The Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre is organizing their first event in Bonnyville since opening an office in town last year.
‘Walk A Mile in Her Shoes’ is an International men’s march to show solidarity against domestic violence and will be held at the Pontiacs’ game on February 26th at at 2:00 pm. The event is marked by men wearing red high heels.
“I think it’s a really big opportunity because they already have such an amazing fan base,” says Resource Development Coordinator Serina Parsons on working with the Pontiacs. “We’ve been there less than a year so I don’t think a lot of people are super aware of our presence and this is really going to help with that.”
In March of 2016 the Bonnyville Community Support Program was launched and in the first six months, 38 files were opened. To date, Community Support Workers with the centre have helped over 53 clients through one on one supports and referrals. They have also set up community information booths and built relationships with various agencies in the area.
The program includes group sessions for both men and women, programs for youth detailing the importance of healthy relationships and educational presentations throughout the community.
“We knew there was a need for this service in the Bonnyville area,” says Susan White, Director of the Crisis Centre. “But once the numbers started coming in and the program was more established, the need became more evident.”
“First and foremost we’re an emergency shelter for women and their children fleeing domestic violence or who are in a life crisis situation,” says Parsons. “but that’s only one facet of what we do. We’re also a second stage program, which is helping people look towards the future and breaking the cycle. So we’re an emergency shelter so right now, the present. Then we focus on the future so what your future looks like and how can help you can get there and achieve your goals. But with the Community Support Program, we’re really focusing on prevention. We’re working with men and boys, we’re creating awareness, we’re developing education, and that’s what’s really important. We can be here support the needs for now and future, but honestly we don’t want to be needed as much as we are. We can do that by focusing on prevention.”
To register for the event or for more information please call the Bonnyville Community Support office at 780-826-2656 or email [email protected].