Strathroy’s Women’s Rural Resource Centre is Planting Change and Growing Hope

written by Alana Lister

Women's shelters offer a caring and supportive environment for women and children. These shelters, spread across the ­country, serve as safe havens for those in need, addressing the unique challenges faced by women and their families. Whether it's providing immediate shelter, meals, clothing, medical ­assistance or counseling, shelter staff are dedicated to assisting women in ­attaining safe, stable and affordable housing solutions for the next chapter of their lives.

The Strathroy Women’s Rural Resource Centre (WRRC) is the only agency based in rural Middlesex that provides 24/7 ­­emergency crisis support and ongoing community-based support to women and children (16 and under) experiencing domestic violence in Middlesex County.

They focus on intentional relationships with every person who walks through their doors, fostering safety and belonging. Their 24-hour crisis line offers services for those in both the shelter and the community, supporting women in crisis through risk ­assessment, safety planning, advocacy and complex system ­navigation such as justice, education and housing, while also ­connecting them with community referrals and child protection.

Along with their shelter program and transitional support, they also offer trauma counselling with a child and youth program that serves both the children impacted by ­violence as well as their caregivers. All services are free and anonymous. Confidentiality is key; everyone must sign a confidentiality agreement prior to ­entering the building.

A community food cupboard helps ­support both their clients and the ­community at large. Anyone can access the food cupboard – it’s open Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 7pm. They request a maximum of 2 bags (supplied), once a week. Patrons sign in with initials and the date, information that’s only used for statistics gathering.

Thanks to an Ontario Trillium capital grant, Firefield Landscape Supply in Strathroy has recently been able to create a beautiful green space for the WRRC; the empty property next door has been transformed into a safe, vibrant and ­welcoming green space for women and children to enjoy nature. This peaceful area provides opportunities for ­recreation, relaxation and interaction, ­contributing positively to the local ­residents' well-being. Studies show that spending time in small green spaces can reduce stress, lift mood and foster a greater sense of well-being. These areas often serve as informal gathering spots where people can connect, relax and build social ties, helping to strengthen community bonds. Green spaces also contribute to a healthier ­environment by improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity.

Gardens and natural areas at women's shelters have been known to provide ­significant therapeutic benefits, helping ­survivors of domestic violence with safe, restorative environments where they can cope with trauma, rebuild confidence and foster social ­inclusion.

Just as a natural garden offers a form of support distinct from that found indoors, these environments also provide opportunities for skills development through ­gardening activities. In a similar spirit, the resource centre is introducing a new ­program designed to better serve the area’s Indigenous population.

“A Way Home” is a healing journey ­rooted in Indigenous knowledge and ­supported by holistic care. This program offers individual and group counselling that gently weaves together Indigenous and Western approaches to wellness, a sacred and safe space for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit kin impacted by intergenerational trauma and gender-based violence.

Through advocacy, safety planning, ­cultural programming and access to Traditional Healing, they will walk alongside you in reclaiming truths, your voice, safety, strength and spirit. Counselling is offered in person at their office, in WRRC’s healing green space, in the ­community, by phone or through video – wherever you feel most at home. Contact the centre to learn more details about this important new program.

In a world where women face ­numerous challenges, the need for shelter and basic needs and services cannot be ­overstated. The WRRC’s mission is to ­provide ­education, prevention, and ­support ­services for individuals and ­families ­impacted by ­gender-based ­violence in Middlesex County. The vision that drives their work is a ­thriving, ­connected ­community where ­individuals and families can thrive in healthy ­relationships.

To ensure their staff can continue to best serve those in need, financial support is always appreciated. Donations of gift cards from local grocery stores, in amounts of $10-25, will also help families with their immediate needs.

Compassion is needed now more than ever, and the WRRC represents a beacon of hope offering empathy, understanding and a commitment to supporting women and their children as they heal and recover from crises. With each life they help to transform, they create a ripple effect of love, healing and renewed hope in the hearts of women who have faced ­unimaginable hardship.

for more information visit

wrrcsa.org

Crisis line: 1.800.265.5390

Office number: 519.246.1526