December 6th - Marking 20 Years after the Montreal Massacre

20 years have gone by since that fateful day in Montreal at L'ecole Polytechnique where 14 women were hunted down and murdered because of the fact they were women... no other reason.

The murderer walked up and down the halls, from floor to floor, yelling "BRING ME THE WOMEN... I WANT THE WOMEN!!!" and systematically shot them to death.

20 years have gone by and we still struggle to end violence against women.

Check in your communities for events that are happening surrounding December 6th. There should be candlelight vigils, memorials, marches for peace, etc. Please join in and pledge to take action, so that 20 more years from now, we can see a drastic reduction (hopefully an elimination) of cases of violence against women.

Posted below are the details of the Halifax Community driven events.

• December 5th - 1 to 3 p.m. - Paula Ann Gallant Memorial - laying of 40 wreaths, March of Hope to BLT Elementary School - 22-24 James Street, Timberlea
• December 6th - 4:30 p.m. - Memorial Vigil for Tanya Brooks - St. Patrick's-Alexandra School - 2277 Maitland Street, Halifax
• December 6th - 5:30 p.m. - "Not so Silent" Vigil - Halifax Public Library Lawn followed by the "Not so Silent" Community Event and Potluck (see below).
• December 6th - 6:00 p.m. - Sexton Campus Vigil - Sexton Alumni Lounge - 1360 Barrington Street, Halifax
• December 6th, 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) - "Not so Silent" Community Event and Potluck - St. Matthew's Church Hall - 1479 Barrington Street, Halifax

For those of you on Facebook, you can join the Halifax "Not so Silent" vigil Facebook group my clicking on the link.

Write the Government for Bryony House

Bryony House is one of the Transition Houses in Nova Scotia that provides live saving services for women who are seeking shelter from domestic violence.

Bryony Houses is running a major deficit that has resulted in cuts to their program / staff. We need to demand that the government works to rectify this immediately. The outreach program that is no longer in existence at Bryony House in it's full capacity literally does save lives. We cannot put a price on that.

Although the NDP government has moved forward much needed funding that was planned in year two of their budgets to 2010, we have to keep in mind what that really means. $500,000.00 divided by all the transition houses and women's shelters in Nova Scotia = a drop in the bucket ($25k each - approx). Consider that Bryony House is over $120k in debt right now... the NDP budgeted amount will do nothing to alleviate that.

The Friends of Transition Houses Network does not view this as a relief. If this is happening at Bryony House, the oldest and largest house in Nova Scotia... just what trials and tribulations will the other houses in our province be in? Let's not sit by and wait for that to happen.

You will find a letter addressed to Premier Dexter on the top right hand side of this page. I encourage you to take this letter as a template, use your own words, sign it and send it to Premier Darrell Dexter, the Minister of Community Services Denise Peterson-Rafuse, and your local MLA. Demand action for Bryony House now to reinstate the Outreach Program, cover off their debt and together we can continue to strive to ensure there is sufficient funding for the future of all transition houses.

We have already seen results from the Nova Scotia Government in moving funding up, something we pushed for... let's continue on and strive to strengthen and secure these imperative services for the women and children in Nova Scotia who need it.

Take Back the Night and Sisters in Spirit Vigil This Weekend

Please join us at the Take Back the Night Rally & March this Friday Evening. Look for the Friends of Transition Houses Logo OR a giant green ribbon to walk with others from our network.

The Friends of Transition Houses Network will be at the Take Back the Night March on Friday, October 2, 2009 in Halifax.

Please join us in raising our voices regarding the lack of stable and secure funding for Transition Houses.

Please spread the word among your own networks and in your own community.

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT rally and march for women and children

When: Friday October 2nd starting at 7pm

Where: Victoria Square Park, Halifax

MC: National Spoken Word champion, El Jones Speakers, song, performers

What: Take Back the Night is a rally and march by, for, and about,women and children to reclaim the night from the threat of sexual violence.

Synopsis of what to expect: This year, women and their supporters will meet at Victoria Park(corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street) for 7 p.m. where a rally will be held. Our MC El Jones and speakers, performers, and song will pump up the crowd. After the scheduled program, women and children will march through the streets of downtown Halifax, passing the Citadel Hill, downtown bars, the Palace and the HRM Police Station. This march assertively reclaims the right for women to walk independently, and free from violence, rape, shouting obscenities, oppression and fear.

After the march, there will be a reception at theMicmac Native Friendship Centre with a healing ritual and a vegetarian serving.

