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Press Releases: Click below to see press releases for previous years: 2007
Media Messages: (pdf files - will open in new window) NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 3, 2008 CONTACT:SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER VIGIL IN REMEMBRANCE OF MURDERED AND ABUSED WOMEN FRIDAY, DEC 5TH 6:3O TO 7:30 PM ORANGEVILLE TOWN HALL ATRIUM Songs, words of remembrance and calls for action will mark our community's commemoration of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to be held Friday at 6:30 pm at Orangeville Town Hall Atrium. Organized by the Orangeville and District Labour Council, in collaboration with Family Transition Place, the vigil honours the memory of the women murdered at the hands of their male partners: Shirley Snow, Jennifer Zumach, Maria Klymchuk and Helen Kirec whose four children Ludvik Jr, Christopher, Suzy and Nancy were also killed. National Day of Remembrance and Action was proclaimed by the Canadian government in 1991 on the anniversary of the 1989 murder of 14 young women engineering students at Ecole Polytechnique of the Universite de Montreal. These women were shot to death by a man who singled out women students to kill, ordered the men present to leave, screaming that he hated feminists. The murder then shot himself and left a letter claiming that women had ruined his life and blocked his entry into the engineering school. "This is a day when we recognize the need for change in society's attitudes and practises that perpetuate violence against women including inequality, gender stereotypes, and systemic barriers to fair and equitable choices for women," said Norah Kennedy, Executive Director of FTP. "Any thoughts or actions which demean, disrespect or sustain the inquality of women contribute to a societal attitude that condones women abuse and minimizes the seriousness of the problem. We need to engage all members - women and men - of our community to end women abuse. The Orangeville and District Labour Council shows tremendous community leadership in educating the public and raising awareness of violence against women," she added. Last year more than 1,100 abused women and their children found shelter, housing, counselling, or legal/transition support through FTP and more than 2,900 calls were made to the 24 hour crisis/info line. For more information on the programs and services available at FTP visit www.familytransitionplace.ca or call 519 941-HELP.  Back to topNEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 9, 2008 CONTACT:NADINE COLLINS, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CRABBY JOE’S BIG HEARTS TOURNEY RAISES $4000 FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION AT FTP 
Crabby Joe’s wasn’t so crabby when they raised $4,000 for Family Transition Place’s violence prevention (VP) program at their Sept 26th charity golf tournament.The monies raised will go towards FTP’s $1 million Raise Respect Campaign for violence prevention. The tournament was held at Banty’s Roost which pitched in $5 per player to the cause, adding to the $10 donated by each golfer. Last year FTP helped more than 5,800 youth in Grades 5 to 12 develop skills for healthy, respectful relationships. The violence prevention program relies 100 per cent on fundraised dollars from the community. Crabby Joe’s owners Dan and Carrie Eremita present the proceeds from their Big Hearts Golf Tourney, dinner and auction to Nadine Collins (left) of Family Transition Place. Back to topNEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 CONTACT: Sue Buckle, Marketing & Communications Manager Kathryn Creelman, Executive Assistant, Office of Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon EMERGENCY SHELTER GETS BOOST FROM PROVINCE Funding for two additional emergency shelter beds at Family Transition Place was included in the Ontario government’s increase in funding for shelters and second stage housing providers announced by the province this week. FTP advocated with Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) for the increase in funding to support its outreach to the women of Caledon and to offset rising costs and a higher demand for emergency shelter service. “There continues to be abused women and their children in need of emergency shelter in Caledon and Dufferin. Unfortunately the costs to operate an emergency shelter continue to rise putting strain on our resources. These monies are sorely needed,” said Norah Kennedy, Executive Director of FTP. Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon applauds the additional funding for FTP. “The shelter is often asked to assist more women and children in crisis than the current number of provincially funded beds allows. I am confident these resources will assist Family Transition Place as they continue to offer excellent service and support to families in Dufferin-Caledon,” said Jones. The provincial funding announcement also includes a five per cent increase on the shelter service budget, a two per cent increase for the counselling, transitional and child witness program budgets, a two per cent cost of living increase for salaries for Ontario violence against women agencies and an allocation for second stage housing programs. FTP has been funded by MCSS as a 14-bed facility since it in 1985. FTP can accommodate up to 24 people at its Bredin Pkwy Orangeville facility which opened in 1997 after operating for 12 years in a smaller facility on Hillside Ave in Orangeville. FTP provides service to both Caledon and Dufferin and is currently conducting an assessment of the service needs of abused women and their children specifically in Caledon. In addition to the emergency shelter service, FTP provides second stage housing, counselling, legal/transitional support and a 24 hour crisis line to abused women and their children as well as skill-building violence prevention education to youth, women and men. MCSS funding does not cover the cost of FTP’s violence preventions programs which rely 100% on fundraised dollars to reach more than 5,800 Grade 5 to 12 youth each year in Caledon and Dufferin schools. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2008 CONTACT: NADINE COLLINS, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ORANGEVILLE PRICE CHOPPER DONATION 
Orangeville Price Chopper turned a fun Canada Day BBQ into something special by donating the proceeds to Family Transition Place. The $200 donation was presented to FTP’s Nadine Collins by Daryl Ethier, Store Manager. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2008 CONTACT: NADINE COLLINS, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CANADIAN TIRE: CHRISTMAS IN THE SUMMER 
Craig Stevenson, manager of Canadian Tire in Orangeville, presents Nadine Collins, resource development manager of Family Transition Place, with a cheque for $1,192. It represents $5 from the sale of each artificial Christmas tree last season. The Canadian Tire Foundation for Families matched the amount that was raised during the sale.
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 10, 2008 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER NADINE COLLINS, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER REGISTRATION OPEN FOR THE FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE GOLF CLASSIC Golfers, sponsors and community supporters can help protect youth from violence in relationships by registering today to tee off at the annual Family Transition Place Golf Classic set for Sept 18th at Caledon Country Club. “Community support is so important to the success of our violence prevention efforts. The proceeds from this tournament bring us closer to raising the $1million needed for our Raise Respect Campaign”, said Norah Kennedy, Executive Director of Family Transition Place (FTP). The Campaign is funding FTP’s violence prevention programs and initiatives which each year rely 100% on fundraised dollars. “These programs are challenging the attitudes that allow violence to be tolerated and giving youth, women and men the skills they need to build and maintain healthy respectful relationships,” added Kennedy. A recent survey of more than 1,000 11 to 14 year olds reports that while more than a half of the 13 to 14 year olds surveyed said they know someone who has been verbally abused by their boyfriend or girlfriend and nearly one in five know someone who has been physically abused, only 51 per cent of all those surveyed claim to know the warning signs of a bad or hurtful dating relationship. (loveisabuse.org) With the help of funds raised through the Family Transition Place Golf Classic, FTP hopes to be able to sustain its existing violence prevention programs and continue to expand them to reach more people, more often. “The funds raised since the Campaign began in 2005, have enabled us to develop and deliver customized programs for men and boys, increase our outreach to the community at large, and change our youth programming from single to more effective multi-session programs. In fact, we’re now reaching 65% more youth and have doubled the number of adults we reach in our violence prevention initiatives. We need the funds to continue these initiatives and meet the rest of the goals of the Campaign,” added Kennedy. Last year more than 5,800 youth in Grades 5 to 12 from the Upper Grand District School Board, Peel District School Board and Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board discovered some of the underlying attitudes, behaviours and skills than can help them have healthier, more respectful relationships with their friends and families. Golf fee for the September 18 tournament remains the same as last year at $200 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, reception, dinner, cart, green fees, all contests, and silent auction. Non-golfers who want to support the Campaign are welcome to join their golfing spouses or come on their own for the reception, dinner and silent auction. Dinner tickets are only $50. Major sponsors to date include: Nadine Meek of BMO Nesbitt Burns, Maritime Ontario Freight Lines, Royal LePage RCR Realty, Bell, Pinacle, MBS Steel, Jewel 88.5 FM & Caledon Golf Club. To register or sponsor contact Nadine Collins, Resource Development Manager at 519-942-4122 or 905-584-4357 ext 240 or online at www.familytransitionplace.ca/golf. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2008 CONTACT: NORAH KENNEDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FEAST OF THE PALATE DONATION Family Transition Place Executive Director, Norah Kennedy (3rd from left) toasts the organizers of Feast for the Palate and their donation of $5,600 from the Feast. 
