Women's Rural Resource Centre
145 Beech Street N7G 1K9 Strathroy, ON, Canada

CW: Conversion therapy . We wanted to bring this to your attention in case anyone was interested in supporting/signing the petition, as well as share some education and background on conversion therapy and it's harms. . Last year, the government of Canada banned conversion therapy: a harmful practice to the LGBTQ2S+ community, and in particular youth. Recently, an MP has brought forward a petition asking the government relax the ban, on the basis of religious freedom. This ...is problematic because of the widely acknowledge harm that it causes (see below resources for more information). The World Health Organization, the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and the Canadian Paediatric Society (to name a few) all have said this is a harmful practice. But more that this, we want to make sure that our LGBTQ2S+ community knows that we support them and walk beside them. . If you're interested in learning more: https://bit.ly/3999eor https://bit.ly/39VZihh https://bit.ly/3o8Wp1L Or, if you'd like to sign the NDP petition supporting the ban, please find it below. As always, we are here to support. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. https://bit.ly/3iBzuen

We love to see it https://www.theguardian.com//kamala-harris-sworn-in-vice-p

Just going to leave this here.

Happy Friday! Friendly reminder to take some time for yourself this weekend.

WE'RE HIRING! WOMEN & FAMILY SERVICES ADVOCATES Reporting to the Manager of Leadership Development and working closely with the Women and Family Services Team, the Advocate is accountable to create a safe and supportive environment for women and families impacted by violence and abuse to seek help. At WRRC, we believe a woman is creative, resourceful and whole; the Advocate will work with a woman to support a care plan that is central to her experience at WRRC. The care... plan is fluid and evolving, addressing her unique needs in crisis, prioritizing risk assessment and safety planning, progressing through her healing journey to support her growth and development towards a healthy and fulfilling life. As the support on a care plan, the Advocate will work with both WRRC team members and broader community services to support a woman as she takes up leadership in her own life. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please reach out! Follow the link below for the applications: scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the application to download. https://wrrcsa.org/get-involved/ See more

Hi All, We're conducting a survey about our programming, and would love it if you could take a few minutes and provide us with some feedback! You can of course remain anonymous. Please feel free to share with your networks. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J392P7T

The courage of a woman alone is not enough. It takes the support of an entire community to end violence against women. You can help more women live free from violence by supporting your local shelter (that's us!) Text COURAGE to 41010 to donate $5-$25 to support.

New and interesting work is being done about the intersection between gender-based violence and traumatic brain injury. A brain injury is more than just a brain injury in the context of domestic violence. There’s so much more going on. https://bit.ly/32QpRBN

One of the questions we received last week was about how COVID-19 has been impacting women and families experiencing gender-based violence. Back in May, we partnered with the Huron Domestic Assault Review Team to produce a series of graphics and video to try and help explain what we're seeing, and how you can help if you think you're seeing signs of abuse. Please reach out to us if you, or someone you know is experiencing abuse. We are always happy to chat and try and support in whatever way we can.

CW: Gender-based violence A woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner every six days. You can help save lives with a $5-$25 donation. Text COURAGE to 41010. Donations go to shelters (like us) across Ontario. Wrapped in Courage

History was made this weekend. Representation is so important. And in her speech, Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris spoke directly to girls all around the world, watching the moment. https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1817012803844

Hi All, Another program we're running this fall! Every girl deserves a chance to be authentic. This program is helping girls to discover their authenticity, and empowers girls to pursue their dreams, purpose and vision. ... Theme: Authentic ME! Access by Zoom Meeting Girls 10-12 years old Wednesdays from Oct. 21st - Dec. 9th, 2020, 6-8pm Referrals due: Oct. 16, 2020 Contact Judith Palmer 519-246-1526 x 230 [email protected]

Hi Friends! We will be running Circle Of Security virtually from October 29th - December 10th this year in collaboration with CAS. At times, all parents feel lost or without a clue about what our child might need from us. Imagine how it might feel if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security Parenting program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.... Learning Objectives: Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read the emotional needs Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions Enhance the development of your child's self esteem Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure For more information, please contact Judith Palmer at WRRC: 519-246-1526.

