The Residence Social Reintegration Program welcomes each year between 60 to 90 women from various backgrounds who need time to (re)build a stable life in autonomous housing. The participants face different type of issues (mental health, violence, homelessness, and various addictions); Manon and her team of social counsellors do the follow up and provide these women with support. In addition, the team also manages the Les Jardins and Brin d’Elles community housings.
The Public health recommendations have completely changed the functioning of the services and the way support are offered at the Women’s Y Residence, as well as the daily lives of the women who reside there. The first step had been to reassure the participants facing uncertainty that the team would continue to be there to support them. For these women who live at the Residence precisely to find a more stable future, adapting to all these changes is not an easy task and the support of Manon and her team is essential.
Manon’s team mus step up their efforts and be creative in order to distract women who are confined in a small room most of the time. It is psychologically and emotionally difficult for these women to be unable to meet their social counsellor in person and to be forced to follow new rules that have been quickly imposed. This context creates several emergencies and crisis that must be dealt with on a daily basis by Manon and her colleagues.
Manon’s word of hope: “We always come out stronger from a difficult situation. We see a surge in mutual aid and solidarity everywhere and our participants experience them too. This particular experience will transform us forever. We have all developed our creativity in many aspects of our lives and of our work; these are tools that will remain in our toolbox. Together, it’s going to be ok!”
In order to maintain these essential services that welcome women and accompany them on their journey towards a more stable, autonomous life, we need your financial support.
Would you like to show your support to Manon? Please donate to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund.