Chatham-Kent Women's Centre

        Celebrates Completion of Renovations/June 2011

 Thanks to the generous support of the surrounding community the Women's Centre located on Sandy St. in Chatham got a recent facelift. A 2300 square foot addition features five new bedrooms and three new handicapped-accessible washrooms. The five new bedrooms have been furnished to accomodate large and small families and every area has been modified for women and children with disabilities. The existing interior was renovated, new furniture was pruchased and an enclosed children's play area was constructed.The 1.6 Million Dollar dollar project received two thirds of the cost through stimulus funding from the federal and provincial governments. The centre raised $970,000 for the renovations through its Rebuilding Families Together campaign. Two of the successful components of that campaign were "Through Women's Hands" and the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" for men. Many of the dignitaries in Chatham-Kent participated in the later including Mayor Randy Hope and others.This year in mid June 2011, media representatives helped to kick off the Annual "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes" event by announcing their goals. The event is part of an International Event that began 10 years ago and  on Sept 11 /2011 will have men from across Chatham-Kent as well as many other cities, slipping on some red high heels and walking to raise awareness and help bring to an end violence against women.Last year's Walk A Mile Event attracted 100 walkers and raised approximately $15,000 for the women's centre. The walk is open to all males but only those 16 years and older can wear red shoes. Pledge sheets are available at www.ckwc.org or at the Woemn's Centyre at 20 Sandy St.  

 Women who arrive at the centre may stay one night or longer. The goal of the centre and its counsellors is to provide a SAFE Haven for these woman in need often with their children as well. Part of the program is to equip them to take care of themselves and often job interviews, learning new skills and planning for the future are a part of that. According to statistics provided by the Centre, last year 169 women and 144 children received emergency shelter, the centre responded to 1,240 crisis calls, provided outreach counselling to 815 women, provided transitional housing support to 556 women and provided presentations to 2,171 students through school-based programs.

 This is a perfect example of the caring, family orientated community that Chatham-Kent is!  We reach out to our people. Patricia Arango, executive director of the centre credited the generosity of the community as well as the hard work of the staff and board members in making this project come to life.Chatham-Kent contributed $100,000.00 through programs offered by Health and Family Services.