Event organizers Liz Shaughnessy (far right), Hugh Sutherland (2nd from right) and Don Fredenburg, (2nd from left) are joined by Royal Ambassador Event Centre owner John Giancola and Executive Chef Kanada Suppiah Seluaraj. The Royal Ambassador very generously provided the venue and services for the Feast while the Consulate's Chef Kanada Suppiah Seluaraj won the main course platinum award for his lobster tail tempura with chipotle honey mustard sauce.
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 18, 2008 CONTACT: Nadine Collins, FTP Resource Development Manager 519 942-4122 Pete Renshaw, Senior General Manager Bell, 519-942-9848 BELL COMMITS TO RAISE RESPECT Close to 6,000 area youth are developing skills they need to build healthy relationships thanks to Family Transition Place (FTP) and a significant commitment from Bell. Bell presented $8,000 to FTP Wednesday, the second instalment of its three-year commitment. “We rely 100% on fundraised dollars from individuals and corporations to meet schools’ growing demand for our violence prevention programs. Bell’s support is making that happen,” said Norah Kennedy, Executive Director of FTP. “Being active participants in the communities we live and work is something we take very seriously at Bell. Our employees here made it clear that Family Transition Place was a place that was near and dear to our hearts and most importantly one that has an incredible impact in the community. On a personal note, the partnerships that have been developed between us have been outstanding. The more I get involved with the work that Family Transition Place undertakes in the community the more I know that I/we have chosen the right group to support. The work you do is remarkable and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” said Pete Renshaw, Senior General Manager of Bell. FTP is in the last year of the three-year Raise Respect Campaign to expand the delivery of the violence prevention programs to reach more people, more often in Dufferin and Caledon. “In the past two years since the campaign began, we’ve doubled the number of students we’ve reached, developed multi-week curriculum programs and connected with boys and men – all goals of the Campaign. We know these programs are making a difference in people’s lives,” added Kennedy. Through the programs, a teen who could not find two good things to say about herself developed a healthier self esteem and found friendship. Boys previously suspended for fighting have ways to manage conflict that don’t involve a crowbar. Cyber bullies have apologized. A sexually assaulted youth was given a safe space to tell someone and find support. And one boy laughed for the first time in three years. “These success stories must continue. We’re confident that we will reach all of our campaign objectives by March 2009. With more help from companies like Bell and individual supporters, we’ll continue to challenge the attitudes that allow violence to occur and share stories of youth who have the skills to lead healthy, respectful relationships,” she added. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2008 CONTACT: NORAH KENNEDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BOLTON YOUTH DONATES BIRTHDAY MONEY TO FTP Eleven year old Jacob LaBrier asked for something extra special for his eleventh birthday that has touched the staff, and clients of a local charity. “For my birthday party my mom and I thought that in lieu of gifts we would ask for a small donation for a charity. My dad thought of Family Transition Place and I agreed,” wrote Jacob in his letter to FTP. Jacob’s parents offered to match whatever Jacob raised and together, they’ve donated $1,000 to FTP which will be used to support the Raise Respect Campaign, which has a goal of raising $1 million for FTP’s violence prevention programs. “My friends and their parents thought it was an excellent idea and they were very generous. Here is a cheque for $1000.00 Hope it helps,” he added. Jacob’s selflessness and concern for the youth in our community, as well as for the abused women and children who receive shelter and counselling through FTP, is an inspiration to us and to other youth, said Executive Director Norah Kennedy. 
Jacob was joined by his birthday buddies at a special presentation at Empire Theatres Bolton where he was given a “thank you” gift from Empire Theatres which is partnering with Family Transition Place for its fundraising film festival Reel Cinema for a Real Cause on March 20 to 22. ON hand from FTP were communications Manager Sue Buckle and Violence Prevention Educator Travis Greenley. Family Transition Place provides emergency shelter, counselling, legal and transition support to abused women and their children in Caledon, as well as violence prevention education to youth, men and women. Last year more than 1,000 abused women and their children found safety and support through FTP, while more than 5,300 youth took part in violence prevention education. For more information on FTP’s programs and services visit www.familytransitionplace.ca. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 8, 2008 CONTACT: NORAH KENNEDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESPONSE TO LETTER TO EDITOR: "MEN ARE VICTIMS TOO" We couldn’t agree with you more “Name withheld”! Violence against anyone is unacceptable and should not be condoned whether it is instigated by men or women. At Family Transition Place, it is our hope that one day the resources are available to help all who deal with the trauma and tragedy of abuse, regardless of gender, and that such violence is prevented by giving our youth the skills and attitudes they need to build healthy and respectful relationships. All societal norms, stereotypes and social policies that perpetuate violence or create barriers to accessing service, such as described by “Name Withheld” must continue to be challenged and changed. While some men do experience violence within an intimate relationship, the vast majority of victims are women. (84% women compared to 16% men according to Statistics Canada’s 2006 Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile). The Ontario Domestic Violence Death Review Committee’s Annual Report to the Chief Coroner (2005) reported that of the 100 cases they examined between 2002 and 2005, females were victims in 93% of the cases and males were victims in seven per cent of these cases. Research literature generally acknowledges that women’s use of violence can be motivated by numerous circumstances including (but not limited to) self protection and/or protection of loved ones; a reaction to being abused, dominated and controlled; the need to get away from her abuser, and in five per cent of the cases the desire to control and dominate her partner. (“Women’s Use of Force” 2006; Journal of Family Issues 2005; US National Resource Centre on Domestic Violence.) While women constitute the majority of domestic violence victims, it is FTP’s hope that through our violence prevention initiatives aimed at youth, our sons and daughters will grow up with the skills and attitudes they need to build healthy, non-violent relationships. Although Family Transition Place (FTP) is mandated to provide shelter and counselling to abused women and their children and has met that ongoing need for more than 23 years (last year close to 1,000 abused women and their 260 children found shelter and counselling at FTP) what is less known is how FTP supports men and the community at large through our violence prevention mandate (funded 100% by fundraised dollars) and 24 hour crisis line. Last year more than 5,300 boys and girls in Dufferin and Caledon schools took part in our skill-building violence prevention programs. One of our youth programs “Breakthru” gives boys a safe place to talk and explore the challenges they face as adolescent males. Facilitated by a male violence prevention educator from FTP, boys in this group develop critical thinking skills and explore responsible decision making, positive personal image and other topics that support healthy adolescent development. Men take