We know we're a few days late here, but fall is such a beautiful season, and we wanted to celebrate with you! Happy fall, and happy Friday!

CW: Sexual Assault We wanted to share the courageous story of Irene Deschenes. Irene was sexually abused as a child by Father Charles Sylvestre. The trauma she has suffered has been dragged out over decades by the Diocese of London. Please watch this incredibly powerful video from CTV News about Irene's fight. Irene, we are with you. #justiceforirene

Hey Everyone, We know things are challenging and sometimes scary, but we hope that everyone is staying safe and enjoying being back in school, whatever that looks like for your family!

Reminder! We are running our backpack program once again this year for 20 community families. If you're interested in helping out, give us a shout at 519-246-1526

Just a little post to let you know that today is National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day. You're welcome.

This is not good. If we want our economies to thrive, women have to be a part of the recovery. https://www.cbc.ca//women-employment-canada-covid-19-1.565

CW: Gaslighting Gaslighting is a fairly common tactic for people abuse. It's used to manipulate and gain power. Watch out for some of these signs. https://www.domesticshelters.org//18-things-abusers-do-whe

It's almost that time of year again! We're looking for some support for school supplies for 20 community families. If you're interested and would like to help us out, please give us a call at 519-246-1526. Thank you!

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all have a great weekend!

CW: Gender-based violence In this incident, the sadness I feel for the victim and her family is mixed with frustration for a complete failure of our justice system to protect her. Devastating, and important. Please take the time to read and share. ... https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/family-and-police-struggled-to-k

Whatever this weekend looks like for you, we hope you find some time for a little R&R.

Hey everyone, Middlesex County is looking for your feedback! What does community safety and well-being mean to you? Over the course of the next month, Middlesex County ... is conducting a survey with the general public to gather their perceptions about community safety and well-being. The county is also using a 'share your story' feature so you can tell them more about what safety and well being means for you and your family. This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard. Please share with anyone and everyone you think may be interested. Link to the survey below! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MiddlesexCSWB_2020"

We'd like to acknowledge the incredible advocacy work done here by the families of the victims, women's organizations and people across the country. It's so important to have a fully transparent inquiry into the largest mass shooting in Canadian history. https://www.cbc.ca//liberal-mps-support-inquiry-letter-rev

In the theme of thank yous, we wanted to extend one more. The last four months have been unprecedented. Our world has changed forever in so many different ways, and everyone has been affected. That includes us here at WRRC. While we adapted, changed tracks, and pivoted, this community was there for us. We have never been so overwhelmed with support. For that we are deeply grateful. We don't know what the future holds. But we stand assured in one thing: while we're part of the Strathroy-Middlesex Community, we know that we can count on each other. Thank you.

So grateful to the Lucan District Lions Club for their incredible $5,000 donation to WRRC. We know it takes the entire community to help prevent and end gender-based violence (especially during a pandemic). We could never do this without our generous community behind us. Thank you.

Reminder: Pride London Festival begins in 2 days! Check in to see all the amazing virtual events they are hosting this year http://pridelondon.ca/getinvolved

We've been trying to practice some self care more frequently over the last few weeks, and it got us wondering: What does self-care look like to you? Is it writing? Meditating? Listening to music? Walking in nature? We want to hear your suggestions: maybe we can help each other out!

For some, Canada Day provides reasons to celebrate. For others, the holiday looks much different. We encourage everyone to take the time to reflect what Canada means to them, and what it might mean for Indigenous and Black Communities in this country. "We have to reconcile the fact that we’re able to live a good life here a better life than we might be able to live in our parents’ or grandparents’ homeland with the fact that that promise came out of an existing culture’s... suffering." For a thoughtful read from Maija Kappler, see below. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca//canada-day-black-indigenous

Google honouring Marsha P. Johnson for Pride! We've wrote about her earlier in the month, but just in case you missed it: https://www.rollingstone.com//marsha-p-johnson-google-doo/

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day across Canada. It is a day to celebrate and recognize the culture, contributions and heritage of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Today, more than ever, it is important not only to celebrate, but to learn as well. Today, events are taking place virtually to join in. If you wish to learn more - here's a list of great reads by Indigenous authors. https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca//15345400328/1557777058788