Allies March: a gender inclusive space to resist sexual violence

We are encouraging people of all genders to take part in the allies march that will follow behind the women's march. The allies march is intended as a means for allies to meet, foster, and encourage additional feminist activism. The allies will show solidarity to women marching by carrying signs and banners expressing the right for women to walk the streets at anytime, day or night. Small tea lights will be made available (while supplies last), but feel free to bring your own light for the march. Bring family,friends --all welcome!

Why We March:

To stand together as women, refusing to be silent about sexual violence.

To state our refusal to take responsibility for sexual harassment, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest and battering, and recognizing that only the perpetrator of these crimes is to blame.

To celebrate the steps we are taking to support each other and to create change To experience the freedom of what it is like to walk at night and not be dependant on the protection of men.

To remind each other that as individuals we have strength and together we are even stronger.

To remember our sisters who have survived, and those who have been taken from us, as a result of sexual violence.

To shout out our desire to live freely without the threat and fear of violence.

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SISTERS IN SPIRIT VIGIL: Ending Violence Against Aboriginal Women

Location: Black Rock Beach, Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia

When: Sunday, October 4th, 11:30am

What: To honour and remember the over 500 missing and/or murdered women in Canada, join us for a vigil, a talking circle, and community building with speakers and song. Refreshments to follow at the Micmac native FriendshipCentre.

Background: According to the Native Women's Association of Canada, there are 511 documented cases (and counting) of missing or murdered aboriginal women in the last 20years. On September 15th 2008, A group of walkers from British Columbia arrived in Ottawa to present to Stephen Harper over 3000 names of undocumented missing or murdered aboriginal women. In our own community, we have lost too many of our aboriginal sisters to violence.

Last Spring, near Mother's day, we lost Tanya Brooks: mother to five children, sister, daughter. Right now, our brothers and sisters in Burnt Church reserve are desperately trying to find their beloved daughter, 16 year old Hilary Bonnel. She went missing on the 5th of September and is presumed to beabducted.Violence against aboriginal women is too big of a problem to ignore.

Our communities need to be aware, and the violence needs to end. Halifax's 2nd Annual Sisters In Spirit Vigil is being held in solidarity with 31 other cities across Turtle Island that are organizing simultaneous Vigils on Sunday October 4th. Please attend this important vigil for all ages. There will be a ceremony and speakers from local support groups and community members. The event is being organized by the Dalhousie Women's Centre, Alana Lee, with support from Sisters are the Medicine and the Micmac Native Friendship Centre.

For more information, please contact:
Alanna Lee, Dalhousie Native Student Association. 293-1330 dylkenz@hotmail.com
David Parker, CKDU 88.1 FM campus and community radio. 494-2585. david@ckdu.ca
Elizabeth McCormack, Coordinator, Dalhousie Women's Centre 494-2432 dwc@dal.ca

What's New

The launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign yesterday was a great mesh with the announcement in yesterday Throne Speech. The green ribbon signifying renewal and abundance “A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the ways that government and communities interact”, this really echoes my excitement and sense of hope I felt when the NDP won to form the majority government in Nova Scotia, finally posibility of changes.

The funding that was moved up to 2010 is a fantastic and promising signal to those women and children who need to use Transition House services. We will continue to work on restoring the services lost for Bryony House and strive to ensure other houses will not lose those live saving services, such as the imminent cuts at Cape Breton Transition House.

Join us today for the Green Ribbon Campaign launch

Join us today at noon in front of the Nova Scotia Provincial Legislature for the Green Ribbon Campaign launch.

We are raising awareness about the operational funding for transition houses, which has been frozen for over a decade, through the launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign. We will be tying bouquets of green ribbons to the fence around the legislature. We are using the colour green to signify renewal and abundance.

A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the way government and community interact. We must all work to create a society that equally shares its abundance.

We cannot and must not allow our social services to be eroded for they are the foundation of a just society.

Please join us in sending a message to the government.

Response Green Ribbon Launch Invitation

Greetings!

Thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the Green Ribbon Launch on Thursday. I am very much a supporter of the transition houses and want to thank you for keeping the legislature accountable. I will check to see if one of our other ministers or licentiates can represent the church.

We will announce it to the church family tonight at our mid -week service and will certainly lift the effort in prayer.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. B.

Rev. Rhonda Y. Britton
Senior Pastor, Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
5457 Cornwallis Street
Box 47046 - RPO Gottingen Street
Halifax, NS B3K 5Y2
ph. (902) 429-0690fax (902) 429-0886
www.cornwallisbaptist.ca
"Let Jesus shine in 2009!"