part in our “Healthy Relationship” and “Healthy Parenting” workshops with their partners, as well as in our dad’s only parenting group which we have facilitated in partnership with the Early Years Centre, Dufferin Parent Support Network and Caledon Parent-Child Centre. FTP has, and will continue to provide support on our 24 hour crisis line to men who are survivors of intimate partner violence as well as sexual abuse. In the last year, we have seen a growing number of calls from men who are victims of sexual assault and/or harassment. Our community definitely needs more support locally for these survivors. (It’s estimated that one in three men experience unwanted sexual touching in their lifetime and one in four experiences sexual assault. Source Health Canada 1996 “Invisible Boy”.) The solution to ending all forms of relationship abuse and violence rests in engaging the whole community – men and women – in changing the attitudes that perpetuate violence and giving boys and girls the skills they need to build healthy respectful relationships, now and in the future. Through FTP’s Neighbours, Friends and Family public education initiative, 28 community volunteers (including six men and 22 women) have been trained to lead community discussions to help those close to victims and abusers recognize the warning signs of abuse, know what to say or do to support a victim and an abuser. While Family Transition Place continues to meet the need for providing safety and support to abused women and their children in Dufferin, we recognize, like “Name Withheld” that all survivors of abuse and violence need and deserve support so that men and women, boys and girls, can live violence free within healthy, respectful, equal relationships. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 12, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER GENEROUS DONATION FROM CLOROX  Thanks to the donations from D-shift, office staff and charity committee at Clorox, stockings were full at Family Transition Place Christmas morning. From left Diana Bigl, Colleen Harris and Linda Cornelius present the toys and a cheque for $677 to Sue Buckle of FTP. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER PALGRAVE ROTARY BOOST CAMPAIGN Rotary Club of Palgrave gave a boost to Family Transition Place's $1 Million Raise Respect Campaign with a $2000 donation, presented by Peter Swain, Rotary's Director of Community Affairs to Sue Buckle of FTP. With $500,000 to go, the Raise Respect Campaign will fund FTP¹s skill-building violence prevention program for youth, men and women in Caledon and Dufferin. Last year more than 5,300 youth took part in the FTP's school-based violence prevention programs and initiatives. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOV 26, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER DECEMBER 6TH GATHERING TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN It was 18 years ago on December 6th that 14 young women engineering students were murdered at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal by a man who singled out women students to kill, ordering the men present to leave and screaming that he hated “feminists” for ruining his life and blocking his entry into engineering school. This year on Dec. 6th, the public is invited to join a special gathering at 6:30 pm at Orangeville Town Hall atrium to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, a commemorative date proclaimed by the government to mourn these women and rally society to take action to end gender-based violence. December 6th also gives our community an opportunity to reflect on the continuing violence against women in our society. There are women and girls who live daily with the threat of violence or the traumatic reminders of being abused. Violence against women is a persistent and ongoing problem in Canada and around the world. It affects women’s social and economic equality, physical and mental health, well-being and economic security. “We can’t say “it’s none of my business” when we know someone is being treated with disrespect, abuse or violence. We need to speak out for individuals and work together as a community to challenge the attitudes that allow violence against women to be tolerated,” said Noella English, President of the Orangeville District Labour Council which is organizing the event in support for Family Transition Place. Statistics Canada reports that on average there were 182 females killed every year in Canada between 1994 and 2003. Those numbers included Dufferin and Caledon’s Shirley Snow, Helen Kuric and her four children, Jennifer Zumach and Maria Klymchuk. Last year alone, close to 1,000 abused women and their children found shelter, housing, counselling or support at Family Transition Place. An hour of music, poems and reflection is planned for the Orangeville Town Hall event and will involve area youth, men and women. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 2007 TIM HORTONS SMILE COOKIE CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE Proceeds to help raise funds for FTP’s Raise Respect Campaign for violence prevention. Orangeville, ON – There’s nothing like a Tim Hortons oven fresh chocolate chip cookie, unless it’s twice the size! Tim Hortons Smile Cookies are going on sale for $1 (tax excluded) at the stores across the Orangeville area from October 1st to the 7th. The special double-sized chocolate chip cookies have double the meaning because all proceeds from the cookie sales will go towards Family Transition Place (FTP). Proceeds from the Smile Cookies will provide much needed funds for FTP’s violence prevention programs for youth, men and women, programs which rely 100% on fundraised dollars. FTP also provides a 24 hour crisis line as well as an emergency shelter and counselling for abused women and their children, touching the lives of more than 9,500 people last year. “We are thrilled to support Family Transition Place,” says Paul Preuss, Tim Hortons Store Owner. “The Smile Cookie program is a combined community effort because it’s our customers who come in to buy the cookies and help us raise funds to support this worthy cause.” FTP believes that by challenging the attitudes that allow violence to be tolerated and giving people the skills they need to build healthy, respectful relationships, we can help make respect the norm, not the exception, in our homes, schools and community. Last year more than 5,300 youth took part in the violence prevention programs. “We are delighted that our local Tim Hortons has chosen Family Transition Place and our Raise Respect Campaign to be the recipient of the proceeds from their Smile Cookie campaign. The proceeds will help sustain and expand this program,” says Norah Kennedy, FTP’s Executive Director. Tim Hortons has been supporting local communities through the “Smile Cookie” program since 1996. The “Smile Cookie” program originally began in Hamilton, Ontario to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital. Since then, it has expanded across Canada helping a variety of children’s charities, hospitals and community programs. Tim Hortons is Canada’s largest coffee and fresh baked goods chain with more than 2,600 locations across Canada, and a steadily growing base of almost 300 stores in the United States. For more information, please contact:
