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The new executive director at the Kelowna Women's Shelter said the community can expect to see and hear more from an organization that has traditionally stayed very quiet.
"Obviously we don't have a banner outside the door saying 'We are the Women's Shelter'," said Allison Mclauchlan.
"We don't go around giving our address away, but in order for people to understand what it's really like for women and children to leave their home and come to a women's shelter, I think it's important that people understand what it looks like inside."
The details of what the Kelowna Women's Shelter has in mind will come later, but they're calling it a 'Call to Action.'
"One thing that domestic abuse does, it lives in the shadows," said Mclaughlan. "That's the only way it can survive, but when we shine a light on it and let other women know that they're not alone, it's so powerful."
The idea is to find ways for women and children who have escaped abusive situations to tell their stories.
"Give them a voice," said Mclauchlan, "to be able to share. There's a lot of power in being able to share."
Her resource development coordinator, Ester Pike agrees.
"I really think it's important," she said, "to hear from individuals who have actually gone through the experience."
There are also some misconceptions about the Women's Shelter, that they hope to clear-up along the way.
"We're more than just a house," explained Pike. "We have so many different programs, so many different services."
A common misunderstanding is that women have to be prepared to leave their homes to benefit from the Women's Shelter. There is crisis support available for women 24 hours a day, even if they're not ready to leave their living situation.
"We have well-trained staff who will safety plan and talk through safety steps with women," explained Mclauchlan. "We have an outreach worker who will meet women in the community and work with them."
There are some heart-wrenching stories to be told, but there are some happy endings too. And the plan is to get that out there in the community.
"Let's focus on celebrating women and children that have made that really brave step to leave and are thriving in our community."
We look forward to hearing more.
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