By Elaine Hennessy, Contributor
RENFREW COUNTY — Greetings from the Women’s Institute for the District of North Renfrew.
The Greenwood branch has reported on their meeting for May 2019. The President Sheila Kenny called the meeting to order followed by the Institute Ode and Mary Stewart Collect.
The guest speaker was branch member Sharon Neff who works for the Bernadette McCann House, and has been an employee for 11 years. Their mission is to work for change that will end abuse by providing safety, support and education for all those who experience abuse. Sharon travels to many schools in Renfrew County, and works with children who are exposed to abuse. She also works with men and boys.
Bernadette McCann House received their first clients back in 1979. There are 20 full time staff and help is available 24 hours a day. There is also a relief staff. It is governed by a Board of Directors who are all women. There are Children and Youth Services available, and children over the age of 12 gets consent from McCann House to talk to a Counsellor on a one-on-one basis, and also there is group support. Sharon does classroom presentations.
The third week of October will be a Week Without Violence, and many activities will take place. There will be animal yoga, healing group, Mom and kids Growing Together. Part of the High School Health Curriculum includes talking about abuse and violence. Topics includes choices, feelings, boundaries, self- esteem, anger, safety planning, dating, healthy relationships, and family change. The crisis line is available 7 days a week and all calls are confidential. In 2018 they received 3100 calls. There are 16 beds in the facility.
There is a Caring Dads Group where they discuss being a positive influence in the lives of their children. Bev Smith thanked Sharon for her talk and presented her with a gift.
Following the Institute Grace, refreshments were provided by convenors Bev Smith and Marielle McLaughlin. Marielle advised that she would no longer be able to attend meetings at the present time as she is very involved with her work, and also in her children’s activities.
The branch members are sorry to see her leave, but wished her all the best, and hopefully she can rejoin sometime in the future. The Secretary Kathy Bennett read the minutes from the previous meeting.
Roll Call was “Name a project or event that raises money for the Cancer Society”. Motto “One of the toughest lessons in life is to expect the unexpected”. The Treasurer Gail Fletcher gave her report. Sharon Cotnam advised that she had asked Brent Schimmens about making a Book Tree along with help from Gary Jansen.
Bev Smith gave highlights from the District Annual. Zion Line/Beachburg will be the visiting branch to Greenwood this year. In 2020 the Greenwood Branch will host the District Annual. Christine Reaburn won the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Award as Canadian Woman Of The Year. The District Quilt was on display and tickets were handed out to members.
