Story and photo by Devan Mighton
Just before New Year’s, two teams of 11-year-olds representing the Windsor Jr. Spitfires and Riverside Rangers braved the chilly morning air at the Lanspeary Park Lion’s Outdoor Arena for a charity hockey game. Windsor’s U13 BB team took to the ice and picked up a well-earned victory against the Riverside U12 A team. However, the real victory was shared by both teams in a different way.
The teams were playing in honour of Hiatus House. The Jr. Spitfires, who hosted the event, raised $760 in gift cards, $295 in cash, a plethora of physical donations, and a cheque from the Windsor Professional Firefighters Association for $250 for Hiatus House.
“The Windsor U13 BB team wanted to give back to the community during the holiday season,” explains team manager Melanie McArthur. “During a charity exhibition game versus Riverside, we asked our families to donate items for the Hiatus House.
“It is important that we teach the players, our children, to always help when you can. Together, we raised money, donated gift cards, toys, baby items, household items, and winter clothing. The Hiatus House was very thankful for the support and generosity of our families.”
Hopefully, what these kids were playing for, in their youthful innocence, is something they don’t yet fully understand.
Founded in 1976, Hiatus House began as a nine-bed domestic violence shelter on California Ave. in Windsor. In those early years, the Hiatus House had only one paid employee and a handful of dedicated volunteers.
“Hiatus House was established out of a dire need for a safe refuge for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence in our community,” explains Hiatus House assistant clinical director of residential services Heather Johnson-Dobransky.
Now, with almost 50 years in the community, Hiatus House has expanded and grown, establishing community partnerships with the Windsor Police Services with alert systems and the City of Windsor with quicker access to affordable housing.
“Hiatus House provides 24-hour crisis intervention, over the phone and in-person, emergency shelter for women and children experiencing intimate partner violence or human trafficking, client-centered goal planning, resources and referrals to community services, as well as advocacy and support.”
Located at 250 Louis Ave. in Windsor, Hiatus House maintains working partnerships with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Drouillard Place, and Legal Assistance of Windsor.
“Hiatus House also provides counselling services for every member of a family affected by domestic violence,” explains Johnson-Dobransky. “The women’s counselling program is for women who have experienced intimate partner violence. The children’s counselling program is for children who have experienced domestic violence and the men’s program is for individuals who are ready to take responsibility for their violent behaviour and make positive changes in their lives. We have a group counselling program for children residing in the shelter, as well as in the community.
Hiatus House provides a one-on-one, school-based counselling program, in which a counsellor attends the child’s school to provide these services. They also have a program called Mothers In Mind, which is a program for women who have experienced trauma and abuse and their children under the age of four. This program focuses on strengthening the relationship between the mother and child and provides supportive parenting assistance and knowledge on child development.
The organization also has a family court support worker program to help clients navigate the legal system and provide knowledge on separating assets, child custody, and legal separation. Also, Hiatus House provides a Transitional Housing and Support Program to assist women with re-establishing their lives on their own, helping with housing, support services, referrals for financial assistance, counselling, and legal matters, among other services.
Despite almost a half century of growth, Hiatus House is always in need of support and awareness.
“Our community can support Hiatus House by taking part in awareness campaigns, such as our Shine the Light campaign that runs from November 1-30 every year, initiating their own awareness or benefit events that support Hiatus House, sharing our social media posts, donating new personal needs items, gift cards, or new household items, and engaging in conversations that bring awareness to the issue of violence against women and the need for it to end,” explains Johnson-Dobransky.
She adds that Hiatus House is always grateful for efforts, like that of the Windsor U13 BB team and their opponents from Riverside, for raising money, goods, and awareness for their cause.
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s generosity and support,” states Johnson-Dobransky. “Women in abusive situations often feel to blame for the violence they experience and carry a lot of grief, sadness, and self-doubt. Community support provides survivors with courage and hope and demonstrates understanding and compassion towards the cause.”
The services of Hiatus House can be accessed over the phone or in-person. If you would like to access their services or learn more about Hiatus House, please visit their website at www.HiatusHouse.com or call them at 519-252-7781.
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