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.
As we enter into the second wave of COVID; the health, safety and well-being of our Indigenous families, community and staff is of the utmost importance. Therefore, Minwaashin Lodge will continue to remain in Stage 2 at 1155 Lola St site until November 30, 2020. Minwaashin Lodge will reassess COVID health indicators prior to moving into Stage 3 at that time. We continue to follow the guidelines and recommendations of OPH, the City and the Province.
Clients who have face to face appointments continue to be pre-screened by staff before accessing specific in-house services.
Programming Updates:
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The ‘outdoor access visits’ continue with limited indoor access visits for families-this will move indoors soon
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Access hours will accommodate back to school families
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Bi-weekly food bank and Emergency baby food cupboard – curbside delivery
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Circle of Care – face to face meetings at Minwaashin Lodge (pre arranged in advance)
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Parenting program – 11:00 a.m. -12:00 pm outdoors -CANCELLED due to second wave indicators. Virtual FB group will be offered starting the week of October 5th, 2020
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Employment Readiness Program-Virtual training groups continue running monthly
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Bi-weekly Outreach food bags/perishables- October – November- December 18, 2020 - curbside drop off
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Counseling team – NEW- Substance Use/Mental Wellness Counselor services available -virtual/email/text/outdoor sessions and face to face sessions available (pre arranged in advance) with staggered work schedules in place
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Culture program - face to face groups of (6). Participants are screened and must register in advance
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Curb side Crisis support for families in distress – as needed
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Doula Program - Aunties on the Road- phone support/video conferencing/emails/sharing school resources and online learning
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Youth support- Google hangouts; FB support circles-closed group; email; phone/texting; crisis intervention; curbside wellness check ins; food security; back to school supports and future groups pending start date
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Oshki Kizis shelter site - Day/evening programs continue to deliver essential services with specific direction from the Shelter Director including Housing First; Outreach; and Street Outreach (STORM).
Many thanks to our wonderful Minwaashin Lodge staff, students and volunteers who make the difference in someone’s world every day!
Chi-Meegwetch,
Mary Daoust
Executive Director
Minwaashin Lodge offers services in both English and French
Minwaashin Lodge offre des services en Anglais et Français
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