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o> in si de ha lt on .c om O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 8, 2 01 8 | L E T T E R F R O M T H E Halton Women's Place has been providing shelter services to abused women and their dependent children for 40 years. One would think that this achievement is laudable and a reason for celebration. We on the other hand believe that while it is a commemorative milestone it is not celebratory. In 1978, nine women from across Halton believed that the Region needed a shelter. Quite a feat in 1978! After substantial research and hard work a 12- bed shelter was opened in Milton Ontario. It was staffed by volunteers and a few paid staff. So what has changed in 40 years? What have we learned? Upon reviewing the Letter's Patent I can say that if we were writing them today the articles of incorporation would be very similar. The physical plant has grown to 52 beds in two shelters, one in Milton and one in Burlington. Our staff numbers have gone up substantially as have our volunteers. Halton Women's Place now offers a multitude of pro­ grams beyond shelter services. Our Community Outreach programs include Transitional Housing and Support, Bridging Families in partnership with CAS, Court Support, Second Stage Housing, and last but certainly not least we offer a Public Education Program that provides lessons on healthy rela­ tionships to school aged children and youth. Our community partners in­ clude ROCK (Reach Out Center for Kids), Halton Regional Police Services, Thrive Counselling Services, Halton Children's Aid, Public Health and the Region of Halton Housing Services. One would think that with all of these services and partnerships we would see a vast difference in the numbers of women looking for services. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To date our capacity this year has been at or near 100 per cent and our community outreach services are equally high. Despite the progress made in women's rights and the fact that we are equal in the eyes of the law, many women continue to experience violence at the hands of the men they love most. And so we continue, another 40 years.. .perhaps. We can only hope to bring awareness to gender based violence and stop this scourge on women and children. Violence has no place in civil society. Throughout 2018, Halton Women's Place will launch several campaigns which will bring the issue to light. All will be under the umbrella of Halton Women's Place "Ruby Campaign". On Saturday, Feb. 24 Halton Women's Place will host our "Ruby Gala" to commemorate 40 years of service to the Halton community. "Because a Life Without Violence is the Only Life To Live" Halton Women's Place Executive Director Diane Beaulieu Ontario K e v in F ly n n , M P P O akville Thank you fo r 40 years o f providing im portant support and em ergency services to our com m unity and investing in wom en's futures. The work o f Halton W om en's Place in ending violence against women and children is extrem ely meaningful and deeply appreciated. Com m unity Office: 2318 Lakeshore Rd. W., Unit 2, Oakville, ON L6L 1H3 Telephone 905.827.5141 | Fax 905.827.3786 ¥ @MPPKevinFlynn | f MPPKevinFlynn kflynn.mpp.co@ liberal.ola.org w w w .k e v in f ly n n .o n m p p .c a Design for life The all new Generation 6000 appliances provides endless combinations of cooking methods, ultimate performance and state-of-the-art user controls featuring M Touch. You will have endless combinations to fit your active and healthy lifestyle. miele.ca M i e l e COOKING AND BAKING LAUNDRY DISHWASHERS COFFEE MACHINES REFRIGERATION A p p lia n c e Cen tre GAS & ELECTRIC APPLIANCE SPECIALISTS 476 Kerr Street (just south of Speers Road) 905-845-2933 • www.oakvilleappliance.com Miela Chartered Agency mailto:kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org http://www.kevinflynn.onmpp.ca http://www.oakvilleappliance.com Kevin Flynn, MPP