A place where they belong

Elmwood

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This article was published 10/04/2024 (738 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Elmwood Community Resource Centre is a haven for many members of the community, offering resources and support to those who, in many cases, may not have anywhere else to turn.

The centre, located at 545 Watt St., offers numerous programs, including family drop-in and counselling programs, as well as resources for children such as an after-school program and a summer camp.

Another important program is called Still I Rise, which scales up current gender-based violence programs to address its root causes in a culturally sensitive way for Black, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Arab individuals who are considered high risk. Anne Pinnock is the project’s lead.

Nina Condo, ECRC executive director, said the response to the program — run in partnership with the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters — has been overwhelming.

“The goals are to build awareness and to provide tools to people and to help them heal from gender-based violence,” Condo said, noting that anyone seeking help can be in a different situation to someone else.

“For example, it could be how we can connect you with a bank or an employment program. If you don’t have an employment history here, connecting you can provide a sense of sisterhood, a support network.”

Condo said it’s also important to factor children who’ve witnessed violence into the equation, not least so the next generation are taught not to repeat the cycle of abuse.

“When we talk about female empowerment and healing, what does this look like, and who should be part of the conversation to help the healing?” she added.

Noting the program uses the “tree of life” model and narrative therapy, Condo said it’s key for people to redevelop a new story for themselves and find light at the end of the tunnel.

Overall, the centre partners with a large of number of community agencies, as well as a number of local schools in the Elmwood area.

At the heart of the matter, Condo said, is the fact there can still be stigma surrounding gender-based violence.

“It can come with stigma and guilt, so to have someone be there for you, no matter what, is huge. We wanted to make sure we’re not just a cookie-cutter program, and that what we do is based on what you need at that moment,” she said.

“The beauty of the centre is that we have a variety of programming – counselling, employment, adult literacy, crisis care. We create a space where people feel they belong. It’s a natural circle of support. We also have a very diverse staff, and we work with different elders and knowledge keepers,” Condo added.

The centre also has two satellite locations at 65 Stadacona St. and 75 Brazier St.

Child care is available for participants with non-school age kids, Condo said.

Go online at www.elmwoodcrc.ca or call 204-982-1720 for more details.