Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Adsum for Women and Children

Yet another NGO forced to pull plug on program providing emergency shelter in hotels

Coverdale Courtwork Society has announced that it will no longer be able to pay for hotel rooms for criminalized women and trans individuals who are exiting jails or who face homelessness for other reasons. That makes Coverdale yet another NGO which is no longer able to provide this crucial service to the population it serves. Just two days ago we reported that economic realities and a lack of provincial support were forcing Adsum for Women and Children to make a similar decision.

PSA: Adsum Holiday Appeal

Adsum for Women and Children: “As we all brace ourselves to respond to the second wave of the pandemic, we are asking you to consider making a gift to support our work. It means more than you will ever know.”

Sheri Lecker: A call to combat the painful social isolation facing our most vulnerable citizens

Sheri Lecker, executive director of Adsum for Women and Children, on the obstacles poor people encounter when dealing with isolation in the days of COVID-19. “One answer is simple and affordable: give everyone on income assistance a phone and an internet connection. There need be no ‘medical proof’ for justification. Loneliness and isolation are reason enough.”

In praise of Adsum for Women and Children

Just want to share this Facebook post written by a mother who, with help from Adsum for Women and Children, is about to move into one of Adsum’s apartment units. This after 9 months of couch surfing, and despite the horrible pandemic that makes everything more difficult.

Letter from Adsum for Women and Children: Storm response was good but needs to be more inclusive

Sheri Lecker of Adsum for Women and Children writes about gaps in the response to hurricane Dorian. “The storm’s adverse effects aren’t just arbitrary. They are most impactful on those of us with the fewest resources. It’s not just luck of the draw. While climate change promises to unleash increasing weather events like Dorian upon us, we need to better prepare for our community’s most vulnerable.”

Coming home is amazing: My safe place at Adsum for Women and Children

“Before Adsum helped me, my life was a bit rocky. I left home at 16 and until now, I’ve never been in a stable place in my life. I was also lacking solid support and solid relationships. Living with depression and anxiety is a struggle on its own, but without proper safety nets in place, a person can struggle with just making it day to day.” Our final first-voice story in a series of three about the work of Adsum for Women and Children.

Life cycle: How I found dignity and self-respect at Adsum for Women and Children

“It was just past 1:00 AM, and there was snow on the steps. I was freezing, exhausted, disoriented, and past caring. About anything. I was standing in front of a door that I was almost hoping wouldn’t open. The patrol car, which had brought me here, waited.  The door opened. Terrified, completely lost, I stepped through it.” Evelyn Napier on how she regained self respect and dignity thanks to the support of Adsum for Women and Children and her refurbished wheel steed Rocinante.

Freedom 60: A thank you letter to Adsum for Women and Children

“I had just turned 60 and I knew I had to make some drastic changes in my life, if not I felt certain I would not have a life, or my mind would be so completely gone, that I would not have been any good to myself or anyone else.  I should have been looking forward to retirement and a relaxed future but instead I was sleeping with my phone under my bed clothes ready to dial 911.” Devorah Rivkah writes about the life-changing powers of Adsum for Women and Children.