annual the page newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
104-347 Leon Avenue, Kelowna BC V1Y 8C7
(250) 763 4613 Fax: (250) 763 4272
If you or someone you care about has been affected by sexual assault or abuse, call us.
We will stand beside you.
A G U I D E F R O M
TURNING THE PAGE
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse & The Path To A New Beginning
Annual
Newsletter 2015/16
GREETINGS FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTORThis has been a very busy and exciting past few months. From programs operating at maximum capacity, to exciting connections in the community and forging partnerships with Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan and First Nation communities, we continue to move forward!
I have so much admiration for the hard work of our staff and volunteers, who are here because they are passionate about making a difference in their community. Volunteers, we could not do this without you. And our financial supporters make all of this possible. At E-Fry, we believe that ending violence and supporting survivors is a societal responsibility, and we definitely see this in action as we work together.
In this issue you will hear highlights from many of our programs, as well as hear about our Child and Youth Advocacy “Willow” project. This is a very exciting team project aimed at improving the systemic response to children and youth who’ve experienced or witnessed abuse or neglect. We are working to have services under one family-friendly roof and operate from a trauma informed perspective. You’ll hear more about this as we work towards opening our centre—that is, your centre!
Thanks again to all our team members and partner agencies. I look forward to working with you all in the coming months.
Michelle Novakowski
SAVE THE DATEMark your calendars for these upcoming dates, and contact us if you would like to be a volunteer or sponsor.
December 2016
Annual Christmas Hamper Program
Orchard Park Gift Wrap Fundraising Volunteers needed
March 8, 2017
International Woman’s Day Celebration
April 9, 2017
Chocoholic 5K Frolic Parkinson Recreation Centre Sponsors needed
E-FRY’S MISSIONTo empower women and children to achieve dignity, security, and equality in the community.
E-FRY. . .A LOCAL CAUSE USING YOUR SUPPORT EFFECTIVELY
The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society (“E-FRY”) is a trusted charity dedicated to advancing the safety, legal rights and economic security of women and children.
Photo credit: Kate Ormond Photgraphy
#SPEAKOUT At our annual Spring Fling in April, we launched our new campaign called #SpeakOut to end violence. The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society recognizes both the urgency in Speaking Out against violence as the numbers increase, as well as the importance of you as individuals to use your voice and SpeakOut. Speaking Out makes our community safer and healthier for future generations.
The SpeakOut campaign will include community members and corporate sponsors that believe we should all SpeakOut to end violence, and dollars raised will go toward our prevention and trauma therapy programs. These programs are completely funded through grants and donations from individuals and businesses.
To support the SpeakOut campaign, contact Shannon McVagh-Jan, our Fund Development Coordinator, at 250-763-4613 or [email protected]. Join the movement and become part of the solution!!
WILLOW CENTREWillow Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) has been in the works for two years now. The passionate and committed team of professionals working to bring the Centre to reality are grateful to the Federal Department of Justice and BC Ministry of Justice for funding.
Willow CYAC also received a grant from the RCMP to offer professional development training to local service providers in early 2017.
This collaborative project aims to bring together a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide streamlined and team-based services and support to child and youth victims of abuse.
Willow CYAC will be a child-focused, family-friendly environment with a range of coordinated services available under one roof. Our goal is to reduce trauma, build resiliency, seek justice, and foster hope and healing for children and their non-offending family members/ caregivers.
100 MEN WHO GIVE A DAMNOn August 10th, 2016 the Elizabeth Fry Society was chosen as the charity of choice by 100 Men Who Give a Damn. We want to thank this generous group of men from the bottom of our hearts. Because of you, our waitlist for trauma therapy for adult, youth and child survivors of sexual assault and abuse will be greatly reduced.
Philanthropy is how we fund our prevention and trauma programs. Small acts, when multiplied by many people, can transform a community. Thank you for your giving hearts! Learn more about 100 Men Who Give a Damn on Facebook.
“ I would not be here if it wasn’t for the work of E-Fry.
We had an incredible turn out at this year’s Take Back the Night Rally & March that took place on September 15th, 2016. Marking the biggest turnout yet, more than 200 women, children, and men united to speak out about ending sexual violence. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have such a large community response to this important cause.
Activities, hosted by Susan Knight and John Stone from Q103.1, included an inspirational poetry performance, a craft table where participants made march signs and noise makers, and an energetic self-defence warm-up! We then marched in downtown Kelowna to make some noise and shatter the silence on behalf of sexual assault survivors.
While our counsellors work to assist those affected by sexual violence, Take Back the Night provides an important opportunity for the community to loudly express our cause. It is held annually, and every year it becomes more successful. We can’t thank you all enough for helping raise awareness and uniting as one to truly take back the night.
TAKE BACK THE NIGHTKelowna community members gather to speak out against sexual violence.
Photo credit: Kate Ormond Photgraphy
GIRLS UNITED PROGRAMWhat an exciting year for everyone involved in the Girls United Program! Girls United helps to foster the safe and healthy emotional development of young girls by strengthening their sense of connection, belonging and resiliency. We saw a huge increase in school participation over the past year and have been repeatedly asked to extend the program to 12 weeks!
