The Parkland Crisis Centre and Women's Shelter is a space for women and children who are experiencing intimate partner or family violence.
A space is provided for those affected to get back on their feet and choose a new path in life. They help with housing and community members. You do not have to be in crisis to access their services as they offer counselling to non-residential clients.
Staff do counselling with their residential clients daily. Topics include healthy relationships, setting boundaries, red flags, and the cycle of abuse, to name a few. There is also different programming offered. They include anger solution, healthy relationships, and nobody's perfect parenting.
For the most part, counselling is client-led, based on what they feel will help them.
The facility has been welcoming donations over the months, and they're very grateful for the community's support.
"We find with most clients they are very grateful to be here," said Emma Livingston, shelter counsellor. "That's why we are so grateful to the community. We do get funding for the basics. We need to get the other stuff. Lots of the stuff the community donates, like menstrual products, hygiene, goes into our room packages."
Rooms are then set up for the women who come in.
"So we try to have everything they could need already set up for them," continued Livingston. "If there are other things they feel they need, they can come up to us. Then we'll figure it out to help them."
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need the services of the Parkland Crisis Centre and Women's Shelter, you can call the Crisis line at 204-638-9484. You can also call toll-free at 1-877-977-0007.
"If you are in a situation of domestic, intimate partner, or family violence, call our Crisis line, and you'll talk to one of our shelter staff," said Livingston. "We'll go through an intake assessment to determine the situation. We will try to figure out if there is room in the shelter, and what we can do moving forward to help."
The facility is 24/7.
The Centre is also looking for donations. Due to limited space at this time, they are unable to accept bedding, clothes, and shoes.
"We are looking for women's deodorant. Adult toothpaste, we could use a few kids' toothbrushes," ended Livingston. "Things like paper towels and toilet paper are going through quickly. We are looking for new or gently used children's toys. We are hoping to update our children's space."
They're also looking for razors, conditioner, batteries, dryer sheets, and grocery store gift cards. You can see the full list here. If you have the means to donate, please call ahead of time to set up a drop-off time. The number is 622-4626.
