Women in Need Growing Stronger Dove Tales Merry Christmas! Christmas 2014 Merry Christmas from the President “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens As we approach the Christmas Season it is a good time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year – at WINGS we have much to be thankful for. We are especially thankful of your support as volunteers and donors – which is what makes the services provided to families at WINGS and the Home Next Door possible! Over the past year, programming for families has continued to expand and we have achieved a number of milestones. Both WINGS and the Home Next Door continue to provide crucial programs and support for families creating violence-free futures. It’s hard to believe the Home Next Door is now two years old, and both WINGS and the Home Next Door continue to be at full capacity. A major achievement this year was the opening of the Home Next Door’s Rocky Forest Daycare in the spring of 2014! Providing day care services for families living at the Home Next Door has been a longstanding goal and one of the key support services required to help families achieve independence. We welcome the new staff of the day care and look forward to adding out-of-school care services over the next few months. It is with mixed feelings that I share with you that Linda Churchill, Manager of Resources and Development, will be retiring in December, 2014. While we are very happy for Linda and Ken as they embark on retirement and warmer winters, we are saddened by her leaving. Linda has been with WINGS from the beginning – 28 years! – and has been instrumental in building WINGS from a small program for 12 families to exemplary second-stage shelter and now affordable housing and services for 49 families. Words cannot begin to describe how grateful we are for Linda’s leadership, dedication and service to WINGS – Thank you, Linda! On behalf of the Board and staff at WINGS, I would like to wish all of you a joyful holiday season and thank you for your continued support of the families at WINGS and the Home Next Door! Alan Knowles President 1 Season Greetings from the Director... This is the time of year when the families and staff at Wings are privileged to see the generosity of a caring community of people in supporting women, children and youth to have a peaceful and safe Christmas. Wings is a fast paced environment and this pace accelerates at this time of year with many Christmas activities and outings; an exciting party and visit from Santa, a children’s store operated by Wings’ staff where children can pick out a gift for their mothers. I think I like this the best as children look over the gifts carefully and choose the perfect gift for mom. They are so proud and excited. The youth living at Wings then assist the children with their wrapping. For many families this will be the first Christmas without family violence, homelessness and poverty. It is my hope that we are supporting families in creating happy memories of love, kindness and fun! We could not do this without your support as we need gifts for all ages of children and the women involved in Wings’ programs. I can tell you from past Christmas’s the families cannot believe how the community supports them. Sadly for many they are not used to people caring. Thank you to all who make a difference to people in need at Christmas. Happy New Year ! Patricia Garrett Executive Director Women in need growing stronger... Looking back to when I first entered WINGS to now, I have grown so much, in so many ways. And it has not only been me that has changed. My children, my friends and family around me, the way I view relationships, and myself-all these things changed. When I think of myself six months ago, I was making changes, but I didn't understand the changes I was going to make. I was scared. Not just of my ex, but of people, male and female alike. I was faking courage and happiness, and praying I was passing it off as real, and in many ways it was the closest I was to real happiness. I was desperate for acceptance but I was unable to accept myself. I hadn't had a drink in 8 years, hadn't touched drugs in 16 and they looked like viable options 6 months ago. I would never admit to that though. My biggest decision when I came was that I was going to treat this as a job. As if I was being paid to change myself, my life and my children’s future. I didn't want to waste the opportunity. I remember thinking when I got here with my one suitcase of clothing for 4 people that I had made a mistake. I remember thinking as I was starting group that I had made a mistake. I remember meeting workers and clients