Due to our growing popularity in the schools, the YMCA asked us to deliver mini-sessions to empower their girls, which was a huge success with over 20 girls joining both sessions. Our facilitator, who has a passion for working with marginalized youth, brought the program to over eight schools, reaching more than 110 girls in 2015-2016 alone.
We also had the exciting opportunity to work with UBC-Okanagan through their Health and Wellness program, connecting at-risk girls with physical activity and nutritious snacks as protective factors. We also joined forces with Westbank First Nation on this initiative to bring more Girls United sessions to the Westside. This program provides an opportunity for girls to live safer, healthier lives and fulfill their rights to freedom from violence, exploitation and abuse.
One of the girls wrote us and said, “Thank you for helping me see that I have things to be proud of in my life, that I’m not a loser…and that I am worth more than just how I look.” Another girl said, “Thank you so much for this amazing group, I feel like I can finally stand up for myself and be proud to be who I am!”
The Girls United and Tough Guise programs operate by donations and grants. We’re looking for sponsors for anything from providing snacks to supporting a full series. For more information contact Shannon at [email protected].
I can finally stand up for myself and be proud of who I am.“
My name is Courtney Chrusch, and I have volunteered for the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society since September 2014.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) in Psychology, with a Minor in Sociology, in 2015. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was involved with various research projects regarding the prevention of stigma towards mental health illness, specifically Anorexia Nervosa (AN), which is considered a disorder that affects more females than males.
This research developed my desire to become involved with an organization that encouraged acceptance of mental illness and personal growth, especially for women; Elizabeth Fry was a perfect match.
Females experience life much differently than males, and I have often noticed a lack of empathy toward female struggle. The injustice toward women encouraged me to take action and become involved in an organization that is sensitive to female issues.
The counsellors at the Elizabeth Fry Society create a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere to promote healing and growth. The event coordinators and fellow volunteers
all share a similar goal of endorsing a path to recovery in the Okanagan, supported by the various events held in the community by the Elizabeth Fry Society. I am grateful to be involved in such an incredible organization that continues to help women heal, feel supported, and to flourish.
Through my experience with the Elizabeth Fry Society, I have decided to pursue a law degree in hopes of finding justice for women who have been victimized and to provide courage to those who may be suffering.
In December 2016, I will write the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) in order to apply to law school next year to stand with, and for, women who have lost their voice.
“Elizabeth Frywas a perfect match.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Courtney Chrusch has been a volunteer at E-Fry since 2014.
H. Lowella Holmwood100 Men Who Give A DamnAileen SimAlice JensenAnne ByattArgus Properties Ltd.B GrayB & K JonesBella Clothing BoutiqueBosley’sCathie HeinrichsCathy HarrisonCentral Okanagan FoundationCity of KelownaDawn M. Kuehn Barrister & SolicitorDenise & Myles BrunsDr. MacLeod & Imrie Inc.E.R. GrimwoodEpsilon Upsilon Beta Sigma PhiFirst United ChurchGallagher’s CanyonH GrossmithH KhanguraJ. FletcherJ HillisJohn Perks
Kathy & Robert WiebeKelowna Community ResourcesKelowna Womens ShelterKnights of ColumbusLa MexicanasMicheal LoewenMonique & Robin WalleyNature’s FareOmega Cable Inc.Orchard Park MallP. BrownPacific Region Elizabeth Fry SocietyPrestige Clean EnergyProvincial Employees Community Services FundQ 103.1Reid & AssociatesRomola MorganRoseBuds Designer Consigment BoutiqueRose’s Waterfront PubRoyal LePage KelownaS. HutchinsonS. IkebuchiSharon ShepardShelly Ikebuchi
Team Telus CaresTickle TrunkUBCO Women’s CenterUnited WayV. Kavanagh
Gift in KindBest Western Plus KelownaBlue Apple StudioCover FXCrimson Hair SalonDeep Muscle Massage CentreGlobal FitnessHiit KelownaIntegra Tire Auto CentreK9 Dog GroomingKelowna LimoLiving Water VineyardLondon DrugsMavazi Apparel #1Moksha Yoga KelownaOranj Dance & FitnessOrGano - Shannon JanzPower Concepts Computer TrainingSummerhill WineryTantalus VineyardsThe WaterrGarden
THANK YOU, SUPPORTERS!
#280 1855 Kirschner RdKelowna, BC V1Y 4N7
(250) [email protected]
www.empowerific.com
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@empowerific
HOW TO DONATE
Online
Over the phone or in person
Make a one-time gift or sign up for monthly giving at www.empowerific.com
Contact Shannon McVagh-Janz, Fund Development Coordinator at [email protected].
Send a cheque payable to “Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society” to: Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society, 280-1855 Kirschner Rd, Kelowna BC, V1Y 4N7.
Through the strong belief and collective action of our volunteers, staff, board members, and donors—united with the courage of over 3500 women and children whom we have served in the last year alone—we can make a difference in our community. Your donations foster strategies that move beyond the crisis and towards long-term safety and economic security for the people that we are here to help.
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Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society#280, 1855 Kirschner RdKelowna, BC V1Y 4N7p. (250) 763-4613
Charity Registration Number: 13121-4371-RP0001