An Invitation to the Green Ribbon Campaign Launch

Friends of Transition Houses Network launches Green Ribbon Campaign

The Friends of Transition Houses Network, a group of allies joined by their common interest in ensuring the safety and security of women and children fleeing domestic abuse, are gathering at the Nova Scotia Provincial Legislature at 12 noon on Thursday, September 17, 2009. We will be at the main entrance facing Hollis Street and the event will take place regardless of the weather.

We are raising awareness about the operational funding for transition houses, which has been frozen for over a decade, through the launch of our Green Ribbon Campaign. We will be tying bouquets of green ribbons to the fence around the legislature. We are using the colour green to signify renewal and abundance.

A renewal in the way public monies are distributed and a renewal in the way government and community interact. We must all work to create a society that equally shares its abundance. We cannot and must not allow our social services to be eroded for they are the foundation of a just society.

Please join us in sending a message to the government.


For more information contact:
Lori Walton, Chair of the Friends of Transition Houses
219.0349 Or loriwalton@eastlink.ca

Green Ribbon Campaign Launch

The Friends of Transition Houses Network is proud to be a part of and bring you the Green Ribbon Campaign, in Support of Nova Scotia Transition Houses (on facebook at this link Green Ribbon Campaign Launch)

Join us on this Thursday, September 17th at the NS Provincial Legsilature on Hollis Street in Halifax for the launch of the Green Ribbon Campaign on the opening day of the Nova Scotia Legislature.

If your group/committee or organization is willing to be seen in supporting the Nova Scotia Transition Houses Ribbon Bouquets will be avaible in limited number for those who identify themselves to me by Tuesday Sept. 15th and we can discuss the options.

For everyone else who wishes to come out and show their support in a more subtle way, the more numbers that are with us on that launch the more likely the funding and services for Nova Scotia Transition Houses will be fixed and reinstated.

Speak up for those who live in fear and stay in silence!

Stand up and be seen!

Come together in solidarity to support those who provide services to ensure that the Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are there when the time arises for women in need.

Kicking off the Green Ribbon Campaign in Support of Nova Scotia Transition Houses.

Time: 12:00PM (noon) Thursday, September 17th

Location: In front of the Nova Scotia Legislature

Speak Up for those who are Silent

The Friends of Transition Houses Network will be at the following events, with petitions, Green Ribbons and information cards:
o Sept 7th 10:30 a.m. - Halifax Labour Day March & BBQ at the Halifax South Commons
o Sept 17th TBA – NS Legislature for the official launch of the Green Ribbon Campaign
o Sept 18th (to be confirmed) – Take Back the Night ceremony & march

This is just a start of how we are going to raise awareness and generate the changes that are needed NOW to ensure women and children have safe havens when they need it.

So many times we hear of issues, causes, plights of those who need assistance. And so many times we think what can I do about it? I am only one person with no influence, and we walk away.

You need to stop… and know that you can make a difference. Knowing what you know now about the absolute crisis the Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are in at this very moment, you cannot stay silent

We all can do something. If you are an ex-resident, a student, a working mother, a business executive, politician or activist… we can… and WILL make a difference by something as small as raising your voice to speak up about the crisis the women in our communities are facing

You can:
o Come out to rallies and events such as this
o Send letters to government officials
o Write to the newspapers
o Talk with your friends, families and coworkers

Let them KNOW that these essential services that have SAVED WOMEN'S LIVES are in peril and DEMAND action.

I assure you that if you haven’t experienced violence personally… someone you know right now is facing violence in their home and are silent

SPEAK UP to ENSURE the way out is still there for them when they need it the most

INSIST that Transition Houses in Nova Scotia are secured and strengthened immediately

I am asking you to join our voices in making some noise.

I am not willing to continue to let these LIVE SAVING services deteriorate further,
I will speak up for those who are afraid to speak;
I will make some noise to save Nova Scotia’s Transition Houses.

Won’t you add your voice for those who are silent?

Amazing Information Session

I want to that all of you who came out to the meeting tonight and for those who couldn't make it I will be posting my notes tomorrow here and as a discussion topic on the Facebook Group page.

Tonight we heard from songs and spoken word from Leona MacDougall, from myself, from a Women's Counsellor Kathleen Westhaver from Bryony House.

Then after the presentation we heard from the co-chair of THANS (Transition House Association Nova Scotia) during Q&A, from an ex-resident who happened to read about the information night in the newspaper last week. We heard from other Transition House Workers, Feminists, Unionists and I think it's safe to say we are all Activists.

There was a reporter there from the Chronicle Herald so I would say look for a story perhaps in tomorrows paper on the event.

