The Vision for a New Crossroads Shelter
The YWCA had a bold vision for a new Crossroads Shelter:
one that would replace the two existing shelters; one that would ensure that women and their families are not doubled up in one room;
one that would have more space for cooking and recreational activities so that families can eat and play together and not in shifts. And one that would have professional counselling and support programs delivered within the safety of the shelter, so that women are better enabled to build a promising and healthy future for their families when they reintegrate into the community. Importantly, because there would be one large shelter instead of two separate houses in different locations, staffing could be doubled without adding salaries. With a minimum of two counsellors available at all times, women would be given the support, care and attention they need, when they need it.
At 14,178 square feet, the new Crossroads shelter
is twice the size of both previous buildings combined. It
is wheelchair accessible and is designed to accommodate the needs of injured, disabled, and elderly women, as well as women with small children requiring cribs and strollers. A significant enhancement
is additional space for private counselling as well as children's programming and areas for group programs for both shelter residents and women in transition.
Helping women imagine and achieve a different future requires nourishment of self-esteem, rebuilding of confidence, pre-employment programs, assistance with access to resources and often special supports for those women struggling with psychological problems. Helping children recover from the trauma of abuse in the home is also a crucial intervention. Professional support to mothers and children is critical to ensuring these youth do not themselves grow up to be abusers or victims. The YWCA, in partnership with appropriate community service agencies,
will provide women and their children with the enriched professional support they require to break the cycle of violence and build healthier futures.
“In an abusive situation, a woman has to make a very brave and courageous decision to take the extra risk of walking out that door, taking her children and saying goodbye to the relationship, a marriage, a home and hoping something better will come next.”
- Lynn Zimmer, YWCA Executive Director
