A Lifelong Advocate: One Woman’s Career Dedicated to Women’s Rights and Empowerment

When I first joined the Cridge Centre for the Family in February 1992, I had no idea the journey that awaited me. At the time, the Cridge Transition House for Women had just opened its doors in 1991, as one of many programs offered by the Cridge Centre for the Family —the oldest non-profit in Canada, which began as an orphanage in the late 1800s. Over the years, the organization evolved significantly, and so did I, finding my true calling in this line of work.

The Cridge Transition House for Women provides shelter for women, with or without children, fleeing violence. Our mission is to offer them a safe haven and support as they rebuild their lives. Initially, the stay was intended to be 30 days, but due to the current housing crisis, stays often extend to two or three times that duration. We offer not only emergency shelter but also extensive outreach programs for women on our waitlist, those who recently left the house, and those in need of continued support along their journey. Every woman's journey is unique, and our goal is to provide the tailored support they need during this critical period.

My Involvement: A Dream Realized

My involvement with the Cridge Transition House for Women almost felt like fate. I had always harboured a vague dream of working in this field, and when the opportunity presented itself, it felt like the stars aligned. Over the past 30+ years, my passion for this work has only grown stronger. The issue of violence against women is one I am deeply passionate about, and the systemic societal responses often fuel my drive and keep me boundlessly dedicated to this cause.

Soroptimist and the Power of Community Support

My connection with Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore (SIVW) has been a cornerstone of our efforts at the Cridge Transition House for Women. Our relationship began in the '90s, with an apple-picking fundraiser, and it blossomed from there. Soroptimist provided us with much-needed supplies for our residents, like new bedding, towels, and other practical necessities.

In the late summer of 2000, the then-president of Soroptimist approached our organization with a proposal to apply for the "Making a Difference for Women" grant. This initiative gave birth to the New Beginnings Baskets—a project where Soroptimist supplied us with dozens of laundry baskets filled with cleaning supplies, paper products and kitchen items. The first basket was delivered to one of our residents on November 7, 2000. At its peak, we distributed over 100 baskets a year, profoundly impacting the lives of the women we served. The gesture of receiving these baskets often moved women to tears, as it symbolized the community’s support and a fresh start.

The Evolution: Anney’s Closet

In 2019, Anney’s Closet took over the New Beginnings Basket initiative, adding a second basket of toiletries. This collaboration allowed us to streamline our operations and store these essential items at Anney’s Closet. Now, visiting Anney’s Closet is a routine part of our care plan, where women receive both baskets before moving into their new homes.

Shopping at Anney’s Closet with our residents is always a heartwarming experience. Both the staff and residents return excited and grateful for the generosity they encounter at Anney’s Closet. The ability to choose their own items—whether it’s a favorite shower curtain or a desk for their new course—empowers women and helps them reclaim their lives after years of living in fear.

Continuing the Mission

The support from Soroptimist and our community has been invaluable. It enables us to provide more than just a safe place; it offers a sense of hope and a tangible reminder that women are not alone. This community support is what makes it possible for us to do our work effectively, and it has strengthened my resolve to keep advocating for and supporting these women.

Through my journey with the Cridge Transition House for Women, I’ve learned that our work is not just about providing a physical space but about rebuilding a home. The women we serve know all too well the stress of starting over, and our goal is to make this transition as smooth and supportive as possible. With each step forward, we strive to improve our services and continue making a difference, one woman at a time.

Discover more about the vital work we do at the Cridge Transition House for Women. Learn how you can get involved, support our mission, and make a difference in the lives of women fleeing violence. Visit the Cridge Transition House for Women to learn more about the organization.