Peterborough-based philanthropists, David and Patricia Morton of the Morton Foundation, have made a $50,000 donation to the YWCA Haliburton County.
The YWCA made the announcement Nov. 5.
In a press release, Patricia Morton said, “we are inspired by the courage of isolated and vulnerable women who are struggling to survive and escape from abuse and violence, and to build a better life for themselves and their children.”
She added, “we greatly hope that our donation will encourage others to help to support them and the dedicated and great work of the Peterborough Haliburton YWCA.”
The YWCA’s Ria Nicholson said the support comes at a critical time and they are “incredibly” thankful. She said the need for safety and specialized supports that address violence against women has increased steadily since the initial lockdown this past spring, particularly in rural areas.
“YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s clinical therapist and transition support workers, who continue to work remotely by phone, text and email, are seeing between five and 10 new women per week reaching out for support,” Nicholson said.
YWCA executive director, Kim Dolan, added “recent trends in the County, with more cottagers opting to stay in the area, have resulted in an increase in calls to our Haliburton County services for information, support, and safety planning. We expect this to continue as the reports of abuse are more serious and complex given the heightened stressors brought on by the pandemic.”
YWCA outreach programming in Haliburton County offers clinical therapy and counselling, risk assessment and safety planning, systems navigation and referral, emergency client transportation, court accompaniment, and more.
The YWCA Women’s Centre of Haliburton County provides a home base for three part-time transition support workers, one full-time clinical therapist, an office coordinator, and an independent family law lawyer.
Members of the community who wish to donate, or find ways of supporting YWCA crisis and support services, are encouraged to contact Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x113 or rnicholson@ ywcapeterborough.org.
If you, or someone you know, needs support, contact the 24-hour support and crisis line: toll free 1-800-461-7656; phone 705-286-6442 or text 705-991-0110. YWCA receives $50K donation YWCA is Haliburton County’s only shelter for women and children.