Friends of Transition Houses will be at the Labour Day March & BBQ on Monday at the Halifax Commons (south commons), with information, petitions and Green Ribbons **

Also coming up on September 17th the Friends of Transition Houses are launching the Green Ribbon Campaign at the NS Legislature on the opening day of the Legislative Assembly. Please stay tuned for more on that and if your group, committee, association want to be involved with the tying of (Giant) ribbons to help with the launch please contact me to discuss.

Take back the night is coming up soon (date to be announced) the Friends of Transition Houses Network will be there to make some noise, stand in solidairty against violence against women, again have ribbons, petitions and information for participants, why not join us?

The Cape Breton Transition House also has service cuts immanent just like Bryony saw on August 25. Many other houses are struggling.

Let's make sure we come together to strengthen and secure these services and programs that SAVE WOMEN'S LIVES.

Friends of Transition Houses Information Night

Friends of Transition Houses Information Meeting
Thursday, September 3, 2009

7-8:30 pm

Halifax North Memorial Library
2285 Gottingen Street

Transition Houses, serving women and children fleeing domestic abuse, are operating on budgets set in 1996 – 13 years without an increase!

Come find out more about our campaign to lobby the government to increase funding in the upcoming budget, and what you can do to make it happen.

Meet other allies as we work together to bring this issue to the forefront.

Contact Lori Walton at loriwalton@eastlink.ca or call (902) 219-0349 for more information

NS Liberal News Release on Tranistion Houses

MacDonald: Cuts to Transition Houses Imminent-Government Silent
News Release

August 28, 2009(Halifax, NS) - Liberal Community Services critic Manning Macdonald says services are at risk for women and children in crisis and he is frustrated at the inaction from government.

Both the Cape Breton Transition House and the Leeside Transition Housein Port Hawkesbury say they are facing deficit budgets and will beforced to cut services, just as Halifax’s Bryony House was forced to cut its outreach worker last week.

“With three transition houses at the breaking point, it is clear that necessary funding is not being provided,” said MacDonald. “This government has to keep its commitments to these organizations so that they may continue to provide invaluable services to their communities.”

As more transition houses voice their funding concerns, the silence of the NDP on this issue is proof they are backing away from the issue.

“When in opposition, the NDP said they would support these organizations. Now in government, it’s time for the NDP to put its money where its mouth is,” said MacDonald.

-30-

For more information, contact:Glennie LangilleDirector of Communciationslangilgj@gov.ns.ca 902-483-7781

Bryony House Update

Bryony House, a Transition House in Halifax, is cutting the position of its sole outreach worker on August 25, 2009. This position has been in place for over two decades and its elimination will create a void in the services provided to women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Background on Bryony House

Ø Established in 1978, it is a 24-bed shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse
Ø Funding is obtained through the Department of Community Services and community donations
Ø Operational funding levels have been frozen since 1996 – a 13 year period
Ø Bryony House has been operating with a deficit and now finds itself in the unfortunate position of cutting staff to save costs

Background on the outreach worker position

Ø This position has been in existence for over two decades
Ø It serves women who are considering moving out of a domestic violence situation through one-on-one counselling
Ø It also serves women who have been users of the services of Transition Houses by accompanying them to court appointments; providing support through a 10 week program to provide them with the tools to rebuild their lives
Ø The loss of this position creates an extra workload for existing staff as they attempt to fill the gaps in service

We are asking the government to:

Ø Payoff the $120,000 deficit at Bryony House and reinstate the outreach worker
Ø To move the promise of $500, 000 in Year 2 of their platform, for Transition Houses and Women’s Centre, to the current year’s budget
Ø To work with Transition Houses and Women’s Centre to lay the foundation for stable and secure funding in future years

Friends of Transition Houses Network is an informal group of allies joined by their common interest in ensuring the safety and security of women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Contact Lori Walton at loriwalton@eastlink.ca or call 902.219.0349 for more information

New NDP Government in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians have elected an NDP government in Nova Scotia... for me that means hope.

Hope that important services such as transition houses are finally funded as they should be.

Hope that these houses operating budgets will be increased to reflect 2009's cost of living rates (not 1996).

Hope that women and children who are victims of abuse will be able to access the services these homes provide, whether in residence or by the outreach services.

I know that the NDP government committed to doing this during the election.

This week we saw how much in the red the Tories left our province. I can only continue to hope that our newly formed government will strive to keep their promise and support the types of services the New Democratic Parties are known to value.

My summer hiatus is over... the Friends of Transition Houses Network is back. In a week or so Andrea D'Sylva will be joining me in updating this site with information and articles. If anyone is interested in contributing to this site anonymously or by name, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss.

There is a public meeting scheduled for the Friends of Transition Houses Network in Halifax on September 3rd, 2009. More information will follow regarding that meeting soon.

