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Last winter after experiencing a fall resulting in a broken hip, Joan was unable to work and eventually lost her housing. Once she found My Sisters’ Place, she had the support she needed to find a place of her own that she loves. “My Sisters’ Place offers so much, everything I needed to get my life back on track. I can’t say enough about the help I received from the staff,” says Joan.
Now settled in a stable home, Joan comes to My Sisters’ Place almost daily to connect with staff, and to help support other women who are struggling. My Sisters’ Place offers a safe, supportive environment for women to gather, build community and problem solve together.
We are grateful Joan is part of our community.
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Deshkan Zii Bi Indigenous Women's Association (a program of My Sisters' Place) recently visited the Wampum Learning Lodge at Western University where they learned water drum songs with Ginger White, a Mohawk woman from Six Nations.
Team member Reta, Indigenous Cultural Lead attended teachings by Tom Porter, Mohawk Elder at Six Nations. Reta described the day as 'spirit building'. We're grateful to Reta for bringing these teachings to all of us at My Sisters' Place. We are so happy to have programming up and running again. Indigenous Awareness is consistently well attended by participants and all women are welcome.
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The MicroEnterprise Program | |
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To purchase an item, or for more information contact us mysistersplace@cmhatv.ca
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Holly's House - Exciting News! | |
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Recently we learned that City of London funding for Holly's House will be extended until March 31st 2024. Holly's House is the hotel program created in response to an overwhelming number of women fleeing violence and / or losing their housing early in the days of COVID-19. Since its inception, we have supported women with a success rate of almost 90%. What is success? Helping women secure their own place, moving into supportive housing, or making the decision to attend a treatment program.
We have seen residents pull together baby showers for their peers, welcome new babies and cheer one another on as they leave the program and start the next chapter in their lives.
Holly's House has been life changing for women who would otherwise be sleeping rough. We work closely with community partners to provide wrap around supports and we are grateful to the City of London who fully funds Holly's House.
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Message from
Karna Trentman, Director
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The city of London is facing an unprecedented crisis
with the number of people experiencing homelessness, poverty and mental health and addiction challenges. For this reason, we continue to see an increase in numbers and acuity levels in the people we serve. We have also noticed that many of the women using our services are over the age of 60 and may be new to homelessness. Our staff have been exceptional in supporting these women and connecting them to other services that have helped with housing and other needs.
This year has been a transitional year for our Outreach Programs as we have moved from offering our services with COVID restrictions in place to gradually opening our drop-in services. Since our reopening to in person services, social connections have been much stronger and individuals have been able to access programs, showers, computers, phones and laundry services. Programs currently running are Transitional Case Management Drop-ins, Anger Management, Indigenous Awareness, Expressions Group, LGBTQ+ Group, Addictions Group (New Horizons), Knitting and Sewing Groups, Music Jam, Movie Night, Bingo and more. We are currently reconnecting with community partners to have on site such as London Abused Women's Centre (LAWC), ANOVA, Regional HIV AIDS Clinic, Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine Clinic, London Cares, London InterCommunity Health Centre, Ontario Aboriginal HIV AIDS Strategy and more. We have also been blessed with a nurse practitioner who offers clinics 2 days a month at My Sisters' Place.
Our outreach staff have supported 42,143 visits from some of the most vulnerable people in our community over this past year. We look forward to continuing this life changing work in 2023-24.
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Mary Lou is a long-time supporter of My Sisters’ Place, and every year she participates in the Run for Women along with some of her closest friends.
“I have been involved in Run for Women for 4 years now. What I love most about this walk, is how everyone pulls together for one common goal, to help the vulnerable women in our community. Specifically the many women who walk through the door of My Sisters’ Place everyday. My friends rally together for our team, “Walking for Our Sisters”. We have fun, and are determined to raise as much money as we can. The feeling you get when someone says sure I will help just makes us feel so good. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by such thoughtful and caring people.”
Join us on June 11 in support of My Sisters' Place.
Use Promo Code: LOVEMSP for $5 Off you registration. Valid from May 24 - June 4
https://www.runforwomen.ca/Cities/London.aspx
The Shoppers Drug Mart™ Run for Women is a 5K and 10K walk/run in support of My Sisters' Place is back! At the Run for Women, everyone is part of the team. We celebrate everyone’s differences, unique experiences, and ideas by coming together for a feel-good walk/run/roll in support of women’s mental health programs. The Run for Women is a safe space where we can share our journeys and celebrate how far we’ve come. We believe in the power of coming together for mental health.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact Sarah.Mulligan@cmhatv.ca
Volunteers needed! All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and a swag bag valued at more than $100!
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We are thrilled to invite you to our annual signature fundraising event, Boogie and Bling happening Thursday, August 10th 6:00 – 10:00pm at the Hellenic Community Centre.
Guests will be treated to:
- A delicious three-course meal
- Live auction featuring signature packages generously donated by local London businesses.
- Silent auction
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Live Performance by Sarina Haggarty
- Dance Music by DJ Alpha
- MC host - Nick Paparella of CTV London
This exciting event, promises an unforgettable evening, all in support of the women of My Sisters' Place. You can help us raise the much-needed funds to continue our mission of providing a place of safety and a community of support for women who have experienced trauma, mental illness, homelessness, addictions and poverty. Tickets are available for $175, and all proceeds will directly benefit those who rely on our services. With live music, delicious cuisine, and both live and silent auctions, this event is not to be missed. Your attendance at 'Boogie & Bling' not only supports a great cause but also connects you with a group of like-minded individuals committed to making a positive impact on the world. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a difference, and we are grateful for your support in helping us create a safer, more supportive society for the women of London.
We hope to see you there!
For further information please contact Sarah Mulligan at Sarah.Mulligan@cmhatv.ca
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Thank You Generous Donors! | |
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Your donation helps to improve the lives of women in our community. My Sisters' Place fundraises for more than 80% of our operating budget.
You can donate online, or call Jennifer Martin, Donor Stewardship, Events Coordinator 519-679-9570 x 5510
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Monthly giving is a great way to show your support for My Sisters' Place year-round and it's easy to do! Make a donation online using your credit card or from your bank account by contacting donate@cmhatv.ca to obtain the form. | |
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Wish List
*Please note, we request items for both My Sisters' Place and the London Coffee House that welcomes everyone
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Liquid Body Wash (hotel size to family size)
- Deodorant (women and men)
- Individual (soft) Tooth Brushes
- Razors (women and men)
- Combs, hairbrushes, pony tail holders
- Rain ponchos
- Summer socks
- Underwear (women and men) Sizes S, M, L
- Hand lotion
- Sunscreen
- Sun hats
- Gently worn running shoes / comfortable walking sandals
- Grab and go snacks (soft fruits, soft granola bars, cereal bars, applesauce cups, pudding cups etc).
- Bottled Water
We welcome donations at the back gate,
My Sisters' Place, 566 Dundas Street.
Weekdays 10 am - 8 pm
Weekends / Holidays 10:30 am-1:30 pm
Please call our welcome desk when you arrive 519-679-9570 x 5000.
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Thank you for all the ways you support us.
We couldn't do this work without you!
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See what's happening on our social sites: | | | | |
