Women helping women

Holidays are a time for families, says Lee Fraser, executive director and mental health support worker at Phoenix Rising Women's Centre.

But for some women and their children, the season can be especially challenging.

"They may be in their family home after a spouse has been removed," she said. "They may have had to relocated to a new community to escape abuse and be without the support of friends, family and co-workers."

Fraser is shown yesterday at Phoenix Rising Non-profit Housing, accepting a plaque from Sault MPP David Orazietti.

Orazietti was at the centre to announce Ontario Trillium Foundation funding to hire a staffer who will raise awareness about Phoenix Rising's programs and services and raise funds for those programs and services.

Phoenix Rising Board Chair Karen Nixon is seen on the left.

In this time of year, when so much focus is placed on the family, it can be very difficult for families who have already been torn apart by violence, said Fraser.

Phoenix Rising Non-profit Housing consists of 25 units, five of which are supported-living homes for women with mental illness.

It also offers a variety of referral, training and advocacy services to its residents.

Phoenix Rising also operates a centre downtown in Sault Ste. Marie that tries to deliver whatever services are needed to drop-in visitors.

"There are a lot of women who visit the centre who wouldn't take that step to go to a place where they can get help, so we try to bring it to them at the centre," said Fraser.

Phoenix Rising also tries to provide gently used furniture, household appliances and clothing for families moving into homes.

"Some of these women had to leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs and their children," she said. "We try to make it easier for them to live on their own so they are less likely to return to a dangerous situation."

The full text of Sault MPP David Orazietti's news release follows.

************************* Orazietti announces $40,000 for Phoenix Rising Non-Profit Housing in Sault Ste. Marie

McGuinty government helping women overcome adversity

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - Phoenix Rising Women's Centre Non-Profit Homes is receiving a $40,000 grant from the McGuinty government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), to raise community awareness of the services they provide and to increase their fundraising capacity David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

"Our government's investment will support Phoenix Rising Non-Profit Homes Inc., in their efforts to help women overcome adversity," said Orazietti. "By providing housing, training and resources, the organization will be better equipped to offer needed support to many in our community."

The grant from OTF will allow Phoenix Rising to hire a full-time staff person dedicated to public outreach and fundraising efforts.

Increased public awareness will help ensure the group's financial sustainability in the future through an expected increase in donations.

"We are excited about receiving the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant as it will assist us in providing ongoing services to women who face a variety of challenges in our community, including women who suffer with mental illness," said Lee Fraser, executive director, Phoenix Rising Non-Profit Homes.

Phoenix Rising Women's Centre Non-Profit Homes was incorporated in November 1986 with the objective of providing housing for women, with or without children, and to promote their health and well-being by providing one-on-one and group support, advocacy, accompaniment, information and community referrals.

Phoenix Rising operates a 25 unit housing complex in Sault Ste. Marie with five units designated for women with mental illness.

The organization operates the only drop-in centre exclusively for women in the community.

The centre provides parallel services as well as a variety of activities and workshops for women facing a variety of challenges including those who have been marginalized and/or suffer with mental illness.

For more information of services offered, or how to help, please contact (705) 759-5864.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

For 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province.

OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

For more information, please visit this website.

*************************