Frightening Statistics

Last year, police in Waterloo Region received 5,895 reports of domestic violence — about 16 a day. The police Family Justice unit investigated 1,232 of those cases — situations where there was evidence of a criminal act — and laid 2,854 charges. - Frightening statistics - we all need to work together to eradicate violence against women!

Rihanna Speaks out about violence in relationships

Check out the article at http://jezebel.com/5397763/#clips#riha Rihanna shares her story and gives some good advice to young women in relationships.

See UN Article about International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sgsm12612.doc.htm

Encounter with a Child at the Shelter

Yesterday I entered the shelter by the back door on my way in to work. A small child with dark curls wearing pyjamas and Dora slippers was standing alone on the steps. She looked up at me and said "My Mommy is downstairs crying." I replied "Is Mommy having a sad day today?" and she nodded, then said, "Please go down and help her stop." My heart went out to this tiny tot who already has to experience such sadness because of violence in her life. But she and Mom are in a safe place now and Mom has someone she can talk to 24 hours a day, whenever she is feeling sad or wants to talk about how to move forward in her life. A thank you note from a former client recently stated, "Never before have I met such caring, helpful, co-operative, professional people. Thank you so much...you are truly life savers!"

Women's Crisis Services...here to support abused women and their children.

Moving Forward - Architect Hired!

Good morning Friends,

The building committee, consisting of Greg Voisin, Vince Varga and Paul Dietrich (the 3 wise men at their finest!), over the past few weeks have been quite busy with the interviewing and selection of an Architect for our project. Six very competent firms were interviewed – the decision was indeed a difficult one. And our learning curve continues!

MMMC Architects has been selected to rebuild Anselma House. Craig Newsome (Principal) and Greg Poste (Managing Architect) gave a wonderful presentation and expressed a keen interest in the cause itself. Greg will be the lead on our project. MMMC’s previous shelter experience includes Nova Vita, the Brantford shelter for abused women and their children.

Listening, Caring and Sharing

We're going social!

Today we're launching our new social media campaign as a means of keeping connected with our Community of Heroes.

As we get closer and closer to putting the shovel in the ground to Rebuild Anselma, we encounter great acts of heroism and kindness, great frustrations and hurdles and great accomplishments and successes. We hope to share all of those with you, and we hope you will help us by sharing them with your network.

It's amazing how sometimes the simplest of acts can help save a life. By joining our Community of Heroes, and helping us spread the word, you may help save a life, in fact you may help save a lot of lives. The simple act of spreading the news could be the catalyst to overcoming some tremendous hurdles.

We ask you to follow us on twitter at @RebuildAnselma, at Rebuild Anselma House on Facebook, here at www.rebuildanselma.blogspot.com or through our website at www.rebuildanselma.com.

Favourite us, Follow us, Friend us....please connect with us.