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER SUPPORTERS RAISE $70,000 FOR FTP GOLF TOURNAMENT When the numbers were tallied, supporters of Family Transition Place raised $70,000 at the Woolwich Dairy Golf Classic on September 20th. Golfers enjoyed perfect weather at the Caledon Country Club and an outstanding dinner and silent auction, emceed by Jewel 88.5 FM morning show host Gary Gamble. Approximately $10,000 was raised at the auction alone. Proceeds from this event are supporting the $1 million Raise Respect Campaign which is raising funds for FTP’s violence prevention programs and initiatives which rely 100% on fundraised dollars. Last year more than 5,300 students took part in the violence prevention programs. The success of the tournament also relied on the support of generous sponsors including Maritime Ontario Freight Lines, Royal LePage RCR Realty, Nadine Meek of BMO Nesbitt Burns, Pinacle Stainless Steel, Jewel 88.5 FM, Bell, Discount Car and Trust Rental, Rogers Cable, MBS Steel, Sobey’s and the title sponsor Woolwich Dairy. After four years as title sponsor of the golf tournament, Woolwich Dairy is stepping down. Owners Tony and Olga Dutra praised Family Transition Place for the service it provides and invited others to come forward to take the lead in supporting FTP. “Our relationship with Woolwich Dairy as title sponsor of our golf tournament has helped us deliver much needed violence prevention programs throughout Caledon and Dufferin. We sincerely thank them for their support,” said Norah Kennedy, FTP’s Executive Director. FTP is also grateful for the support of tee, green, hole and other sponsors including: Allto Construction, Berkshire Homes, Burnside, Cavalier Transportation, Colony Ford Lincoln, Design Label Systems, Devonleigh Homes Inc. Dome Packaging, Egan Funeral Home, Fines Home Hardware, Fred’s Tire, H & F Mini Storage Inc., Headwaters Dental Centre, James Dick Construction Ltd. Long Environmental Consultants Inc., MacMaster Pontiac Buick GMC, Metalon Technology Limited, Orangeville Insurance, Orangeville Window & Door Systems, Pfizer Canada, Plastiflex Canada Inc., Royal Ambassador Event Centre, Royal Chevrolet Cadillac Inc., Solar Swim, SunLife Financial, The Rain Man Co Ltd., Wheels International Freight Systems. Family Transition Place is working to raise respect and eliminate violence in Caledon and Dufferin by providing shelter and counselling to abused women and their children and violence prevention education and awareness to youth, men and women. Last year more 9,500 people used the services of FTP. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2007 CONTACT: NORAH KENNEDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ELECTION 2007 There is a common thread of issues woven between the political parties this election – health care and education are two at the top of the list. Under the radar is the economic and social impact that woman abuse and family violence have on both these issues. If attention is paid to preventing woman abuse and giving youth the skills they need to build healthy, respectful relationships, Ontario citizens could find some answers to problems facing the health care and education systems. In 1995, the estimated costs in Canada of violence against women in four policy areas combined – social services/education, health/medicine, criminal justice and labour/employment - were estimated at more than $4.2 billion annually. According to the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children, that included $1.5 billion in health-related costs. In addition to injuries requiring medical attention, abused women are more likely to suffer from stress-related health problems such as insomnia, high blood pressure, bowel and stomach disorders, chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, and depression than women who are not abused. They may visit health care professionals multiple times before they reveal the abuse in their lives. The same is true of children who live with domestic violence. They suffer from more physical and emotional health problems than children who are not abused and they tend to have lower school achievement and social skills. Bullying, unhealthy peer relationships, anxiety, aggression and depression are some of the effects of woman abuse and domestic violence on school aged children. Best estimates reported by Health Canada’s National Clearing House on Family Violence indicate that three to five children in every Canadian school classroom have witnessed their mother being assaulted. Parents and the education system grapple with the impact this has on children in the classroom, on the buses and in the school yard. Social issues which affect the economic and social prosperity of our province that should also be raised this election includes poverty, child care, and affordable housing all of which compound the lives of abused women and impact our society. Although women from all income groups may experience abuse by intimate partners, having low or limited income makes it harder for a woman to survive or escape. Minimum wage and social assistance rates are so low and housing costs are so high that women in abusive relationships often have to choose between poverty, homelessness and violence. By recognizing woman abuse as a health care and education issue, investing dollars in prevention, and supporting strategies that reduce abuse and violence, our political leaders will improve the social and economic prosperity of Ontario. Editor’s Note: Family Transition Place is working to raise respect and eliminate violence in Caledon and Dufferin by providing counselling and shelter to abused women and their children and skill-building violence prevention education to youth, women and men. Last year 147 women and 118 children stayed in the emergency shelter and second stage housing, 803 women and 144 children received counselling, legal and transitional support, 2,915 calls were made to the 24 hour crisis/information line and 5,300 students and 116 adults took part in violence prevention education. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUgust 14, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER SHOPPERS DRUG MART COSMETIC GALA DONATION Chrystal Renouf, cosmetic manager of Shoppers Drug Mart presented Sue Buckle, marketing and communications manager of Family Transition Place with a cheque for $750. The money was raised by selling tickets for a Cosmetic Gala where the customers received complimentary makeovers and skin care consultations. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUgust 13, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ENTREPRENEURS SUPPORT FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE  Anne Stubbs of Beaver Mills Design in Erin, Genie Hayward of the Ascot Room located in Belfountain, and Anne-Marie Warburton of Gallery Gemma Inc. in Alton, joined together to donate $750 to Family Transition Place, presented here to FTP’s Sue Buckle at left. The donation includes proceeds from a special market place held during “A Gathering of Beautiful Things” which the three businesses hosted at the Millcroft Inn. The donation will help support the shelter, counselling and violence prevention programs at FTP.
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER HUSKY SUPPORTS FTP'S VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS Husky Injection Molding System Ltd renewed its commitment to Family Transition Place's (FTP) violence prevention initiatives with a $5000 donation, presented by Carine Strong, Husky's Director of Customer Relations. "Husky's donation will help youth develop skills to resolve conflicts peacefully, question violent and stereotypical media messages and ultimately develop relationships based on mutual respect," said Sue Buckle, FTP's Manager of Marketing, Communications and Resource Development. Last year more than 5,300 Caledon and Dufferin youth took part in the six programs that FTP delivers to Grade 5 to 12 students in area schools. Family Transition Place is working to raise respect and eliminate violence in the community by providing counselling and shelter to abused women and their children and delivering skill-building violence prevention education to youth, women and men. Last year more than 9,500 people used the services of FTP. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER ROTARY CLUB OF ORANGEVILLE HIGHLANDS LENDS A HELPING HAND  Volunteers from Rotary Club of Orangeville Highlands lent a helping hand and landscaping supplies to Family Transition Place to spruce up the yards at FTP's second stage houses. FTP's Debbie Banting (left) is joined here by Rotary's Will Blackwell, Mary Wheelwright, Cathy Campbell, Jeff and Anne Bathurst and Sue Orr. FTP's second stage housing program provides temporary, affordable housing to woman abuse survivors and their children.
