November 2006 - Downtown Eastside Women`s Centre

Management
Team Update
Downtown Eastside
New Programs
Women’s Centre Wish List
tarting in November we will be working
R
ecently, a TV segment highlighed the
work of a non-profit organization
that five years ago was worth 600,000 but
this year is worth seven million dollars!
Sometimes it feels like the DEWC is in a
growing industrial sector – the growing
business of poverty, despair and misery.
We are not particularly pleased that we
serve over 170,000 meals annually. We
do not want to be in business, instead
of a strategic plan for organizational
growth we should have a strategic
plan for organizational obsolescence.
Imagine a time when there would be
no purpose for the Centre there would
equal opportunity for all women to
safety, security, economic independence
and freedom. This
Instead of a
requires governments,
strategic plan for
corporations and each
organizational
one of us to consider
growth we
what it takes to really
should have a
change. Until then we
strategic plan for
are struggling with the
organizational
dichotomy.
obsolescence
This year we lost
crucial funding from the Ministry of
Employment and Income Assistance,
funding which went toward outreach,
education, support and training for
marginalized and isolated women. The
outcomes included community building,
inclusion of women facing multiple
barriers such as mental health and
extreme exploitation. We also provided
training and support for women to
integrate, participate and adapt into
mainstream society. This is a great loss
and limits our ability to help women
down the path of change, we continue to
maintain women on the edge of survival
but have limited resources to give them
that hand that they so need to get on the
path of wellness.
More than ever we need help from
our supporters to continue this work.
Independent donors mean that we can
support women in appropriate and
efficient ways rather than be limited
by the expectations of government
contracts. We must continue to believe
that ALL women will one day be equal.
Extended Hours for
overnight shelter
Drop In Improvements
S
$350,000 annuallly
$15,000
We have been in our current space over
five years, and it needs minor and major
improvements and replacements:
Left to right, Sue Duggan, Marlene George, Bernie Williams (resigned), Dina Amouzgar, Marr Dorvault, Donna Gorrill
Absent, Gladys Radek, Josephine Watson, Laurie Peltier, Mebrat Beyene, Velma Paquette and Mary Lynn Young
Board Update – welcome our new directors!
O
n October 24, 2006 about 30
Considering recent developments
women attended the DEWC
the Board will pursue funding to keep
Annual General Meeting and voted in a
the Centre open longer hours. It is a
new Board of Directors. The AGM went
priority for our members and we will seek
really well with a positive report from
efficient and innovative ways to make this
the DEWC Auditor, Dorothy from M.
happen. This may include partnerships
Newton and Company. Many thanks
with other women
Considering recent centered services,
to the 2005-06 Board for all their work
developments the community non-profit
last year including Marlene Trick,
Board will pursue and service groups.
Josephine Watson, Bernie Williams,
funding
to keep the This is very exciting
Mebrat Beyene, Edna Brass, Velma
Centre open 24/7. and challenging, at
Paquette and Delannah Bowen. Eleven
women were acclaimed as the 2006-2007
times difficult decisions
DEWC Board of Directors they are; Dina
may be needed on how to allocate our
Amouzgar, Donna Gorrill, Gladys Radek, resources but we are committed to work
Josephine Watson, Laurie Peltier, Marlene in consultation with our members.
George (Trick), Mebrat Beyene, Susan
For a copy of our 05-06 Annual Report
Duggan, Velma Paquette, Marr Dorvault
call Cynthia at 604-681-8480, ext 226 or
(Elders Rep.)
email administration@dewc.ca.
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Replace 300 chairs & 10 tables
Replace flooring
Reinforce shower stalls
Wall repairs and painting
Repair and replace troubled plumbing
Repair industrial sinks
Build appropriate storage
Recover 3 couches
Replace troubled electrical
Upgrade kitchen equipment
Repairs to the van
with Justice for Girls to host a monthly
evening for women and girls under 21.
There are more and more young women on
the streets. In the downtown eastside there
are no places for young girls where they are
free from predators, recruiters and others
who may exploit or harm them. The Centre
is generally known as the mum’s and aunties
place, often young women who use our
Centre are judged and sometimes exploited
by older women (recruitment for selling
drugs and prostitution). When they come
into the Centre we all get anxious because
they bear the pressure of our collective hope
for better futures as well as all the fears and
regrets stemming from our own youth. With
Justice for Girls we will work towards being
a place for young women and girls that meet
their needs and not our own.
d
n
o
ey
B
See
Thank you to all our donors and supporters
Individuals: C Poppen, L Nicholls, MJE Scott, B Cook, K Murphy, C Lightburn, L Robertson, C Gerson, M Kimball, J
Brenner, S Kashman, M Fulton, MJ Buckham, G Flett, E Cambon, J Bulman, N Richler, L Eng, H Hardern, D Lupini
Companies: Business Objects Corp.,Eye Design Inc., Kodak Graphics Communications, Korets Lofts, Newman’s Own,
No Dust On Us II, Serena Fashions, Victory Square Law Offices, Supernatural Film Inc.