and thinking I had made a mistake. I also remembered what the person who did my intake said to me: I would get out of the program what I put into it, the amount I change or don't change was my responsibility. And the most important thing she said was that my being there was NOT a mistake in any way. I don't know exactly when I started changing, after a while I realized that things were just easier. I was enjoying group, the learning, the teaching, the healing. I had made a friend and I really liked her, like a genuine friendship that is not superficial. I realized and started accepting boundaries and that they were a good and integral part of life. I started to take care of what I needed and some of what I wanted instead of just barely giving myself what I needed to survive in self care, sleep and me time. I started to place boundaries and stick to them with my ex and family. I started to like myself. I started to understand what my part and my responsibilities were and are and not what I "feel". I began to love myself, accept my faults, and truly find contentment and joy. The staff and support at WINGS were instrumental. They are patient, kind, straight forward, and funny. I love that the staff would allow me to make my own choices and guide me to what was the right choice. I wasn't in a cookie cutter program. I appreciated when I was told like it is even when I didn't want to hear it. The hugs and open listening helped me to grow as a person, and I learned to hug and listen in return. And when all else failed good or bad I learned to laugh, sometimes there is just nothing else to do but laugh, and it made the hard decisions and days go a little easier. Some days I needed to learn that I didn't have to have an opinion on others business and some days I learned that others don't need to have an opinion on my life and choices. There is no end to what was taught, and instilled into me. I'm so grateful of everything I learned that I will continue to use and improve on. I am so grateful for the home that was provided that was safe and stocked. It had everything that I needed to start over with my children. It was safe and secure, and I could sleep with both eyes closed for the first time in years. 2 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 My children are talking, playing, laughing and fighting. They don't cower in fear of what might happen. My youngest will initiate and engage in play with other children. My middle child is looking forward to challenging herself and trying new experiences. My teenager is developing friendships and boundaries. All of these changes were incomprehensible 6 months ago. It is so exciting to see the way they are growing and my dream for them is that they will only be better, make better choices, make informed decisions so that they will never be in my position. The confidence that is growing in them, the parenting I learned will continue to lead them to make these choices. The daycare and children staff are incredible, insightful, kind, patient and loving. My family is better because they are here. And with everything I have learned, I have so much more learning and growing to do. I now am starting another exciting chapter with my kids. I'm moving another step closer to independence. I'm still scared I'll make a mistake, or forget something, but I have confidence that I can do it, and not just to live and make choices, but to live well and make informed choices. I get to pick a career that I will be successful in. I will have my own home to maintain. I have a new community to learn about and from. And most importantly I am no longer on my own. I don't have dirty secrets that will stop me from making friendships and connections. I can have people over and not wonder if I am wrong or embarrassed or worried that someone will figure something out. I am okay and I am real. I love my life and I love me. Thank you WINGS for helping me to change my life. ~ A Mom at Wings Christmas Wishes at Wings’ Home Next Door Christmas … it is coming around again and boy are the children excited! With 29 families at our Home Next Door (HND) and other outreach families in the community, we’re beginning to feel the excitement of the holiday season. However, many of the moms at HND are feeling anxious. They have had to leave their homes and belongings behind and are busy catching up with the changes in their lives. Their incomes are very limited and they are forecasting having to be very creative with their children’s Christmas wish lists. Here’s how you can help! Please consider sponsoring a family at our Home Next Door this Christmas. Being a Christmas sponsor entails