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2007 CONTACT: NADINE COLLINS, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 519 942-4122 EXT 240 WINNERS HELPS RAISE RESPECT A $5,000 donation from Winners Merchants International is boosting Family Transition Place's $1 Million Raise Respect Campaign to support FTP's Violence Prevention Program. The VP Program is funded 100% with fundraised dollars and provides community awareness education and skill-building workshops to youth, men and women to help raise respect and eliminate violence in relationships. Winners has been a committed supporter of FTP since the opening of the Orangeville store in 2003. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 12, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 519 942-4122 EXT 243. FTP ANNOUNCES SPRING WORKSHOPS Managing anger, making relationships work, parenting strategies for Dad, and finding healthy ways to cope with trauma or guilt are a few of the topics covered in workshops for women, men and couples this spring through Family Transition Place. Workshops are being offered in Shelburne, Orangeville and Caledon, many in partnership with other community agencies including Caledon Public Library, Caledon Parent Child Centre, Early Years Centre, Orangeville Women's Community Centre and the Dufferin Parent Support Network. For full details on workshops and registrations, call 519-942-4122 or visit "Calendar" on www.familytransitionplace.ca Dufferin workshops include: “Self Care” Take time to nurture yourself! Discover ways to cherish your body, mind and emotions! Monday, April 2nd 9am - 11 am Location: Orangeville Women’s Community Centre Facilitated by Family Transition Place Register by calling: 519-942-4122 or 905-584-4357 “Anger’s Bubble” What’s bubbling below the surface of anger? Find out how and why anger can bubble and burst. Discover ways to deal with the situations and feelings that make anger fester. Wednesday, April 11 – 9am –11am Location: Orangeville Women’s Community Centre Facilitated by Family Transition Place Register by calling: 519-942-4122 or 905-584-4357 “Be the Best Dad You Can Be!” Dads Only: Squash the “myths” of fatherhood! Share with other dads the joys and frustrations of parenting, and ways to enrich your relationship with your kids. Mondays, April 16 & 23 7pm - 9pm Location: Island Lake Public School Facilitated by Family Transition Place Register by calling Dufferin Parent Support Network at 519-940-8678 “Making Relationships Work” Co-ed: Looking to make your relationships more satisfying? Register for one or all the sessions: April 5 – Recognizing Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships April 12 – Healthy Boundaries & Assertiveness April 19 – Understanding & Expressing Anger April 26 – Assertiveness May 3 – Conflict & Conflict Resolution May 10 – Self Esteem Location: Montgomery Village Public School - 7pm – 9pm Facilitated by Family Transition Place Register by calling Dufferin Parent Support Network at 519-940-8678 "Guilt Free" Find yourself unable to share feelings of guilt? Feel like your life is full of "should to this" or "shouldn't have said that"? Learn how to get off the guilt-trip train and deal with your "shoulds" in a positive way. Wednesdays, April 25, May 2,9,16,23 9:30 am to 11:30 am Location: Early Years Centre Shelburne at Mel Lloyd Centre Entrance "B" Register by calling Early Years Centre at 519-925-5504. Caledon workshops include: “New Gateways to Seeking Comfort” If food, alcohol, drugs and sex aren’t taking away your pain, come and learn new ways to find comfort and take control. A workshop for women of all ages, facilitated in partnership Youth Substance Abuse Program of Peel (YSAP) and Caledon Public Library. Thursdays, April 12th to June 7th 10am to 12noon Location: Caledon Public Library, Bolton Register by calling FTP 905-584-4357 “Parenting Strategies for Dad” Trouble shoot and problem solve your everyday parenting concerns and share strategies with other dads of children age 6 and under. Workshop led by a male educator from Family Transition Place. Thursday, April 26th 7pm - 9pm Location: Caledon Parent-Child Centre, Bolton Register by calling CP-CC 905-857-0090 FTP is also offering two additional workshops, dates and locations to be confirmed. "Butterfly Women" : Workshop for women who were sexually abused as children. "Peaceful Families" : Kids exposed to woman abuse and family conflict can find support, understanding and a safe place to talk about the impact on their lives. Moms learn ways to help their kids. Call for upcoming dates and workshop locations 519-942-4122 ext. 236 Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2007 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 519 942-4122 EXT 243. THE HIDDEN WOMEN As I make my way around town, picking up a movie, shopping for a friend’s birthday gift or stretching at my Tai Chi class, I find it difficult to recognize her and suspect you would too. She may pour your latte at the local coffee shop, do your income taxes, teach your children or sit next to you at church and still, you probably wouldn’t recognize her. She feels alone and she’s hiding, right in front of your eyes. She’s the woman who has struggled for respect in her relationship and in her struggle has found herself a victim of abuse or violence. United Nation’s declared March 8th as International Women’s Day (IWD), and this year, the Canadian theme of “Ending Violence Against Women: Action for Real Results” reflects Canada’s approach to addressing gender-based violence. “IWD 2007 provides an opportunity to focus our collective attention on violence against women and girls and to consider concrete measures to end this social problem,” said Lyn Allen, Manager of Residential and Outreach Services at Family Transition Place, which is responsible for providing shelter and counselling for Caledon and Dufferin women abuse survivors. Monica* is one such survivor whose partner controlled her time with her family and friends, took her pay cheques, and screened her emails. She had to quit two jobs because she frequently arrived late; her partner had refused at the last minute to let her use the car. Sabrina* is another survivor who, like a growing number of survivors, found herself taking prescription drugs to cope with anxiety attacks. Panic and anxiety would overtake her as she waited for her partner’s next angry outburst. Even though she tried to be agreeable, she couldn't anticipate what would set him off. Research from the National Clearing House on Family Violence shows that one in four women experiences abuse at some time in her life. In Dufferin and Caledon, there are almost 40,000 women over the age of 15 – that translates to approximately 10,000 woman abuse survivors in our community. In 2005, Caledon OPP, Dufferin OPP, Orangeville Police Services and Shelburne Police Services responded to more than 460 reports of domestic violence. Last year, Family Transition Place provided shelter, counselling and support to more than 1,000 women and handled more than 3,500 calls on its 24 hour crisis line. Abuse affects women of all ages, all cultures and all income levels but statistically there are groups which experience higher rates of spousal violence and who are more vulnerable to abuse. Poverty and homelessness are two factors that leave women with fewer choices and less control over their lives, making them more vulnerable to abuse or violence in their relationships and more dependent upon their abusive partner, added Allen. In Caledon, where the average family income is more than $87,000 and in Dufferin where it’s $72,000 we don’t easily see the vulnerable women who are the "working poor", living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. But social service agencies see those who come forward for help, in counselling, at the food banks, applying for social assistance, and scanning job boards. According to Statistics Canada, rates of spousal violence are higher for women living in common-law relationships. Half of the reported incidents of violence occurred, or actually began after the separation, the most vulnerable time being the first few months after splitting up. Rachel* is one of Caledon and Dufferin’s 3,900 separated and divorced women. She came to Family Transition Place at the suggestion of her co-workers. Distracted and distressed, she confided to her colleagues that her ex-partner was sending text messages every hour begging her to call, to come back and threatening to commit suicide if she didn’t. As neighbours, friends and families of these hidden women, we need to look for the warning signs to identify and help women at risk of abuse. If she’s apologetic or makes excuses for her partner’s behaviour, is nervous talking when he’s around, seems to be sick more frequently and missing work, makes excuses at the last minute about not meeting you, seems sad, lonely, withdrawn or afraid, ask her how’s she doing. Help her come out of hiding. Help her find support. If you’d like to learn more, contact Family Transition Place 905-584-HELP or 519-941-HELP or visit www.familytransitionplace.ca. * client pseudonyms Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 519 942-4122 EXT 243. OMHA SUPPORT FOR FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE  The Orangeville Minor Hockey Association donated $1000 from the Ray Hunt Classic House League Tournament to Family Transition Place (FTP) to help support the shelter, counselling and violence prevention programs at FTP. There were 48 teams comprised of boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years who took part in the holiday tourney. FTP's Nadine Collins (right) was on hand to accept the cheque from Tournament Chair Les Kent, Initiation Program coach Diane Vandenberg, and players Mitchell Amos, Scott Culver, Myles Schulz, Richard Fraser and (front) Kyle Cunningham and Sullivan Murphy.
