A Message from the Director
As the Executive Director of a vibrant organization, I am proud to officially welcome you to our newly designed website. Huron Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing & Counselling Services was fortunate to receive grant monies from the Ministry of Community and Social Services that allowed us to hire a communications consultant; and once again communicate directly with our membership. We have many exciting things to share with you; program information, new projects and information on our dedicated staff members. We hope that you will take some time to explore the pages of our new website, and access the online version of our quarterly newsletter.
At Huron Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services we know that it is important to keep pace with technology; making our services easy to find and accessible on the Internet is critically important for our clients. We also want to ensure that our supporters can find us and that they have an opportunity to learn about our many exciting initiatives.
Board of Directors
These volunteer Board Members come from across Huron County for monthly Board meetings in Goderich.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: (L-R)
Marilyn Vander Woude, Judy Stuart, Emily Phillips (Chair),
Gary Martin, Carol McDonnell,
Lynne Godkin, Sharon Creighton. Absent: Rosemarie Wiese,
Carole Broadley, Pat Senn, Rev. Gwen Nichol-
Macdonald.
STAFF PROFILE:
CRISIS COUNSELLOR - AUDREY BOONSTOPPEL
Audrey Boonstoppel, Crisis Counsellor and longtime employee for the Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services of Huron is retiring from her full-time position at the end of March 2009. Audrey is in her 14th year with the centre, and has enjoyed her time at the shelter so much that she plans to return to work on a part time relief basis, providing services and support as needed. Audrey admits that she loves coming to work each and every day, and boasts that the wonderful and supportive staff has been an amazing team of people to work with.
An increased awareness of the issues that many women face on a daily basis, including domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health, has made a significant difference in the delivery of services for the shelter. “I used to believe that we could work ourselves out of a job,” said Audrey, admitting that the ideal
scenario for everyone who works in her field is a world free from domestic violence. In today’s economic climate however, these issues are more prevalent than ever, and the staff at the shelter strive to keep trained, informed, and up-to-date in this constantly changing environment.
When asked what the most rewarding part of her job has been, Audrey was quick to speak of the meaningful relationships that she has developed, and the many women and families that she has helped over the years. “Just knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life, and the fact that these women know I am there for them in their time of need has meant so much to me,” said Audrey.
Not only has Audrey made a significant impact at the shelter during her many years of service, but the shelter has made a significant impact on her as well. “I’m certainly not leaving as the same person I was when I started 14 years ago,” says Audrey. “I’m leaving more compassionate, more understanding, and more aware of the issues facing women right here in Huron County.”
We are grateful to be a recipient of funding from the United Way.