Unions & Employee Groups: BCNU Vancouver Metro Region, Cast and Crew of “Cabaret at the Arts Club Theatre,
Catch Fire, CUPE Local #391, Hospital Employees Union, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 500,
Options for Sexual Health Staff, Provincial Employees Community Services Fund, Teaching Support Staff Union SFU
Foundations: Al Roadburg Foundation, BC Hydro Employees Community Services Fund, Gunn Foundation
Organizations: Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Jessie F. Gordon Chapter IODE, SFU Women’s Centre, St. James
Community Service Society, University Women’s Club, Vancouver Moving Theatre, WAVAW
Prior approval for printing of names have been provided,to be included in our next newsletter please contact Cynthia Low at 604-6818480 x 226.
An exhibition of collaborative art work by women from the Downtown
Eastside Women Centre in partnership with Business Objects & WEAVE.
Opening night: February 22, 07 5-8 pm
Business Objects Office, 211 Nelson St., corner of Cambie St.
How can you help?
Holiday Helpers! Christmas is around
the corner and many hands will make
amazing things happen.
Gift Banker! Set up a Christmas
collection centre for the DEWC at your
office, apartment, neighbourhood,
church, gym or your local corner store.
Geek Alert! The DEWC is still looking
for an educator and network manager to
help us maximize the technology.
Treasure Hunters! Fund raising and
economic stability team for the Centre.
Makeover Divas! Renovate & decorate
the basement to create a healing space
for women & children. Materials
generously provided by Home Depot.
Please call Cynthia at 604-681-8480 ext
226 or email administration@dewc.ca
Our Members
L
ast year we conducted a survey to
find out more about our members
and how to better meet their needs.
At last count we had 477 registered
members. Every year over 900
women use our services. Here is some
information about who they are.
n 65%
are residents of the Downtown
Eastside. 22% live outside the
community but need the Centre
because there is no help for them in
their neighbourhood.
n 61%
have been using the Centre for
over 5 years, 28% have been using
the Centre for over 10 years.
n 72%
use the Centre at least 4 days a
week. 37% use the Centre every day.
n 43%
use the Centre for the Drop In
as a meeting/community space.
n 78%
identify as Native or Native
mixed heritage
n 67%
are aged between 30 & 59
n 29%
are in their twenties
n 56%
are homeless or at risk of
homelessness
NEW WAYS OF
GIVING & GETTING!
Website relaunch January 1, 07!
n Online giving through dewc.ca
and at canadahelps.org
n L
aurie has been using
the Centre since she
moved to Vancouver
15 years ago. It has
always provided a place
for her to be around people, to stay clean
and away from destructive elements.
Sherrie never accessed social services
before she got pregnant. People who use
social services are often stigmatized and
looked down on. In her experience some
places were often
judgmental and she
felt discriminated
against. When
Laurie brought her
to the Centre the
atmosphere here was
one of friendship
and community.
Like many of our
community members
Sherrie and Laurie
did not have family or supportive social
networks, for a variety of reasons those
links have been broken. The Centre has
helped both women to build relationships
with others, they can participate in
different activities and be around people
who are sincere and caring.
Their three year old daughter, Lexie,
is the joy of the Centre, there are so few
places in the downtown east side that
are safe and that welcome children. As
new parents they were under constant
surveillance by the police, Ministry, social
workers and community members. They
were judged and watched all the time. It
is difficult enough being new parents but
the pressure was intense with everyone
Sherrie
Lexie &
Laurie
waiting for them to screw up and waiting
to take Lexie away.
Sherrie
“At the Centre, staff and other members
were helpful and supportive, they went out
of their way to make us feel comfortable.
I didn’t have to ask for help, it was always
offered, it didn’t feel like I had to go
begging. It helped me build confidence to
build relationships and now I can ask for
help when I need it.”
This broke down the
barriers and isolation that
come with being parents in the
downtown eastside. The Centre
helped the family find housing
and continues to ensure that
Sherrie, Lexie and Laurie
achieve their full potential.
Through the Centre Sherrie,
Lexie and Laurie have met
people who are more than
‘workers’ but friends and family. They now
have people in their lives they can depend
on and whom they know will up stand up
for their family.