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 1, 2006 COMMUNITY GATHERING LAUNCHES WAPM More than 60 social service, legal, business, government and political leaders launched Woman Abuse Prevention Month on November 1, with a focus on raising awareness of the impact of woman abuse on children through the theme “If you are Being Hurt, Your Kids are Hurting Too.” Judy Finlay, Ontario’s Chief Advocate spoke on the impact of woman abuse on children during the launch ceremony which also included the presentation of the new “Strength in Collaboration: A Protocol for the Domestic Abuse Review Team (DART).” DART is comprised of government, legal and social services agencies who have the responsibility for responding to domestic violence and woman abuse. The WAPM activities are also a collaboration involving Family Transition Place, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Dufferin Child and Family Services, Dufferin Parent Support Network, Early Years Centre Dufferin, and Headwaters Health Care Centre. In Canada, it is estimated that 85,000 to 362,000 children are exposed to woman abuse each year. In Ontario, exposure to domestic violence was substantiated in 18, 518 child protection cases (Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect 2003). In Dufferin last year, 128 children came with their abused mothers to Family Transition Place for shelter and counselling. At Dufferin Child and Family Services, 204 calls were received for child protection related to domestic violence. The campaign is targeted towards mothers of young children in abusive relationships, as domestic violence is more prevalent in homes with younger children. It is estimated that 12% of children who witness incidents of domestic violence are physically assaulted themselves. The need to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on children is clearly demonstrated by the serious health outcomes. Children who witness or experience domestic violence often develop posttraumatic stress reactions and are more likely to demonstrate behavioural problems. To raise the public’s awareness about this issue, and to help abused women understand where they can go for help, information will be distributed through brochures, posters, and media messages in newspapers, radio and on screen at Galaxy Cinema. Community workshops will also be offered by community agencies in November and December. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WITH PHOTO OF SGT DAVE QUINTON, DUFFERIN OPP & DOREEN ARMSTRONG CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 519 942-4122 EXT 243. TRIBUTES PAID TO FTP'S ARMSTRONG  Community and political leaders, friends, colleagues and family paid tribute to Doreen Armstrong at her retirement celebration at Caledon Country Club on Sept 6. Armstrong is retiring after 19 years as Executive Director of Family Transition Place, an agency that has grown from being an emergency shelter for abused women to one that provides counselling, legal support, second stage housing, 24 Hour Crisis Info Line and violence prevention education for men, women and youth.
Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE, 942-4122 EXT. 243 FTP A WINNER! Karen Legge, Manager of Winners Orangeville, recently presented a $5,000 donation to Nadine Collins, Resource Development Manager for Family Transition Place. The donation was a gift from the corporate offices of Winners Merchants International. Back to topPRESS RELEASE JUNE 20, 2006 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE, 942-4122 EXT. 243 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE PROMPTS FTP DONATION Members of Westminster United Church "Woman to Woman" group donated $200 to Family Transition Place to support "POWER", a violence prevention program geared to help teens develop POWER program, a 12 week course to help high school students develop skills for healthy relationships. One of the "Woman to Woman" members who witnessed a young woman being bullied was motivated to suggest the donation. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE, 942-4122 EXT. 243 Family Transition Place is offering a unique, free, two-day summer camp for male and female youth ages 11- 13 who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend a summer camp. Camp RISE, set for July 18 & 19 at Rotary Park, Orangeville, is designed to foster self-esteem and team building through games, physical activities and fun! The camp will run from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Lunch is included. For more information or to register, call 519-942-4122 or 905 584-4357 ext 239 or 236. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 26, 2006 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Doreen Armstrong, Executive Director, 519 942-4122 ext. 232 FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE RECIPIENT OF LOCKYER BEQUEST Family Transition Place is most grateful for a donation of $100,000 from the Estate of Harry Roy Lockyer who was a long-time supporter of FTP. Making the formal presentation were President of Lockyer Brothers Ltd. and Estate Executor Jim Lockyer, his wife Barbara and the late Mr. Lockyer’s granddaughter Deborah Crofts and her husband Robert, Co-Executor of the Estate. FTP Board President Brenda Dee and Executive Director Doreen Armstrong accepted the donation. Family Transition Place is working to raise respect and eliminate violence in the community by providing shelter and counselling to abused women and their children and delivering skill-building violence prevention workshops to youth and adults in Dufferin and Caledon. Donations and bequests are needed by Family Transition Place in order to fund 100% of the violence prevention programs and to meet a shortfall in government funding for the shelter and counselling programs. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2006 CONTACT: BRENDA DEE, BOARD CHAIR, 519 938-7126 DOREEN ARMSTRONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 519 942-4122 EXT 243 FTP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Doreen Armstrong, Executive Director of Family Transition Place has decided that she will retire in September after 21 years of service to the agency and the community. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my many years with this wonderful organization and I know that together with the dedicated and talented staff and volunteers at Family Transition Place, we have accomplished much to improve women’s safety and promote healthy relationships," said Armstrong. "I will greatly miss the professional and personal relationships I have developed with the staff and my colleagues in the community," she added. Armstrong, 62, has provided the leadership that has seen FTP evolve from an emergency shelter for abused women and their children to a multi-faceted agency that offers violence prevention programs to youth, men and women as well as residential, counselling, transitional and legal supports for women in need of safety and support. “It’s an emotional time for our Board and staff,” said Brenda Dee, Chair of the Family Transition Place Board who applauded Armstrong's leadership. Dee expressed “a sincere appreciation, on behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers, for Armstrong’s countless accomplishments and undying passion through her many years of service”. "Doreen has embraced change and led us through many challenging situations. She has built a strong management team and an incredible staff who have collectively made Family Transition Place an agency that empowers abused women and leads the community in violence prevention initiatives," said Dee. “Our community is richer because of her dedication, commitment and vision,” she added. The Board of Directors has hired Knightsbridge Executive Search, a leading agency that specializes in not-for-profit executive recruitment, to assist in the search for a new Executive Director. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - MARCH 8TH CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE VIOLENCE AND POVERTY REMAIN BARRIERS TO EQUALITY In 1977, when the United Nations declared March 8th International Women’s Day, it presented society with an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the progress made to advance women’s equality as well as the challenges that remain. In 2006, Canadians have cause to celebrate. We have laws meant to guarantee women and men equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of Canadian life, including the Canadian Human Rights Act, pay and employment equity laws, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and maternity and parental benefits. In 2006, we also have reasons to be concerned. A serious gap exists between the laws intended to ensure equality and the reality of inequality in women’s lives. In fact, there is no country in the world where women truly have equality, according to the United Nations (UN) Secretary General. And that includes Canada. Women’s equality continues to be hampered by old issues: violence, poverty, and under representation in the political decision making process. We see it in nationally. We feel it locally. Violence against women remains a tragic reality. Half of all Canadian women have been victims of physical or sexual assault. Last year 132 women and 145 children came to Family Transition Place for emergency shelter and transitional housing. More than 630 women stepped out of their homes and received counselling to deal with the impact of unhealthy, harmful relationships. More than 2,600 people contacted the 24 hour crisis line and additional staff were hired to eliminate waiting lists and meet increasing demand for healthy relationship workshops for adults and school based workshops for youth. Poverty remains a reality for many women. It may trap them in abusive relationships or limit opportunities for themselves, and their children. In 2003, 52% of lone female households lived below the poverty line. New university educated immigrant women between 25 and 44 years of age who worked full-time earned $14,000 less than Canadian-born women. For those women who do break the poverty barrier, a 2001 Health Canada study indicates that women managers and professionals make the most compromise in their work and personal life. Women still devote more time than their male partners to child care and household chores. While women compose 52% of the Canadian population, they are not equally represented in the decision making