providing a few gifts for the children and their mom, a gift card for Christmas Dinner, and groceries for one of the families at our Home Next Door. Individuals, families, offices and companies make up our sponsors. Another option is providing one or more unwrapped new gift(s) for a child or mom directly to Wings. We use these gifts to provide hampers for the families who we are unable to match up with a sponsor. You could donate gift cards for Safeway, Sobeys, Superstore, Wal-Mart or Costco, movie passes or pizza coupons; these are also added to hampers for families who aren’t matched up with a sponsor. Thank you so much to all of Wings’ long time supporters and new ones too. Without you, Christmas would be very different at Wings. Blessings to you all, this holiday season. Chantal Hunter Outreach Coordinator 3 Happy Halloween from Wings’ Child Care! Cute little monsters decorating pumpkins L-R, Wings’ staff Ashley and Penny in the Halloween Spirit Despicable Me! L-R – Tammy Salvataggio and Rhonda Janzen – Thank you Halloween Alley! More fun in Child Care Zoom Zoom! Wings’ little drummer boy 4 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Thank you to all our friends who donated to Wings’ Online Auction! L-R, Keith Hamilton and Dan Crucil from TC Hydrovac L-R, Rhonda Janzen and Simone Marshall from BELAY ADVISORY Wings has the greatest friends! A big thank you to Nas and Farzan Ghalehdar from Teddy’s for donating this generous cheque! L-R, Nas, Farzan, Wings’ Dr. Moira Walker and Pat Garrett. THANK YOU to Saniya Ghalehdar and the Creative Edmonton team for choosing Wings as Brewfest’s charity of choice – what an awesome event! L-R, Dr. Moira Walker, Saniya Ghalehdar, Farzan Ghalehdar, Rhonda Janzen Our Mother’s Day Tea will be Saturday May 9, 2015. Spring Fling will be in April 2015 Our AGM will be on June 9, 2015. 5 Families at Wings struggle constantly with poverty and all the barriers that brings. This is especially a stark reality at Christmas. Please support Wings. Cheques payable to: Wings of Providence, or you can donate by credit card, or you can donate online at www.wingsofprovidence.ca ____ ____ ____ $5 Membership $100 ____ _____ $150 $35 ____ ___ $50 ____ $75 Surprise Us I would like to support Wings with a monthly contribution (tax receipt issued annually in December) Payment VISA/MC # _____________________________________ Expiry Date (Month/Year) _____________ Name (as it appears on Credit Card )_______________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ E mail ________________________________________________ Phone ______________________ THANK YOU for your gift. Together we can make a difference. Statistics From April 1, 1987 to October 30, 2014 WINGS has accommodated 1068 families including 2465 children For a total of 3533 persons Donate Online We are trying to make it as easy as possible for donors. You can now make monetary donations to Wings of Providence online! Just visit our website www.wingsofprovidence.ca and click on the icon “Donate now’ through CanadaHelps.org. It is that simple. Thank you for your support. For the latest news on upcoming events Like Wings of Providence on facebook! 6 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Child Care Chatter ... Today we celebrated Thanksgiving Day. We had been discussing what Thanksgiving Day is all about and what we are thankful for. All week the children looked forward to the celebration or “party” we were going to have with our Moms. Each time staff asked what special day was coming, one little two year old boy would say “my birthday party!” So when our celebration day came and the children wore their handmade turkey hats and sang for all the Moms, I took him aside after and asked him “what special celebration are we having?” He turned to me with a little grin on his face and said, “A good one!” Needless to say our families were very thankful for being at Wings and for the opportunity to have a celebration that was “a good one!” When living with family violence it is those special days that are full of tension and anxiety. So while providing these days of celebration for our families, it is our hope that they will have a positive experience and perhaps begin new family celebrations and traditions. After our Halloween “party” later this month, our focus will turn to our Christmas celebration. The Christmas season is a difficult time for our families as so many emotions come up during this time. Staff members strive to make Child Care a fun, loving, magical place especially at Christmas for our little ones who have been in the midst of turmoil and trauma in the past. We look forward to decorating Child