Together we can make a difference.

Parties Respond

I have received two responses thus far on the letter I sent to the party leaders (see last post).

I have decided to create a link on the right top side of this page with the 3 different parties commitments to funding for Transition Houses.

Please encourage your family, friends, and colleagues who will be voting on June 9th in the Nova Scotia election to take the time to visit this webpage and read the responses from the parties and ask them to take the plight of transition houses in Nova Scotia into consideration when casting their ballots.

All letters I have recieved will be posted by the end of the day Friday May 29th (I need to get access to a scanner for all the Liberals response).

Remember, one vote does make a difference, make an educated vote. Help the women and children in Nova Scotia who need shelter from abuse. Love shouldn't hurt.

Letter to Party Leaders

Posted below is a copy of the letter I sent to the 3 Political Party Leaders in Nova Scotia, Premier Rodney MacDonald, Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil and NDP Leader Darrel Dexter (Letter to NDP posted below). All 3 letters are identical save for the addressed party information.

I have already recieved a response from the NDP and when talking to the PC & Liberals they just recieved theirs today in the mail, so in fairness I will start post the responses tomorrow and then as they come in.

Friends of Transition Houses Network
We believe that women &
children need a safe haven
~ Love Shouldn’t Hurt ~


Mr. Darrel
Dexter
Leader of the Nova Scotia NDP Party
Nova Scotia NDP
Suite
1006-1660 Hollis Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1V7

May 21,
2009

Dear Mr. Dexter,

Can you imagine being too afraid
to go home? That’s the reality many Nova Scotian women and children face every
year. Nova Scotia’s transition houses have been there for them as a safe haven.
Now those safe havens are in danger.

Like any home,
transition houses need to be kept warm in winter. Their kitchens need food.
People need to get to work and school. The cost of all these things has gone up
dramatically over the past 10 years. But funding for transition houses has not
kept pace. In fact, operating budgets have been frozen for over 10
years.

In addition, tough economic times mean fewer donations.
People simply have less to give. Yet, even the Department of Community Services
says these tough times mean more people will turn to transition
houses.

These safe havens have struggled valiantly to maintain
their services in the face of dwindling resources. Volunteers have come to their
aid many times. It is no longer enough.

We need more
than volunteers, boards and staff to keep these houses open. We need
you. Stand up against violence against women and children in Nova
Scotia. Make a commitment to stable funding for transition
houses.

We know you support the programs and services transition
houses offer Nova Scotians in need. Now, we need and expect more – a public
commitment from you and the NDP party to increase the operating budgets of
transition houses.

We urge you to sign the attached pledge on
behalf of yourself and your party and send it back to the below
address.

I look forward to a speedy response from the Nova Scotia
NDP on this significant issue.

Sincerely,

Lori Walton,
Coordinator
Friends of Transition Houses
Network



NS NDP
Pledge:

I Darrel Dexter, Leader of the NDP pledge on behalf of my
party, when we are the government, we will increase the operating budgets of
Nova Scotia transition houses to reflect the current cost of goods and
services. On behalf of the NDP, I also make a commitment to provide
ongoing stable funding, tied to the rate of inflation at a minimum, for
transition houses in Nova Scotia.

Please sign: Darrel Dexter
on behalf of the Nova Scotia NDP

Date:

Calling all Friends of Transition Houses

Want an easy pre made way to contribute to the Friends of Transition Houses Network? I've got the job for you! (Volunteer job of course)

If you can gather a group of friends, colleagues, activists, people who want to make a difference and give back to the community, whether is with a friend or a group of friends, contact me. And if you can't get anyone else, but would like to help on your own, the network can still use your hands and time, I'll help coordinate teams if needed.

I am looking for people to hand out leaflets / info fliers to people walking down the street in busy areas of the city (i.e. Spring Garden Road on a Sunny weekday at lunch).

The message is the own posted below, a question for people to ask their candidates... "If elected to office will you INCREASE transition houses operating budgets so that they can keep up with inflation?"

Simple. You grab at least one friend interested, contact me for material, give 15 mins or more of your time and you will have made a difference.

E-mail me for more details, or with the day/time, location you area willing to help out! loriwalton@eastlink.ca

Together we can make a difference in the lives of women & children who are being abused.

Let's keep this important social service alive and thriving in Nova Scotia.

Rally in Antigonish - Saturday May 23rd at 3:30 p.m.

Come on out to show your support for Transition Houses!

This Saturday in front of Antigonish MLA Angus MacIssac's Headquarters (on Church Street in Antigonish) there will be a rally at 3:30 p.m.

