10 Years of Women Supporting Women

Willow’s Place celebrated its 10th anniversary this fall, recognizing a full decade of  “women supporting women.”

Started in 2014 as a drop-in space open for only a few hours per week, the program has now expanded to 24 hours a day and is an integral support for women experiencing home-lessness in Hamilton.

“We found at the time that the gap in the city was a women’s-focused drop-in centre. When we opened our doors, we filled that gap,” said Lindsay, Manager of Community Services and Outreach Programs at Willow’s Place.

“It was originally going to be called Daybreak, because it was a place for women to take a break in their day, but the women suggested ‘Willow’s Place’,” Lindsay said. “The symbolism behind this is that a willow tree can weather the storm, and its branches will bend, but they won’t break.”

As the city has changed over the past decade, Willow’s Place has changed with it, offering more services and longer hours, ensuring that the most vulnerable women in the city have a safe place.

“We adapt based on the needs of the women,” said Sheryl, Director of Community Services and Outreach. “This program will always adapt because the needs of the com-munity are always changing.”

The staff at Willow’s Place make sure that the women’s voices are heard, listening to clients’ concerns and ideas for the future.

“Willow’s was founded as a safe place for women to create connection and community. We want them to help us to mould this program into what best meets their needs.”

Ultimately, the building blocks of the program that were established 10 years ago will be the cornerstone for growth and further innovation in the future.

“We’ve stayed true to our core values of why we are here, and the roots of this program, said Sheryl. “When we’re implementing anything, we have the same mentality of ‘why did we start this program, and what were we trying to accomplish?’”

As Willow’s heads into the next decade, the focus remains on helping every woman who comes through the door needing a place to go.

“We want the women that come here to feel valued, not that they’re just a misfit of the system,” said Lindsay. “We are here to truly help.”

Consider donating today to make a difference in women’s lives. Your contributions help our community members get the help they need when they need it.