Care, making Christmas crafts, counting down to Christmas Day, singing Christmas songs, our annual Christmas lights tour, and finally our Christmas party with a surprise visit from Santa. And we could not do this without you! We are so grateful and cannot thank you enough for your support and generous hearts, all year long, and especially at Christmas so that our families can have a wonderful, joyful Christmas celebration free of tension, sadness and violence. What a priceless gift to give to these precious, innocent children! From all of us in Child Care, we wish you a very blessed Christmas this season! Jane Kooistra Child Care Supervisor A Christmas to remember… To date we have many programs at WINGS for the women, for children and for teens. We are always growing and always trying to better meet the needs of our families. We are inspired by the courage and hope of our women. We are able to take delight in the giggles and laughter of the children. When I look in their eyes I know that everything is possible. Every effort is required to ensure they are safe and have joy. Christmas is exciting for the families. Early on the children enquire as to whether or not Santa will come to WINGS. We assure them that he knows the address and loves the children at WINGS. I tell them “we have the best kids at WINGS!” We have families of many cultures and faith traditions but all welcome the celebrations. Many have never had happy family celebrations. They may have been raised in homes with addictions and mental health issues. They then moved to homes with abusive partners. This year will be different. This year everything will be new. The women are as eager and excited as the children wondering what will happen. Grief and loneliness can also be part of Christmas. They can feel like they don’t belong. They often feel forgotten and abandoned by people who they expected to love them and support them. This pain is real and very deep. The pain is not of being alone, but of being forgotten and discounted. They feel it is their fault that they are not loved. Most of the women have deep shame and feel they are not good enough. The women are overwhelmed at Christmas by your generosity. Not only the generosity of gifts and donations, but of being remembered. They wonder why people, strangers, care? People whom they will never know and who do not expect anything from them in return. They feel they are able to provide a Christmas for their children. They feel a sense of dignity and a sense of worth because they were remembered. When people remember us, we feel loved and valued. Christmas isn’t about “stuff” but; the presents, food and parties are some of the many ways you reach out say to these women and children; “We do remember you. You are loved!” Thank you for all you do to make the miracle happen at Christmas and throughout the year. Merry Christmas Karen Kingdom Program Coordinator 7 Thank You Adelle Prather – Arbonne Allstar Construction AltaFab Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Anova Holdings Inc. Atco Electric-EPIC ATCO Gas Axis Mundi Artistry BAMSS Contracting Bath & Body Works BELAY Advisory BJ Electric Supplies Bruce Sembaliuk Cameron Development Corporation Canadian Women’s Foundation Caron Transportation Systems Century Hospitality Group Christina Lawrence Citadel Theatre City of Edmonton, Community Services CJ de Jong Clark Builders Connie Lloyd Construction & General Workers Union Local 92 Creative Edmonton Creative Window Coverings Crystal Glass Canada CWL-Sherwood Park Dacro Industries Dale Joslin Darlene Fitzgerald Darlene McKibbon Delton Cabinets Diageo Double Diamond Electronics Ltd. DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton Douglas & Sharon Barbour Dr. Alan Knowles Earls Kitchen + Bar West End Edmonton Petroleum Golf and Country Club Elaine Andrews Fran Ostashek Fran Weekes Frederick & Phyllis Beairisto Freedom Ford Gary Tansem Graniteworx Greg Hogge Halloween Alley HBC Foundation Hunter Douglas Canada Ideal Safety Consulting Int. Brotherhood of Boilermakers Irene Fehr Janice Park Junior League of Edmonton Karen Chambers Keith Peterson Kelly Keylor Kentucky Blue Grass Kevin Pasini Kingston Ross Pasnak KKM Restaurants Ltd. Kris Keylor Laurie Blakeman Lexus Lois Hingley Lucy Lewis Marc & Andrea Roy Marcelle Desrochers Margaret Van De Pitte Mark Hughes of Sintra Engineering Marne Edwards Matt Hall MintzLaw Moving Forward Together Muriel Hole National Oilwell Varco New Image Cosmetic Medical Centre & Spa Normands Bistro Nu2You Fashion Boutique Park Memorial Ltd. Pat Long Patti Kostiuk Petro Comm Industries Ralph Friederichsen Ram Mechanical Ray & Helen Taillefer