Speakers are scheduled to be Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC Regional Executive Vice President, Maurice Smith, NDP Candidate for Antigonish (tentative), and myself.

We are demanding that whomever forms the new government for the Province of Nova Scotia brings up the operating budgets of Transition Houses to today's cost of living standards and continues to increase yearly to keep up with inflation. It has been over 10 years since transition houses have seen an operational increase... 10 years of trying to pay rent, heat, fuel, electricity etc with the same amount of cash that may have covered those expenses back in the day.

Let's help make sure Transition Houses are in place, strong and accessible. Women & Children need a safe haven.

Come out to the rally to add your voice to the many who will be there. Let's make a statement!

Upcoming Week - Friends of Transition Houses Network

The Friends of Transition Houses Network is asking you all to remember when the Nova Scotia Politicians come knocking ask them this...

If elected to office will you INCREASE transition house operating budgets so that they can keep up with inflation?

Remind them that in these tough times, many people have to cut back on their donations to not-for-profit organizations. Even the Department of Community Services says that these tough times mean more people will turn to transition houses, the need is projected to be greater, yet the funding is insufficient.

Remind those candidates that we need more than volunteers, boards and staff to keep these houses open. We need them, government, to stand up against violence against women and children in Nova Scotia. We need them to make a commitment to stable funding for transition houses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The funding issue that surrounds Nova Scotia Transition Houses made it on the Nova Scotia NDP Party Platform where the party commits that they will increase and stabilize funding for Transition Houses and Women's Centres. They have put a dollar value of $500k in their second year of office. This is great that we actually made their platform with out us asking for it, but $500K spread out over at least 12 different transition houses... not to mention however many "women's centres" there are, doesn't catch "us" up to the cost of living (keep in mind it's been over 10 yrs since transition houses have recieved operational budget increases).

I am working with the Friends of Transition Houses Network steering committee today to finalize letters to all the political party leaders asking them to pledge to increase the operating budgets of Nova Scotia transition houses to reflect the current cost of goods and services and make a commitment to provide ongoing stable funding, tied to the rate of inflation at a minimum, for transition houses in Nova Scotia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Until the Violence Stops Festival is coming up the first few weeks of June, this has even more significance as we will also be going to the polling stations during that time. I hope that the Friends of Transition Houses Network, and all of you are able to make some noise, ask the questions of the candidates and help to make sure that women & children have a safe haven in Nova Scotia should they need it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Look out for this weeks The Coast (Halifax's Free Indie Paper), the Best of Food edition. In it you will see the Friends of Transition Houses Network advertisement asking people to take action by way of questioning the candidates.

And if you find yourself at a Political Candidates Town Hall meeting, try to ask the questions there. Let me know the response you might get.

That's all for now Friends... a good week to have ahead, opportunities to make some noise, lift your voices and generate change!

Combating Violence Against Women - Oxfam Discussion

I went to the Oxfam Halifax office today to listen and take part in a discussion on combating violence against women.


It was an interesting collective of women and men, from various organizations and interests who came to hear Robyn Baron speak on the work she is currently involved in with Oxfam.



The presentation and alot of the discussion was about violence against women, empowering women and aid to women on the International Level. Which was very interesting to hear about.

The other aspect of this event was networking, conversations stemmed from Child Warriors, to Roots of Abuse, to we are doing within our own boarders.

There is a Friends of Transition Houses Network steering committee meeting tonight. I will have to opportunity to present the work I have done thus far for approval and then perhaps we can move forward with mobilization, awareness sessions and action.

I (as always) am open to suggestions, opinions, and contributions. Please feel free to contact me at loriwalton@eastlink.ca or via facebook.

Networking for the Network - pondering thoughts from an activist

Things can move so slow when you are trying to work on something to this magnitude. The Friends of Transition Houses Network is meant to be on a grand scale, awareness, vocalization, knowledge, solidarity and activism are all mechanisms to change...

and me, well I'm doing my best with getting word out there. As a new kid on the block (so to speak) I have to build my own networks from the ground up. Networking on Facebook. Networking via e-mail. Contacting those from the Women's Day events and the Bill C-10 fight for a woman's right to pay equity. And yet, sometimes I wonder if what I am doing is enough. And I am open to suggestions from others on how I can make it more...

There is less than a month left now before the Provincial Election and although the Friends of Transition Houses Network will be moving forward well past the provincial election there is so much we can be doing now... that may impact the type of government we elect into Provincial Legislature.

Last week I did up a draft graphic (which over the weekend my 13 yr old daughter nearly perfected for me) for the Friends of Transition Houses Network. I'm itching to start getting it out there, I'm itching to put the network out into public forums. To get people talking about it, join in, wanting to be a part.

