Paige Desmond
In their mission to support and provide services for district women, the Atikokan Crisis Centre held a luncheon last week at La Place Rendez-Vous here which focused on safety planning.
The event, one in a series of free monthly lunches during the past few years, saw a good turnout, according to organizer Dorion Chambers.
“Things went well,” she enthused. “We had quite a few clients come.”
The theme of safety planning was geared towards women who might be in a situation of domestic violence, and was aimed at how to come up with a quick exit plan.
“What she can do to make it easier for herself if she has to leave in an emergency,” as Chambers explained it.
Chambers suggested women have copies of important personal documents and a packed overnight bag at a friend’s house, as well as carry a phone card to use at pay phones.
In situations where children are involved, it’s important to have extra copies of things like custody orders or orders of protection, and inform the child’s school of these things in addition to giving them copies of the orders.
She also recommends a code system. For instance, a code word to signal to a friend during a phone call to call 9-1-1 and, if she has children, a code to signal kids to call police.
Chambers said the free lunches are an excellent opportunity for women to get information directly relating to their own situations, with a new topic being chosen each month.
“They like the luncheons,” she said of the attendees. “They like the information.”
Meetings are a great way for women who might feel isolated to meet new people, she added, and get access to information about the centre’s services and how to handle tough situations.
Women are welcome to ask questions at the luncheons. Or if they need any other information, they can write it down and bring it to the luncheon, and Chambers will find the requested information to bring for the next session.
“I try to keep them pretty informed,” she remarked.
Chambers also will refer women to other programs and services which may be of use to them.
“They’re making new friends at the same time,” she said of the combination of information and socializing that make up the luncheons.
“It’s nice for me, too,” she added, noting she enjoys catching up with clients she may not have seen for several months or a year.
For those women who might feel shy about attending, Chambers assured there is nothing to feel nervous about.
“It’s like a calm, relaxing luncheon,” she explained. “It’s very friendly, you don’t have to dress up. [And] everything is confidential.”
With a diploma in Social Service Work, Chambers fills several roles at the Atikokan Crisis Centre, including that of a sexual assault counsellor and transitional housing support worker. She also is involved with the child witness program in addition to organizing the monthly luncheons here.
The next two luncheons are scheduled for Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 from noon-1 p.m.
In other news, the Atikokan Crisis Centre is putting together a cookbook and is hoping community members will contribute their favourite recipes. Contributors have the option of either using their initials, first name only, or “unknown” upon submission to protect confidentiality.
The recipes can be dropped off at the next luncheon, faxed to the centre at 1-807-597-6910, or mailed to P.O. Box 818, Atikokan, Ont., P0T 1C0.
