\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto by Simon Fuller<\/p>\n
Nina Condo is pictured by a pledge tree at the Elmwood Community Resource Centre, where individuals have attached handwritten pledges to it.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Overall, the centre partners with a large of number of community agencies, as well as a number of local schools in the Elmwood area.<\/p>\n
At the heart of the matter, Condo said, is the fact there can still be stigma surrounding gender-based violence.<\/p>\n Photo by Simon Fuller<\/p>\n Nina Condo, the executive director of the Elmwood Community Resource Centre, said the response to its Still I Rise program has been overwhelming.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n The centre also has two satellite locations at 65 Stadacona St. and 75 Brazier St.<\/p>\n Child care is available for participants with non-school age kids, Condo said.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t