Tonight I spend Mother's Day as I always do, with my family, my sister and her family, our mother and my sister's mother-in-law. I talked to my sister's Mother-in-law, she used to work at Bryony House back when it first started (she now works as a social worker elsewhere).

We talked over coffee about the plight of the transition houses, underfunded, asked to make due. My step father was a little upset to find out that not every community (or rural area) in Nova Scotia had transition houses. He asked how many beds there were in Bryony House, I told him. My mother in law spoke of there sometimes being waiting lists for women to get into shelters... WAITING LISTS~~~ For a shelter for abused women & children!!! Can you imagine?

And we (the general public) don't think about it, we don't talk about it. We might say, what can I do about it? Or the problem is too big? Or we turn a blind eye to the dire need of these services in our community...

I am one of the people who say... I have a voice, I will do everything I can to raise awareness, to fight for inequity, to help make sure the services that women & children need are in place. I am only one person, but I know that there are many more out there like me who will step up to be seen and heard.

You have to ask yourself (as I did) if not me... then who?

Think about it. Consider the strength you carry within your self and ask yourself how can you best use that to contribute back to society?

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Time for Action

I sat with some colleagues today and we had a 1½ hr brain storming session.

I have a game plan and I'm ready to go. There is less than an month left until the provincial elections and there is so much to do.

I need to contact the other "stakeholders" and get them to distribute the information regarding the Friends of Transition Houses Network. I need names from each of those organizations and associations to have as my point of contact.

I am looking at getting together a General Information Meeting for the Friends of Transition House Network, to let people know who we are and what we do. Our purpose, our goal, our vision.

I need to build and expand our network. Get names of people in groups who have like issues. Advocacy groups, awareness groups, women's groups, networks. The more people are talking the more they know what is happening, the more we can as individual constituents question our candidates as they come to our homes to ask for our support in the upcoming election.

There is so much to do, and it seems like so little time. It's time to kick it up a notch...

Friends of Transition Houses Network is on Facebook. Please contact me there or here by e-mailing me at loriwalton@eastlink.ca to let me know you want to be keep in the loop or to find out how you can become involved.

Let's all make this happen... Love shouldn't Hurt... let's make sure there is a safe shelter for women to get out.

Words from Sheila Davis, Transition House Worker

Our concerns are for the women of Nova Scotia who are fleeing abuse. Any downward change in the economy affects women who are being abused, and it affects them from multiple angles: for example, one of the chief reasons women tell us they are afraid to leave their abusive partners is because they are afraid of starting all over again with nothing, they are afraid of being poor.

In the economic climate we are in, poverty will seem a more likely outcome to these women, and they will be more likely to stay with their partners, suffering more frequent and increased abuse. If abusive partners are laid off from work, they are at home, with more opportunity (and more "excuses") to abuse. As the economic stresses increase in families, we will see an increase in the frequency and severity of abuse, and therefore an increase for the need of the services of transition houses.

Although Nova Scotians are well-known for their level of contributions to charities we are also likely to see a decrease in donations. Women staying at transition houses use the services of many of the other social service agencies that have had their grants frozen (food banks, counselling agencies, furniture banks, single family resource centres, e.g.). Where are they to turn if the very agencies they need are struggling for survival?

This is not a time to be talking about freezing grants and staff lay-offs, this is a time to make sure that the most vulnerable people in our Nova Scotian communities are protected from violence. This is the work of transition houses, but we cannot do it if we are facing a reduction in services, due to cutbacks.

An example of how the 13-yr long freeze to our operating funds affects our service can be seen in something as straightforward as the cost of oil. We spent 6 times as much on heat in 2008 as we did in 1997! Transition houses have made regular requests to Department of Community Services to increase our operational funding and every time we have been given the same answer: tighten your belts. Well, we’ve tightened our belts so much that we can’t breathe! We've made very cutback we feel we can. There is no more room to scrimp!

Staff at transition houses are passionate about the work that we do with women and children. We are paid 20-50% less than employees with the same experience and qualifications in the public and private sector, and in addition to our paid work we do hours of volunteer work every month. We’re educated, experienced, qualified and underpaid. And each of us works hard shifts in a crisis environment, often with no break. There’s no scrimping room there, either. Any cut to staff will increase risk to women and children.

Right now there is an ongoing fundraiser for shelters across the country and transition houses receive direct (donation) money and indirect (project grant) money from the proceeds. It's called Shelter from the Storm.

If you are at Winners, Homesense or BMO banks you can make a donation, or (on May 7 at Winners and Homesense) have a percentage of your purchases go towards the campaign. You can also donate online. Some of the proceeds go directly to transition houses and the rest funds projects which help prevent violence against girls & women or help women rebuild their lives after abuse.

