBrant

We are proud to participate in the #WrappedInCourage campaign in support of Women Abuse Prevention Month. Text COURAGE to 41010 right now and a donation of your choice ($5-$25) will be automatically directed to participating women’s shelters in Ontario!

The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers has empowered workers from cities around the world to come together and organize against discrimination and remember victims of violence. It started as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle, WA, and eventually grew to a global movement. Learn more here: www.nswp.org//17-december-international-day-end-violence-a

If you are living apart from an abusive ex-partner, try to avoid places that your ex-partner is likely to go, for example stores they shop at, banks they use, places of worship they go, etc. For more information on what to include in your Safety Plan, visit: https://novavita.org/safety-planning/ or call our 24-hour Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP.

Thank you Dr. Spenser Dougley and Brant Wellness and Rehab for fundraising in support of Nova Vita, and the women and children finding safe shelter and support with us. You are making a difference for your community! Thank you for your continued support and dedication to wellness.

We are grateful to our friends at Holstein Canada for sponsoring 3 women and a family through our Hope For The Holidays program. Tammy arrived with neatly organized, and safely sanitized ziploc packages of gift cards to empower our clients to bring the holidays to their homes. Thank you for making a difference! *Picture taken before lockdown*

In honour of December 6th, Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Nova Vita is inviting community members to create their own works of art that expresses their commitment to action in ending gender-based violence. Deadline for submissions is December 3rd. Click here for more details: https://novavita.org/call-for-artwork/

COVID-19 has drastically changed how we are able to accept physical donations and how much we can receive. Thank you to Marty and Allyson for donating to our children’s program and for taking advantage of our donations by appointment - they literally drove up with smiling eyes and masks to make their donation. We appreciate their support, and all of our other generous donors who have pivoted with us in this new environment. Thank you! Please note, all donation appointments have been booked for the remainder of the year. Appointments will reopen on January 4th at novavita.org/Wishlist.

There is still time to register! Join #BreakTheSilenceBrant today! https://novavita.org/break-the-silence/

Just a reminder that we are unable to accept donations of physical items (ie. clothing, toys, etc) during the province-wide shutdown. We sincerely appreciate your support, and look forward to accepting your items in the very near future. For updates, and to make donation appointments when available, visit www.novavita.org/wishlist To support Nova Vita during this difficult time, please visit https://novavita.org/donate.

If you are living apart from an abusive ex-partner, ask trusted neighbours to call the police if they see your ex-partner near your home or in the neighbourhood. For more information on what to include in your Safety Plan, visit: https://novavita.org/safety-planning/ or call our 24-hour Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP.

Keep a record of any emails, text messages, and voicemails left by the ex-partner. For more information on what to include in your Safety Plan, visit: https://novavita.org/safety-planning/ or call our 24-hour Crisis & Support Line at 519-752-HELP.

The #BreakTheSilenceBrant campaign is so important because your donation makes a difference. Your donation supports the 17 phone calls we receive A DAY from women and their families in crisis and in need of support. Donate now, and support our participants who are going silent for 24hrs, at www.novavita.org/break-the-silence.

Our Community Counselling programs are for individuals who have experienced violence or abuse in their relationship and are interested in taking a step in their own healing journey. For more information on the programs we offer, visit https://novavita.org/community-counselling/

A BIG thank you to the Oak House Benefits team for their generous donation of an iPad and gift cards! Their gifts will help to bring some peace to moms and entertainment for the kids, especially those that need to isolate, and will definitely make their stay feel more comfortable and positive. Thank you for making a difference!

As a result of our generous community, the Sponsor A Family option of our Hope For The Holidays program is at capacity for 2020, WOW! Thank you so much for your support. However, we are still in need of gift cards and monetary donations to fill gaps, and address any urgent needs that arise during the holidays. To learn more about how you can provide hope this holiday season, visit www.novavita.org/hope-for-the-holidays.

Gift certificates available at the Boutique. Your purchase supports families in your community impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. Feel great about the difference your gift makes this holiday season.

Big thank you to the County of Brant Fire (Cainsville Station #4) for braving the rain and cold today to collect much needed donations for Nova Vita! There’s still time to fill their boots. They’re going to be at Tim Hortons (1290 Colborne St E) until noon today.

Gift cards are the perfect holiday gift for every shape and size. We’re still in need of gift cards for our Hope For The Holidays program. For more information on how you can support families in your community this Christmas, please visit www.novavita.org/hope-for-the-holidays.

This year's theme for #HumanRightsDay is "Recover Better - Stand Up For Human Rights". It focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring Human Rights are central to recovery efforts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how these efforts are being put into practice here: www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day

Day 16: Donate #16Days #16DaysOfActivism When you donate to Nova Vita, you are making a difference for families in your community impacted by domestic violence and homelessness. Your monetary gift funds our 33 bed emergency shelter, keeps essential counselling and support programs operating, and creates a safe environment for help, hope and healing. With a donation of just $30, you could supply milk to the shelter for an entire week. To make your donation online, visit https://novavita.org/donate. Thank you for making a difference!

Be sure to stop by and see our friends from Station #4 Cainsville on Saturday, as they fill their boots with donations for Nova Vita! See below for more details.

Day 15: Become an Annual Partner #16Days #16DaysOfActivism Show your commitment to ending violence in your community by becoming an Annual Partner. Your financial investment in Nova Vita will fund our 33 bed emergency shelter, keep essential counselling and support programs operating, and help us to more widely connect with our community through public education and community engagement. Want to get started? Visit https://novavita.org/sponsor.