process. Only 64 of the 308 Canadian Members of Parliament are women. Only six of the 27 cabinet members are women. Canada legally bound to eliminate discrimination This year International Women’s Day marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, one of the most comprehensive international treaty on women's rights. When Canada signed that treaty 25 years ago, our government become legally bound and committed to: • incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in our legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women; • ensure the elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons. While our government continues to address the policies which result in barriers to equality, individuals must look at their own behaviours and attitudes which perpetuate disrespect and inequality. How do you act in your homes, schools and businesses towards women? What behaviours do you model for your children? Do you speak up when you see and hear attitudes and behaviours of disrespect and violence to women including put downs, offensive jokes, or sexual harassment. This week, as part of International Women’s Day, spend time with your sons and daughters and learn more about how violence, poverty and unequal political representation continue to create barriers to women’s equality. An easy step would be to watch the Academy Award nominated movie North Country, a true story about a woman who wants a decent job so she can put food on the table and take care of her kids and instead finds herself threatened, insulted, ogled, fondled, belittled, attacked and called filthy names. How she fought back changed laws and business practices. For more information, visit the United Nation’s Division for the Advancement of Women , Status of Women Canada, EqualVoice or other sections of our web site. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 19, 2005 CONTACT: SUE BUCKLE, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE 905 584-4357 EXT 243. CALEDON RESIDENTS CAN NOW REACH FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE THROUGH LOCAL PHONE NUMBER Safety, support and hope for abused women and supporters of Family Transition Place are now just a local phone call away with a new 24 hour crisis and information line 905 584-4357. Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison and FTP Executive Director Doreen Armstrong announced the new phone number today. Having a local number to dial will increase accessibility for Caledon residents to FTP's programs and services. “FTP has served Caledon residents for 20 years providing safe shelter, counselling, transitional and legal support for abused women and their children. Now more people in our community – men, women and youth - are taking part in our violence prevention services through skill-building workshops and educational presentations,” said Armstrong. “We know from a recent survey that we need to let more Caledon residents know how to reach us and access our services. The phone number is a first step,” she added. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR RELEASE MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2005 CONTACT: Sue Buckle, Family Transition Place, 519-942-4122 ext. 243 Carine Strong, Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd, 905-951-5000 GOOD IMPRESSION LEADS TO DONATION FROM HUSKY A belief in prevention, a concern for youth and a respect for the professionalism of Family Transition Place (FTP) led Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. to make a donation of $2,500 towards FTP’s violence prevention and children’s programs. “Programs that reach people to help prevent violence and abuse from happening in the first place are valuable to our community in the long run,” said Carine Strong, Director of Customer Relations at Husky which made a $4,000 donation to FTP this past summer. FTP delivers inter-active skill-building presentations to more than 3,500 area students annually helping them develop skills for building healthy equal relationships without violence and abuse. Healthy dating, assertiveness, sexual harassment, gender stereotyping, communication, setting limits, and respect are some of the topics covered in the presentations delivered by trained co-op students and violence prevention staff. “It’s extremely impressive the way that FTP approaches its support of abused women in need of emergency shelter, delivers its counselling program to people who are not staying in the shelter, and how they work with the local schools to help youth build positive relationships,” added Strong. “Each year we have to fundraise 100% of the funding for our Violence Prevention Program so we sincerely appreciate Husky’s on-going support,” said Executive Director Doreen Armstrong. $2,000 of Husky’s donation will support the violence prevention program while $500 will be used to purchase educational materials and resources to support children staying in the emergency shelter. “A strong commitment to corporate social responsibility is part of Husky’s core values. Corporate responsibility is integrated in the way we do business through uncompromising ethics, proactive environmental responsibility, education and caring for the wellbeing of the people in the communities where we do business,” added Strong. Last year 132 abused women and their 145 children found safety in FTP’s emergency shelter and second stage housing; 632 women received counselling, legal and transitional support; 3,700 students took part in violence prevention education and more than 2,600 people called the 24 hour crisis/information line 1-800-265-9178 or 519-941-HELP. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR RELEASE FRIDAY, APRIL 15 CONTACT: DOREEN ARMSTRONG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 519 942-4122 SURVEY CONFIRMS COMMUNITY'S DESIRE FOR WOMAN ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICES How often does woman abuse occur in our community? According to a survey of 316 Dufferin and Caledon men and women, more than 67% believe it happens frequently or very often. The Family Transition Place (FTP) community survey, funded by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, also revealed that 58% of those surveyed feel more needs to be done to prevent woman abuse. On Friday FTP released the findings of the survey and launched its new website, www.familytransitionplace.ca, one of the ways that abused women, their friends, family, coworkers and others can learn more about dealing with and preventing family violence. In addition to measuring public attitudes towards woman abuse, the survey collected data from 153 men and 163 women regarding the public’s awareness of FTP’s programs and services. The information will help FTP reach potential clients, donors and others interested in preventing family violence. “We also learned that while people recognize the FTP name (62%), many still aren’t fully aware of all the services we provide,” said Executive Director Doreen Armstrong. “Our emergency shelter is known but we need to get the message out that there is a range of services available for women who have never set foot in the shelter,” she added. FTP provides outreach services for legal, transitional and housing support as well as second stage housing, counselling and workshops for women. A 24 hour crisis/info line and violence prevention programs support men, women and youth throughout the community. Some of the key findings from the survey:
“Our new website will make information more accessible,” said Armstrong. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DOREEN ARMSTRONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE 519 942-4122 ext 232 GLOBAL STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY SUPPORTED BY UNITED NATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY Can you imagine your 13 year old daughter being abducted by a man to be his wife? Would you leave her with him because no one would want to marry her now that she lost her virginity? Is it likely that a Canadian woman would need permission from her father, brother or uncle before she could attend school? Do you believe that at the age of 30, you would no longer be desirable as a factory employee? While Canadian women continue to strive for greater equality, there are women in some corners of the globe whose struggle for equality involves some very basic human rights and control over their own lives. Equality and women’s empowerment remain priorities for the United Nations (UN). It established March 8th as International Women’s Day 30 years ago to raise awareness and encourage global action in for women’s equality. In 1945 when the UN was formed, the struggle for gender equality was still in its early stages. Of the original 51 UN member countries, only 30 allowed women equal voting rights with men or permitted them to hold public office. Each time the UN sponsored World Conference on Women was held (1975, 1980, 1985, 1995) the number of world governments participating in the conferences increased. More nations were recognizing the rights of women and by 1995 almost every country at the Conference had declared violence against women as illegal. Yet inequalities remained. “Decisions that affect all people's lives were still being made mostly by men. Ways had to be sought to empower women so that they could bring their own priorities and values as equal partners with men in decision-making processes at all levels,” according to the UN. At the 1995 Conference in Beijing, the 17,000 representatives of non-governmental organizations and 189 governments in attendance ratified the Beijing Platform for Action, calling for the re-examination of governments’ decision-making processes as well as countries’ basic social structures, including the relations between men and women. Women’s participation in decision-making was recognized not only as their legitimate right, but as a social and political necessity that would have to be incorporated into all institutions in society in order to achieve equality, world development and peace. The Platform for Action focused on strategic objectives and actions related to 12 areas that impact women’s equality including poverty, education, health, violence, armed conflict, economy, power and decision making, the media, and the environment. “The full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all women is essential for the empowerment of women. