Two insurers have pooled their resources to donate $30,000 over three years for local women’s crisis shelters.
The donation to the Women’s Crisis Services in Waterloo region, Ont. comes from
Economical Insurance, in association with Advocate Insurance Group.
“Advocate has been serving this community for over 100 years. We live here and we work here. Supporting organizations that make a tangible difference in the lives of others is dear to our hearts,” said Charlene Heaman, vice president at Advocate Insurance Group, told
Insurance Business. “Every person deserves to live and grow up in a safe and loving environment and when that isn’t happening they need people who are willing to stand in the gap with them, guiding them, protecting them and fostering the hope for a better future. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Economical in supporting the Women’s Crisis Center.”
The donation will go towards the counselling and observation room in the new Haven House, which will include a one-way mirrored window to create an environment conducive to healing, dignity and privacy.
Therapists, clinical psychologist, residential and outreach workers and community partners will use this space to guide, teach, strengthen and support our clients and ensure they can fully participate in counselling and therapy as they plan for a new life free from abuse.
“Thanks to Economical’s generosity, we will be able to provide a safe and secure environment for clinical therapy, psychological counselling and evaluation, and other services for generations of residents in our region who seek our help,” said Mary Zilney, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region’s chief executive officer. “With 45 beds at the rebuilt Haven House, it is imperative that we have space to properly care for the mental health and emotional wellbeing of those in crisis.”
Up until 2001 Haven House and Anselma House operated as two separate organizations, merging to form Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Currently the organization operates a total of 75 beds plus a regional outreach program. (continued.)
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“Here at Economical, we’re proud to contribute to making this private and secure space a reality,” said Robert Gow, Economical’s vice-president of sales and distribution for Ontario. “As our region grows, regrettably so does the need for safe shelter. Providing adequate counselling in a specifically designed and equipped space is a positive step towards a healthier and safer life for clients in our community.”
“We’re delighted to be associated with Economical’s generous multi-year investment in the safety and privacy of many women and children,” said Heaman. “Economical has a long history of giving back to communities across the country and this donation will certainly have a long-term impact right here in Waterloo Region.”
In 2014 alone, Haven House provided 9,989 days of residential care to 184 women and children from Waterloo Region who sought emergency shelter.