Raymond Caron Red Arrow Motorcoach River City Financial Roger Malenfant Rosalyn Delehanty Running Room SEESA Segue Systems Sherwood Park Windsor Plywood-Keith Parker Sisters of Providence St. Josaphats Ukranian Catholic Cathedral Stephanie Thomey Superior Industrial Frictions Ltd. Surecan Construction Ltd Tami Wetmore TC Hydrovac Teddy’s Pub Telus-Team Telus Cares The Brick The Cat’s Glass The Catherine Donnelly Foundation The Cellar Group The Edmonton Opera The Royal Alberta Museum The Sutton Place Hotel Edmonton The Thrift Shop-St. Andrews United Church Theatre Network Trail Appliances Upper Crust Café Vallen Vicki Acheson West Edmonton Mall Women of the United Church 8 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Women in need growing stronger at Home Next Door... It is hard to believe that it’s the end of October and that means Wings’ Rocky Forest Daycare has been open for 5 months! In this time there have been so many exciting things happening in the daycare in large part because of the wonderful people who have supported us. In the past 5 months the daycare has grown to where we need to use all our rooms for the children. Most exciting of all is that we now have 2 babies in the baby room! We have had the chance to learn many things about our children in these past few months; most importantly that each of them are so special. Our recent Halloween party was very exciting! Each of the children were dressed up in a costume that fit them and their personalities so well – from Dracula’s to Lady Bugs, our little friends were decked out in special costumes and having fun all day long. Thank you once again to all those who make these special moments in the daycare possible, we look forward to many more wonderful holidays to come. Have a Merry Christmas. Rocky Forest Daycare Staff As we wait for Santa… Joy and Perseverance, two words that keep coming to mind as I spend time with the kids here at WINGS. Most of them don’t know what to expect when they arrive at the shelter, and it’s true that moving forward from a life of family violence is challenging. I love that WINGS gives them the chance to excel. As we head into the Christmas season, our youth have been busy! In group they play games, talk and learn about a variety of different topics that can help them in their lives. One of the favourites this fall involves our brand new D-I-Y puppet theatre! It was painted with love by WINGS’ Missionary friends, and decorated by all the kids for craft day. Then, the star actors in our older Kids Group practiced a lively performance of Alexander’s Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day, to perform for their younger peers. With fun, engaging activities like this, the youth here share ideas with each other on how they can best deal with their big feelings. I wish all the best this Holiday season to WINGS supporters. Christmas will be a special time here, and we’ve assured the kids that yes, Santa will be able to find them here! Amanda Strachan Youth Worker THANK YOU CREATIVE EDMONTON FOR SUPPORTING WINGS BREWFEST WAS FANTASTIC! Gift Wrapping – Volunteers Needed Dec 16th & 17th If you can help - please call ahead and arrange it. Contact Rhonda 780-426-4985 or [email protected] 9 Christmas for Everyone As Christmas approaches Wings’ staff busily prepare for all the hustle and bustle the holiday season brings! We are so appreciative to have such amazing Wings’ supporters throughout the entire year, however, it is during the Christmas season that staff are joyfully overwhelmed with the question – “how can I help?” There are so many ways to help Wings’ families. There are women and children of all different ages. Our wish is that each family has a happy, memorable, and safe holiday season – filled with love and support! One way to help this Christmas would be to sponsor an age group. We have children of all ages (0-17yrs). Wings’ teen group often has a wish list more unique than the other age groups and as a result, it’s sometimes more difficult to fill their stockings. Like most teens, they like to receive gift cards to places like Walmart, BestBuy, Target, Cineplex Odeon and they love their electronics etc – for more information about the teen wish list – please contact Rhonda at Wings. This Christmas, Wings will serve 49 women with their children. Many of the Moms have not experienced a joyful Christmas for many years (if ever) and they are anxious, scared and worried about how they will make Christmas a happy time for themselves and their children. Often times, the women are so focused on their children that they forget about themselves. Let’s not forget about Wings’ Moms this