Established in 1977, the Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia-Lambton (WIH) provides emergency shelter, support and counselling to abused women and their children. “WIH was one of the first women’s shelters in Ontario. It was started by a group of people from the community who saw a need,” explains Executive Director Michelle Batty. “One of the highlights of our 40th anniversary celebration was hearing stories from the shelter’s founding mothers and fathers. Our organization’s first home was in the old nurses’ residence on Maria Street. It was run entirely by volunteers and could only offer women safety for three days.”
The Women’s Interval Home moved from Essex Street to Russell Street to Durand Street and, then in 1998, to its current location on Oxford Street. Angie Marks, Director of Services, explains, “The Kiwanis Centre owned the property and sold it to us for $1. We received funds from the provincial government, private donors and fundraising events to build the new facility.” They receive funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services for 17 beds and some of the shelter’s programs. Several other beds and additional programs are funded through donations and fundraising, including their Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event. They currently operate with 14 full-time and 12 part-time/relief staff.
The WIH offers emergency shelter to women and children 24 hours a day and also has a 24-hour crisis/support line. Their staff receive specialized training to assist women with their housing, legal, financial, and safety planning needs. All of their services are free and confidential. “We understand the safety needs of women and have counsellors who provide support, information and advocacy to women experiencing abuse,” explains Marks. “Our staff receive cultural competency training because we want our services to meet the needs of everyone in our community. If that means providing a smudge bundle or prayer mat, then we can do that.” WIH also equips women for the future. The W.O.M.E.N on the Move Employment program helps women develop new skills, find employment and achieve economic security.
Volunteers are an essential part of their work. “Our volunteers assist with fundraising events, office work, maintenance and children’s programming,” explains Marks. A group of passionate volunteers run the Creative Kids Crafts program where kids learn how to make a variety of crafts, including pillowcases and nightlights. Batty remembers a boy who came up to her after his first night at the program. “He thought he was the only kid to come from a family that fought. He thought he was alone. These programs provide an opportunity for sharing and connection.”
In 2016, the Women’s Interval Home won the Social Profit Award at the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. “Working in collaboration with local partners is the key to ending the cycle of violence against women in our society,” shares Batty. “That’s a key thing about Sarnia. We really do work together as a community to find the best programs and services for people in need.”
Chris Lindsay loves counselling and therapy. "After 25 years, I still find it very interesting," shares Lindsay. "I'm fortunate to have a career that will keep me interested, even if I practice until I'm 95. Each person is so unique, and therapy itself is always evolving, so there is always more to
The Cheese Store was founded in 2011, then purchased by Kirby and Jason Harris and Pam and Marty Raaymakers in 2013. "It was a good fit for us because we all love food, cheese, and entertaining," shares Kirby. The partners each br...
After 13 years of working as an ambulance attendant, Mike Bourque was ready for a change. I didn't want to do that job until I retired. I wanted something enjoyable and personally satisfying. The day I left my job as an ambulance attendant, a friend asked if I could build him some new kitchen c
Playing for Charity's first annual 24 Hour Video Game Marathon was Darryl Heater's way of combining two things that he loves: video games and his community. Heater suggested the idea to Max Major, and together they created the event. We aren't runners or athletic. We wanted to take one of o
Tristan Bassett and her friends at NuSarnia Foundation have a vision for the city they love to be an even better place. And they are willing to take the time and energy to see things improve. The group at NuSarnia are community advocates; champions for creating a more active transportation-friend
“One day you’re treating a pee-wee hockey player and then ten years later, you’re treating an NHL player,” explains Dr. John Vargo. His clinic, Sarnia Chiropractic and Performance Centre, located at 167 Exmouth Street, has treated...
Over forty years ago, a group of women in Bright's Grove dreamed of a public art gallery that would support and inspire local and regional artists through exhibitions and education. Their vision was born at Gallery in the Grove and it continues to thrive and grow to this day. Located in beautiful W
Experiencing Sarnia Sting hockey is so much more than a game. It's an experience. It's also a dedicated community partner. Five years ago, Derian Hatcher and David Legwand purchased the Sarnia Sting Hockey Club because they are passionate about junior hockey and the community of Sarnia-Lambton.