Laurie
“They have helped us in so many ways, as
a single person it was easy for me to ask for
little things but for my family it is difficult
for me to ask for help because there was
so much we need. The Centre is so willing
to help. We are always welcome here and
we feel safe, there is something for all of us
and support when we need it. Lexie is so
loved here. I don’t know what we would do
without the Centre.”
E
n 350
Volunteer Orientation
February 1416th Annual Women’s Memorial March for the Missing
and Murdered women of the Downtown Eastside
Give in December or January and
enter to win artwork by WEAVE
Centre Update
December 10
Sign up for our monthly
newsletter or have Front &
Centre sent to you electronically.
n O
n Sunday November 19, 2006 at
5:00pm when the Centre closed,
over 30 women refused to leave insisting
that the Centre remain open for 24 hours
a day. This protest was led by the Elders
who have been walking through our
streets in the evenings caring for women.
“We have been telling them (staff) for
years that we need this. Every night we see
women sleeping on the streets and men
abusing them on the streets. Last week a
woman was raped in front of the bottle
depot on Hastings. We need a place for our
women to go at night. The Centre must
stay open!” Bernie Williams, Elders Helper.
On the night of the 19th over 40
homeless women used the Centre for
shelter and over 120 used the Centre as
a respite from the cold and wet weather.
The following night over 50 homeless
women needed a safe dry place to sleep.
Upcoming special events & activities
December 19
n Homeless women protest at Downtown Eastside Womens’ Centre
very year we help over 900 women
and children to get housing, social
service entitlements, disability allowances,
criminal and family matters addressed and
we give free smiles to brighten their days.
Here are somehighlights of the services
the Centre provides 365 days a year:
Credit card giving by mail or by
calling Cynthia at 604-681-8480
extension 226
n December 2006
DEWC Holiday Celebration for 600 women and children
December 25Christmas pancake breakfast, singing & festivities
January 1
New Years Brunch
Feb 22–Mar 12 See Beyond: An art show, see page 3 for details
March
International Women’s Day FEARLESSNESS celebration
February atch for Capers Community Market 5% day – 5% of all
W
pre-tax purchases go to DEWC. Stockpile or buy for friends
Published by the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
302 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 4J1
Tel: (604) 681-8480 Fax: (604) 681-8470
info@dewc.ca www.dewc.ca
women and children helped daily
meals served annually
n 40,000 feminine hygiene products
distributed annually
n 6,561 hours of drop in annually
n 1,248 hours of programming annually
n 173,238
In January 2005 the Centre offered 136
hours of programming which included
Math and English upgrade, massage,
street nurse, sweat lodge accompaniment,
hair cuts, outings, resume writing,
Chinese women’s support group, drug
and alcohol counseling, bingo, arts and
Women who used
the Centre were
not the same ones
who use the Drop
In during the day
– they are young
and very very sick.
The Centre
prides itself as a
member driven
organization, we
have known that
there is a need
While it is not
for womens only
clear how long
24/7 place and
we can sustain
have been asking
this action we
government to
have no doubt
fund such a place.
this is the right
thing to do.
The funders have
been supportive
of the Drop In over the years, the
conditions are changing rapidly and
the support for a 24/7 space has not
crafts. We had 188 hours of drop in
materialized for various reasons. It is time
as well as 22 hours of evening groups
for the Centre to take action and to stop
for activities like Community Kitchen,
making excuses and take responsibility
Battered Women Support Services,
to do what is needed to keep women safe
Healing Circles, Music and Food Safe
and healthy.
Certification. In total we were open 7 days
As of 10 am on Friday November 24,
a week for 210 hours for the month.
2006 the Downtown Eastside Womens’
By November we increased the Drop
Centre will be open 24/7 for as long as we
In hours by 30 hours or 14% and will be
can. Each night up to 60 women will have
open a total of 240 hours with 51 hours
a safe and dry place to go. This is exciting
of evening group programming.
and at the same time distressing because
At a community meeting on December
no-one should have to sleep on the floor
1, with representatives from the Board,
at the Centre. It is exciting because women
Elders, members, management and staff
of the downtown eastside rose up, spoke
it was agreed that the DEWC will extend
up and refuse to accept any less. They
hours by opening every evening from
have supported each other in so many
11pm to 8am to provide refuge and safety
ways, they brought blankets from their
for women who are homeless or at risk
own homes, helped the women who were
of violence. Although we do not have the
extremely ill, cooked and cleaned.
funding in place now, we have adapted our
While it is not clear how long we can
infrastructure to ensure that the services are sustain this action we have no doubt that
provided in the best way possible.
this is the right thing to do.