Christmas! From past Christmas seasons we know that will not be alone, our community is thoughtful, warm, and giving – and as long as we have your support, every woman and child will have a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas everyone, thank you for your generous Christmas spirit each and every year. Rhonda Janzen Fund Development Assistant THANK YOU TO WINGS’ ANGELS… Victoria Smith and Lindisfarne Productions’ Colleen Nuc and camera man Dave who created Wings’ Make Believe Ball promotional videos – they are amazing, check them out on Wings’ facebook page. Plus Marta Burns who kindly donated the use of her lovely home for the video shoot – and to all the talented actors: Dylan, Erin, Tania, Sarah, Alexandra, Sam and Kirsten – you are the best, thank you! (Newsflash - you can still buy tickets to the Make Believe Ball if you like. Just call Wings). Jennifer Bradshaw, Dianne Taillefer and committee – another successful ‘Girls Night In’ at the Derrick Club – the courageous story of Amanda Lindhout, Speaker Series – an incredible night and such a powerful story – thank you for all your hard work. Ellie Merrick, Dr. Moira Walker, Jeff Herbert, Leigh Newton, Jenny Fundytus and our amazing Special Events Committee for your endless hard work! Connie Lloyd and her legion of talented and dedicated friends who organize the Bonnie Doon Christmas party – we can’t thank you enough. Important Dates to Remember Volunteers needed for Gift Wrapping Tues Dec 16 and Wed Dec 17, 2014 65 volunteers for Oilers 50/50 Mar 18, 2015 Phone Rhonda at Wings 780-426-4985 for more details! TO ALL THE AMAZING INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES – THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR SUPPORTING WINGS’ ONLINE AUCTION AND MAKE BELIEVE BALL – IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS BECAUSE OF YOU! 10 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Wish List (*** priority items) NEW Toys (kids ages 0-17 yrs) Gift Certificates for TEENS – Best Buy, Walmart, Cineplex Odeon etc. New Gifts for Moms – bath robes, slippers, scarves, gloves etc. Grocery Gift Cards – Sobeys, Superstore, Walmart, Safeway Turkeys or Hams Christmas Oranges Winter Boots – all sizes Winter Coats and apparel (all sizes) - toques, scarves, ski pants, warm + waterproof mitts Teen/Kids/Baby winter clothing Bus Tickets Diapers, baby formula Wings will no Feminine products longer be acceptNon perishable foods ing used donaWrapping paper, gift bags, tags, bows tions from Nov th , 2014 – Jan Twin Comforters, Twin Sheet Sets 20 th 5 , 2015 to make (ea. 48 bedrooms have 2 twin beds) room for ChristSingle mattress pads, pillows mas items – thank Wings has 20 furnished apartments) Thank you Diane Keddy & Tammy Salvataggio & Halloween Alley for collecting and donating costumes for WINGS Families Spook – tacular Job! you Home Next Door Wish List (Wings’ Home Next Door has 29 furnished apartments) IKEA Gift Cards Plastic shelving units Mops, Brooms, Dustpans Dream List No more family violence Peace on earth Burn the mortgage–Home Next Door Volunteers – Oilers 50/50 March 18th , 2015 Thank You to Everyone who Donated School Supplies & Indoor Running Shoes! A special thank you to our Grey Cup ticket sellers especially Michelle Rousselle who sold at least 500 tickets, WOW! 11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alan Knowles, President Ellie Merrick, Vice President Holly Mah, Treasurer Dr. Moira Walker, Secretary Alice Keylor Jenny Fundytus Leigh Newton Sr. Germaine Chalifoux James Cregan, Q.C. Jonathan Kitteringham Jefferey Herbert Dana Pearson Carole Noland Sarah Ramsey Marta Burns, Past President STAFF Patricia Garrett, Executive Director Linda Churchill, Mgr Resources/Develop Karen Kingdom, Program Coordinator Chantal Hunter, Outreach Worker Penny Giacomoni, Support Worker Ashleigh Muchortow, Support Worker Jody George, Facility Coordinator Jane Kooistra, Childcare Supervisor Dianne Devereux, Childcare Eleisha Amoyan , Childcare Rhonda Janzen , Fund Dev.Assistant Sharon Harding, Accounting Amirtha Santhiran, Accounting Amanda Strachan, Youth Worker Patricia Clark, VON Stephanie Mahe, Security/Reception Dionicio Barrales, Security/Reception Christie Rehill, Security/Reception Morgan Milne, Security/Reception Alyssa Sawa, Security/Reception Shauna Blais, Security/Reception Halle Ross, Security/Reception Roger Malenfant, Maintenance/security Daniel Lower, Caretaker—HND Thank you to all our supporters. Every gift large or small is important to the families living here. 12 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001
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