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( > www.durhamreglon.com THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, NOVEMBER 26,2003 PAGE A7 One Magic Night For Bethesda House A Place That Provides Shelter; Support and Advocacy Services For Abused Women With Or Without Children Canadian Tire Bowmanville Staff Will be Asking You To Help Bethesda House On November 28th. Please Donate To This Very Worthwhile Bsaaeato thesda House Beat nntnss Bethesda House has provided shelter, support and advocacy for abused women and their children since 1996, when with the initial support of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the help of many donators and volunteers, a house on Liberty Street was purchased and furnished. At that time there was no stable funding for the program. It relied almost entirely on the goodwill of, and donations from, the community, community, with some support from the Region and the United Way. It was a rocky beginning, often with little money in the account to cover staff's salaries or even buy food for the residents. residents. In 2001, the Board of Directors successfully successfully negotiated an annual funding arrangement arrangement with the Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services. MCFCS agreed to provide approximately 80% of the funds required to cover the basic operating costs of the program. Bethesda House still needs to rely on the generosity and goodwill of the community to cover the remaining 20% of the costs, but it's a long way from the rocky beginnings. beginnings. The original shelter on Liberty Street was closed due to health concerns related to the conditions of the building. With financial assistance from both the Federal and Provincial governments, and Canada Mortgage and Housing, the Bethesda House Board was able to purchase and renovate a wonderful old house in Bowmanville, resulting resulting in the opening of a warm and welcoming 3 O new 15 bed shelter in July, 2003. This shelter is totally wheel-chair accessible, and has enhanced security to increase the safety of the women and children receiving services. With the stability provided by annual funding, and a brand new shelter, Bethesda House can now redirect energies that were once aimed at simply existing, to the growth and enhanced quality of services (S', a UKUmWrf 1 : S' tv. ft ÏE ; j P A: Si' : ! ' if, ? . . A ■' j ; •' u : ;■ 13 xrr ■ kjr V and supports to abused women in our Region. An Outreach office has been opened in downtown Bowmanville, where women who do not require secure, transitional transitional shelter at this time can receive counseling, counseling, referrals and support. Both preventative preventative and therapeutic groups are being offered in local schools. And a rural initiative initiative in on the way aimed at reaching out to Just a few of the dedicated staff at Bethesda House are ftt>m left are Wendy, Jaki, Aiieen and Deborah . the women in the rural areas surrounding Bowmanville. The opening of this new shelter, and the security of having a stable income to cover at least some of the costs of providing the services, services, is being considered a "New Beginning" for Bethesda House. Present and past Board members, members, staff, and hundreds of volunteers and donators have played their part, each in his or her own way, moving the organization forward forward to where it is today. Bethesda House would like to gratefully acknowledge a huge debt of gratitude to one and all. The support of the community is still critical critical to Bethesda House, and people can contribute contribute in many ways. "Building Hope...Changing Lives" is the motto of an ongoing fund-raiàing campaign in which bricks, doors, windows, etc. on a mural of the residence can be purchased by groups or individuals. individuals. As well, people can donate "preowned "preowned fashions" to the Second Chance store at 103 King Street This store is run entirely by volunteers from Wilmot Creek, and all proceeds proceeds go to Bethesda House programs. The Bethesda House logo is the result of a region-wide contest to develop a symbol epitomizing the loving, caring nature of the Clarington community which surrounds and protects those in need of shelter and support. Bethesda House wants to thank everyone in our community for their ongoing commitment to the cause of supporting their neighbours dealing with issues of abuse and to the over-all goal of eradicating it. Get ready to have some fun! Schedule of events for • i-'N /Vi ïc nia ht it MTD Snowblowers BUY MA Many lucky customers will get a chance to grab all the Canadian Tire Money they can in the timealloted! 'ERTAINMENT * The Salvation Army Brass Band from 6:00 pm. to 8:30 p.m. ★ The local sounds of Andy Earle Rhythm & Blues & Jazz Specialist. 8:30 pm. to j 12:00 p.m. CHECK OUT THE DRUMMfcR Don't miss this unique entertainer! DEMONSTRATIONS FROM: ★ Snow Bear Snowblowers * Dimplex Electric Fireplaces In our Service Centre from 7:00 pm.to 9:00 p.m. Courtesy of Jesse's Toys. FROM" A CORROSION FREE Fill out a ballot to win a complete protection package. The first 100 customers through the door recieve a beautiful 6" Poinsetta and sample package. iFEEE""' Recieve a Klassen Bronze key when you purchase 1 at regular price. One per customer, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Santa Claus E & CHEUI T T A ftB And a chance to win 4 Michelin Tires. a- Fill out a ballot to win a Pro Start Remote Starter ""MD. CANADIAN TIRE BOWMANVILLE