An Indigenous Women's Support Centre
Minwaashin Lodge provides a range of programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and children (regardless of status) who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence, and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system. All programs and services are provided in the context of cultural beliefs and values to ensure a holistic approach is used as part of the healing journey.
Hello everyone,
Minwaashin will continue to suspend some programming at 1155 Lola St. site until August 31, 2020, at such time we will reassess the general trend on health indicators. Minwaashin continues to move forward with post peak Covid strategic discussions. Clients are being pre-screened by STAFF before accessing specific in-house services until August 31, 2020.
Update: Physical distancing and PPE measures are in place.
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The ‘outdoor access visits’ continue for families until August 31, 2020.
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Extend limited indoor access visits for families until August 31, 2020.
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Counseling team continues to offer - ‘outdoor sessions’ to clients.
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Limited indoor 1:1 sessions. Appointments only.
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Staggered work schedules will continue until August 31, 2020
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Culture - virtual/face to face options. A small group of (6) participants and will be screened and registered in advance.
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Employment Readiness Program will go virtual until August 10,2020.
The following essential services will continue until August 31, 2020 at which time we will reassess whether or not we move into Phase 3.
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Emergency baby/food security continues – porch delivery
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Food boxes/perishables- home drop off only for clients
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Limited outdoor access visits
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Counseling services – virtual/email/text/outdoor sessions
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Curb side support for families in distress; youth support-Google hangouts; email; phone/texting
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All essential staff who must use public transit to travel to and from work must practice ‘social distancing’ at all times
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Staff are encouraged to access Minwaashin EAP program for ongoing support
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COVID-19 guidelines are in place for all staff/shelter staff and residents
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Professional disinfecting and extra deep cleaning continues at both sites
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The teams will continue to do wellness and safety plans with clients/Aunties on the Road- moms/parents/youth using phone support/video conferencing/emails/sharing school resources and online learning
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Oshki Kizis continues to stay in direct contact with Ottawa Public Health; VAW shelters in the Ottawa region; the Ministry and the City on a regular basis
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Shelter side –day/evening programs will continue delivering essential services with specific direction from the Shelter Director including Housing First; Outreach; Street Outreach (STORM).
Please take care and be vigilant with the guidelines that are in place to keep you, your family and the community safe.
The silver lining to all this is..all our families; youth; Elders; women and children are in a better place because of you!
You are making a difference everyday!
If you or someone you care about is being abused or at risk of being abused, please contact our Violence Against Indigenous Women's Shelter, Oshki Kizis Lodge, by calling our crisis line at:
613-789-1141 or our toll free number at 1-855-789-9433