All of our services are completely free and confidential.
The shelter provides all necessities during their stay such as food, access to laundry facilities, and access to clothing and toiletries at no cost.
Counsellors are always on duty and available to provide informal counselling and assist in advocating for our clients, providing information, and empowering them to seek additional resources when needed.
Our counsellors work with our clients to create safety plans designed to help them identify the actions they can take to bring themselves and their children to safety.
We have a Childcare worker who can help assist with children in house, and also help with care when women have appointments they need to attend.
Upon leaving the shelter, women are also invited to our in-house Boutique, to acquire any housewares, small appliances, and décor for their new homes. All items in the Boutique are generously donated by the community and available at no cost to the women.
We are thankful for the support of our community in continuously going above and beyond to donate items and raise money to support our shelter.
Executive Director
President
Vice President
Secretary Treasurer
Director
Director
Director
Director
There are multiple ways you can support the shelter!
Providing monetary support and donating items on our wish list allows us to ensure our clients have the items they need.
All of the profits from Serendipity Boutique fund our women's shelter. By purchasing thrifted items, you are helping those in need!
We are always looking for volunteers at Serendipity Boutique! Fill out our form to volunteer today and send it to mbhpubvol@baldwinhouse.ca.
Book our Public Educator to help educate our community on preventing, identifying, and leaving abuse relationships and human trafficking.
No. The shelter provides a safe and comfortable place to stay for women coping with abuse, if they choose to stay there. Some women prefer to come in to talk with a counsellor, to get information and support and then return home. Staff at the shelter will respect a woman’s right and ability to make these choices for herself.
No. Any woman, 16 years of age or older, with or without children, can access the services of the shelter. A child support worker offers programming and activities specific to the needs of the children who do come to the shelter with their mothers.
The length of each woman’s stay is determined by individual need.
No, unfortunately, we cannot take women who are homeless without an aspect of violence. We are funded by Violence Against Women dollars from our funding ministry, and as such, we cannot use our beds to combat homelessness. We encourage you to reach out to the City of Cornwall’s Housing department, or any other agency who supports those facing precarious housing.
No. We recognize that not all survivors of violence want to deal with Police and the legal system. We believe in giving women their power back by allowing clients to make that choice for themselves. It is up to you if you wish to press charges against your abuser. Staff will support you either way and will not contact Police without your express consent.
No, we do not automatically call the Children’s Aid Society if you stay at the shelter with your children. We know that many abusers threaten their victims by telling them that they will lose their children if they take them to live in the shelter, but this is not true, and is a manipulation tactic to maintain control.
Staff does have a Duty to Report IF they can concerns of or witness child abuse, neglect, or have concerns about the welfare of a child. Staff works to support mothers who attend the shelter to increase parenting skills and assist with coping skills during what is often a stressful time.
Unfortunately, we cannot have pets reside at the shelter. We are sometimes able to assist with finding a safe place for your pet to stay while you reside at the shelter. Availability for this service varies - your best bet is to check with the counsellor on duty by calling 613-938-2958 to discuss options.
Absolutely. Any type of abuse is serious and we support women and female identifying individuals who are experiencing many different forms of abuse or violence. You do not need to experience physical or sexual violence to be supported.
Providing you with a safe shelter and services to start living the life that you deserve.