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms,” according to the Platform for Action. Those national and regional particularities and backgrounds have defined the starting point for many nations. This week the UN Commission on the Status of Women is meeting in New York to discuss future approaches towards gender equality and present their members’ progress over the past ten years in such areas as human rights, violence against women and girls, health, unpaid work, poverty and women's diversity. Learn more about the global efforts for women’s equality by visiting the United Nation’s Division for the Advancement of Women at www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/daw/wru.htm. You can follow a link on that site to learn more about the Beijing Platform for Action. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: DOREEN ARMSTRONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE 519 942-4122 ext 232 LOCAL IMMIGRANT WOMEN FIND GREATER EQUALITY, OPPORTUNITY IN CANADA The struggle of Canadian women for equality and control over their lives is much different compared to the plight of some women elsewhere on the planet. Five immigrant women now living in Dufferin and Caledon, shared their appreciation of Canadian opportunities as well as their memories of growing up in Africa, Asia, Europe and Middle East societies where opportunities for women and equality looked very different and more limiting. Here in Canada they’ve discovered that “women aren’t trapped”. They “have opportunities to live their dreams”, “speak their mind”, “aren’t slaves to their husbands”, and “are free to make choices”. Quani grew up in Somali under the political rule of a dictatorship and the chaos of a civil war. Her reality meant no health care, no voting, and limited educational opportunities. Education, understood in Western society as a pathway out of poverty and towards choice, was not readily available. Quani’s mother first learned to read and write at the age of 60 after she came to Canada. In her country, women’s independence was limited, even for something as simple as driving a car. “It was so unusual to see a woman in a car that children would throw stones at her and the car,” she said. When Amelda arrived in Canada from the Philippines, “it was a culture shock”. “Here I’ve seen female taxi drivers, postal carriers, and horse handlers. You wouldn’t see that in the Philippines. There were definite roles for men and women. Women were expected to stay home to look after the family,” she said. Poverty perpetuates the limitations women faced. More than 70% of the population earns barely enough to pay for the basic needs of food, clothing, and rent. Jobs are scare and any real opportunities only exist for the middle class or very rich. (http://asnic.utexas.edu/asnic/countries/philippines/philippines.html) Amelda married a Canadian who told her that life for women in Canada was the same as the Philippines. The fate of women is to serve their husband and family. When she arrived here, neighbors and newfound friends saw and were concerned by the control and abuse she experienced. “I feel like my eyes were opened. They helped me realize I didn’t have to live that way,” she said. Eden grew up in Ethiopia, one of the poorest nations on earth. This African country has seen less than a decade of democracy. The previous Marxist military regime left a legacy of poverty, dependency on foreign aid, and a high population growth. In Ethiopia, a woman’s life and destiny were tied to a single goal: marriage. In a social structure that led to a high population growth, women bore the heaviest burden of the country’s struggles. “Women are the main home provider. If she didn’t want to do that, no one would want to marry her. Marriage was the goal, so why have an education? It’s begun changing in cities but in rural areas, which make up a high percentage of the population, things remain much the same.” “As a tomboy”, Eden felt less confined by the traditional roles and goals. Her parents, encouraged by missionaries, also had visions of a life for their daughter “as something more” so they sent her to Canada for an education. “I think it was harder for Ethiopian men though. Here in Canada, they no longer had superior status while women have a lot more choices, a lot more options,” she said. Nahid from Iran and Ingrid from Germany didn’t grow up feeling “disadvantaged” or the same limitations as experienced by women in Third World countries, yet they both feel Canadian life provides women with more choices. “Iran is very different from the other middle eastern countries. In some ways it’s not much different than Canada. Because of the economy, both (husband and wife) have to work. Women can become professionals. The only thing they can’t become is a judge because women are considered too soft to make such judgments,” said Nahid. Ingrid found German society more restrictive, creating a climate that limited personal choices. “Here, there is more common sense. You’re not put in a box. You have more choices. In Germany, it seems there are more rules, life is far more rigid.” Whether they’re from Ethiopia, Somalia, Iran, Germany or Philippines, these five women agree that Canadian women have more opportunities and choices than other women due to government policies, economic opportunities and cultural attitudes. “Here you can follow your dreams,” said Ingrid. Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DEC. 6TH NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CONTACT: DOREEN ARMSTRONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE 519 942-4122 ext 232 TURN GRIEF INTO ACTION DEC. 6TH Each of us, men and women, grieves the death of someone close to us. Fifteen years ago, on December 6th, the nation grieved the death of 14 young women who were tragically murdered at l’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. Why? Simply because of their gender. If their deaths did not impact your life in any practical or substantial way, it may be difficult to find a reason to acknowledge the December 6th anniversary which was declared the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women by the Canadian government to commemorate the tragic deaths. For some of us, the lack of a personal connection to these 14 victims made the shock and grief of the murders fade. If it wasn’t our daughter, our sister, our girlfriend, our wife or our mother, how do we relate to their deaths? One way is by knowing that these women were innocent victims who could just as easily have been your daughter, your sister, your girlfriend, your wife, or mother. Think about it, these women were murdered, just because they were women. There’s an expression shared by those who work to end violence against women: first we mourn, then we work for change. Fifteen years have passed and change is still needed. Change in attitudes, policies and practices within our communities and government. Family Transition Place works with youth in schools, talking about gender stereotyping and healthy relationships in order to help influence the development of healthy attitudes at key times in youth development. We’ve also engaged Caledon and Dufferin men in a campaign to help stop the rippling impact of violence against women by speaking out and speaking up. On Dec. 6th, we invite you take a moment to have a special thought for all the women and girls who live daily with the threat of violence or who have died as a result of deliberate acts of gender-based violence. Take a moment to speak to one other person, a friend, family member or co-worker, about the issue. Discussion is an important part of the solution. Last year 121 women and 117 children sought refuge in Family Transition Place’s emergency shelter while 628 women came for woman abuse, sexual abuse or legal support counselling. The 24 Hour Crisis Line supported 3,500 crisis calls. In the last 12 months, 17 Ontario women were killed by their current or ex partner. One in four Canadian women experiences abuse in her lifetime. Tens of thousands women and girls continue to be raped in the Congo, targeted victims of a war and discrimination. These are realities worth talking about. If you are looking for another opportunity to acknowledge your concern, you’re invited to take part in two special events our community has organized for Dec. 6th. A Candlelight Vigil to End Violence Against Women will take place 6:30 to 7:30 pm outside the Orangeville Town Hall on Broadway. This vigil is hosted by the Orangeville District Labour Council. There will also be a service held at Palgrave United Church on 34 Pine St., just 1 block east of Hwy 50 at 7:30 pm. Further background available at Government of Canada Status of Women website: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/dates/dec6/index_e.html Back to topPRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 11, 2004 CONTACT: DOREEN ARMSTRONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 942-4122 EXT. 232 GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR SHELTER A FIRST STEP Funding for women's emergency shelters, frozen for the last nine years, thawed a little in the province's spring budget with a three percent increase for a number of agencies, including Family Transition Place. "We're pleased to be receiving an additional $26,000. It is a first step in addressing the fact that women's shelters have not seen a funding increase in nine years. The bulk of the money will be used towards the emergency shelter program and staff related costs not previously funded," said Doreen Armstrong, Executive Director of Family Transition Place. "As the shelter program has never been 100 per cent funded by the government, we will continue to ask for the community's financial support to run both the emergency shelter and the violence prevention programs and initiatives. The need is real," she added. Over the past four months, Family Transition Place provided shelter to more woman and children than its funding covers with the shortfall being covered by fundraised dollars. In June, 18 women and 20 children asked for emergency shelter at FTP. In the last year, more than 900 women and children received support through the shelter and counselling programs and close to 3,500 callers contacted the 24 Hour Crisis/Info Line. "We are also encouraged by the government's intent to have a provincial Domestic Violence Action Plan and anxiously look for its leadership in addressing violence against women and promoting healthy, safe communities," added Armstrong. Back to top |