Heather Latter
The occupancy rate at the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope has risen 14 percent this year from last year—a number the board of directors noted is both good and bad.
“It’s good we are providing a service that is being utilized, but it’s sad that they have to use it,” voiced board member, Caroline Spencer, during the organization’s annual general meeting at La Place Rendez-Vous on Thursday.
The occupancy rate for the year was 69 percent, up from 55 percent last year, with safety and security provided to 93 women and 62 children, up from the 73 women and 55 children the previous year.
“We are continuing to see the trend of serving more women than children,” noted a report by executive director, Donna Kroocmo.
Meanwhile, usage of the 24-Hour Crisis Line, which operates 365 days a year, decreased again this year, going from 1,563 calls for assistance the year before to 1,488 calls this past year.
And the New Horizons/2nd Stage Housing, which continues to be managed by the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope, saw a slight decrease in occupancy at 72 percent, down two percent from last year.
“We are extremely pleased that this program is providing assistance to many families, for we continue to find that women who utilize the services of both the Women’s Emergency Shelter and then move into 2nd Stage Housing are better able to maintain abuse-free lives once they move out into the community,” Kroocmo noted.
Several renovation and improvement projects that were completed this year were highlighted at the meeting, such as the installation of a new retaining wall to replace the old one which was leaning and dangerous.
The roof of the Women’s Emergency Shelter was replaced, along with new trusses and a single slope, as it had been leaking and causing significant damage to the interior of the shelter.
Both of these projects were funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Joining the board of directors this year are Bonnie Bender, of International Falls, and Kristina St. Pierre, of Atikokan, while incumbent Dianne Strachan will continue on the board.
Amendments to board by-laws were approved to allow Bender to sit on the board. While previously it stated members of the board must reside in Rainy River District, it has been amended to include those employed in the district.
Bender, who works at Walmart here, had served on the board in past years, and was hailed as an excellent addition to the board.
“It has been over 11 years that I have been experiencing the incredible work that is done at the Women’s Shelter and 2nd Stage, and I can state with confidence that because the board, Ministry personnel, DSSAB, and staff share the vision that working together to assist women and their children in their quest to live violence-free lives, we have been very successful,” Kroocmo cited.
“More work needs to be done, but as long as we continue to share a common goal and vision, I am comfortable in stating that we will continue on this successful path,” she stressed, while thanking all those involved, as well as the generous citizens of the district who support the agency.
“All of this generosity provides us with affirmation that we are not alone in our efforts to end violence against women and children. For this, we are genuinely grateful,” she added.