I have just returned from Toronto, where I worked with the grant selection committee for the Canadian Women's Foundation, and we chose over 40 excellent projects from across Canada (and at least one in every Atlantic province) to receive funding. I am so excited about these initiatives that will be funded in part by this campaign, and the more money that Shelter From the Storm raises, the more projects on the "maybe" list can be funded.

Get ready, it begins

I start "officially" working on the Friends of Transition Houses project this week, out of the PSAC office. But we all know starting something like this will be lots of days, nights, weekends, getting those interested people and parties together to educate, inform and make some noise.

I can't imagine trying to run my household off of my 1996 income, essentially that is what most transition houses in Nova Scotia have been doing. Relying heavily on donations to make through the fiscal year. But this is a social service, a community service and the government should be coughing up for these.

In today's economy there is added stress at home. People are losing jobs, perhaps worrying that they are next. The cost of living has increased and it is becoming more and more difficult to make ends meet. This almost always will translate into conflict at home, arguments over money and spending habits and in some cases this will be the last straw that breaks the camels back and abuse could be a result.

How is NOT supporting transition houses an option now? How can our provincial government propose a freeze on spending and list transition houses as a service that is frozen, when they are already struggling to get by?

Oh yes I'm looking forward to working on this campaign. To getting those together who wish to fight this fight, and to opening the eyes of those decision makers to get them to get rid of the deficits that some of these houses are running and increase funding to this important service!

Calling all Friends of Transition Houses

As a woman who believes that women deserve support to lift them up in their most dire times of need and in my role as PSAC Atlantic Director for Nova Scotia, I am pleased to be involved in leading the effort to form a network of “Friends of Transition Houses”.

This has been a difficult time for the Transition Houses here in Nova Scotia, as you are aware operational funding to transition houses have been frozen since 1996 and the current budget that was just announced includes a freeze to current funding levels. The Bryony House in Halifax has been in existence for 30 years. The Halifax Transition House (Bryony House) is now in a deficit situation. The staff who work there are our members. We also have members who work for Transition houses in Bridgewater at the South Shore Transition House (Harbour House) and in Kentville at Chrysalis House.

We have a Board of Directors at Bryony House that has stated that they will do employee lay-offs to address the deficit and funding issues. This is totally unacceptable as you know violence against women and children has always been on the rise, it will never disappear.

Many women and children use these facilities use these facilities because they have no other place to go, if we do not have the adequate staff to assist, to ensure their safety and their well-being what will happen to them? Currently we are involved in a lobby of MLAs in areas where we represent transition house workers. We plan to be active from now until after a new government and hopefully a better budget is put forward that increases operational funding to transition houses.

Transition houses are an important social and community service. The Friends of Transition Houses network will be compromised of different individuals, from employees of Transition Houses, to various politicians, to unions, to those who have used transition houses in the past, right up and including the everyday Nova Scotian who recognizes the extreme importance of having Transition Houses with adequate funding from the government to make sure the services are there and we can build on them for the women and children who need it.

Please join me in this network of individuals who wish to and WILL have their voices heard. Contact me at loriwalton@eastlink.ca to find out how you can become involved. Or call 443-3541 and leave me a message regarding the Friends of Transition Houses network.

Sign up to updates on this blog to stay abreast of any events or information that will be coming up in future days/weeks until we win this fight!

Standing in Solidarity and raising our voices to educate and inform others, we can make the difference.

Bryony House Letter

Premier Darrell Dexter
Office of the PremierPO Box 726Halifax, Nova ScotiaB3J 2T3

October 2009

Dear Premier Dexter,

As a resident of Nova Scotia, I am concerned with the operational funding for Transition Houses in this province that has been stagnant for over a decade. I applaud your government for moving the $500,000 in Year 2 of your platform to the next budget year of 2010. But lets be perfectly clear, $500,000 divided by ten transition houses and eight women’s centres does not amount to very much.

Transition Houses have been operating on budgets set in the 1990s! It is the women and children of the province who suffer most because of these funding freezes. We have to acknowledge the social infrastructure our society as much, if not more, than our physical infrastructure. The women and children of the province deserve more than talk, they require action. Bryony House in Halifax has had to cut staff and services to decrease costs, and still they are in a deficit position.

I urge you to address the deficit position of Bryony House to ensure the Outreach Program can be operational once again. I also ask that your government start a dialogue with Transition Houses to ensure they have stable and secure funding for the future. We cannot wait any longer.

I look forward to your response.


Sincerely,




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