Second Story Women's Centre
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Co-creating a safe place for women & girls to rise to their full potential.
Who we are at SSWC: The Team
Who we are at SSWC:
Our Philosophy
Feminists: A feminist believes in the social equality of the sexes. Feminism is a political, social, and cultural movement dedicated to promoting equal rights for women in all aspects of life. Feminism is not a single ideology, but rather is characterized by a diverse set of perspectives and movements dedicated to promoting women's rights.
Pro-choice: We accept the political and ethical view that a woman has total control over her fertility and pregnancy. This includes access to accurate sexual education, access to safe and legal abortion, support and resources for continuing pregnancies, contraceptive and fertility treatments; and legal protection from forced abortion.
Inclusive: We do not treat others unfairly or differently on account of age; race; colour; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; physical disability or mental disability; ethnic, national or aboriginal status; family status; marital status; source of income; political belief/affiliation/activity; an irrational fear of contracting an illness or disease; or an individual's association with another individual/class of individuals having characteristics referred to above.
Accepting: We recognize it is not possible to fully understand the life of another individual.
We realize not all people live the same lifestyle or make the same choices as we do and we do not judge people for these differences.
Individuals who Possess Ethical / Moral Decision Making Skills: Adherence to all signed agreements is mandatory and we are mindful of any situation that may cause an ethical dilemma. It is wise to approach a colleague or the Administrative Coordinator for guidance when faced with an ethical decision.
Pat Hocking started working at SSWC as Administrative Assistant in March of 2006.
She brings with her over 25 years of experience in the Administrative/Bookkeeping field.
Pat's extensive background and fantastic people skills ensure that our clients and the women in our community will receive the support they are looking for. She is dedicated to her job and enjoys assisting staff with their daily operations, including program promotion, special events, fundraisers and co-facilitating workshops. She is the first point of contact for nearly everyone coming to the Centre, and her ability to send people in the right direction once they come through the door is an important aspect of successful daily operation.
Pat's pleasant personality and welcoming presence offer a warm reception to all women accessing the Centre services.
Sally Hutchinson is our Support Coordinator. She meets women who call or drop into the
Centre in need of information, referrals or support. She facilitates core programming within the Centre as well as off site
Personal Development and Pre-employment programs partnering with Department of Community Services.Sally is certified in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory. She has experience in the field of addictions, facilitating education groups and a weekly support group for families affected by the addiction of another. Her passion lies in working with women to uncover their creativity and focus on their strengths to realize their full potential.
Sally has created and delivers workshops titled Colouring Outside the Lines for any woman who is interested in accessing their creativity through fun, exploration and play. She is the face behind the faces of Rumplestiltskins - one-of-a-kind characters made in leather.
Joanne Jefferson is the Centre's Community Relations Coordinator. Her role
includes coordinating the participation of volunteers, enhancing public awareness of the Centre, and building cooperative
relationships with other community organizations. She also contributes to the Centre's core programming.
Joanne brings her experience as a volunteer with schools, community events, and feminist groups, as well as her expertise as a professional writer, editor, and facilitator. After years of working from a home office, Joanne enjoys the stimulation of collaborating with supportive co-workers.
Helen Lanthier holds the position of Administrative Coordinator. Her role is to
oversee the administrative activities of Second Story and to ensure that guidelines, philosophy, purpose, goals
and objectives of the organization are met.
Helen is a retired school administrator with many years of experience as a leader and manager. She is a strong feminist with a passion for women's issues.
Marilyn Zinowki holds the position of Financial Services Co-ordinator for SSWC. Marilyn is a relative newcomer
to Lunenburg, having moved here from Montreal. Her education is in business and finance and she has worked in the field of
accounting for many years as well as operating a busy pet-and-house-sitting business.
Marilyn's passion for helping women reach their potential has been fueled by her experience organizing running workshops for women and witnessing them achieve personal goals. Her motivation to provide ethical and effective management means that budgets are maintained and that funding is properly allocated and recorded.
Tina Leslie - as the Relief Support Worker Tina provides direct services to women in crisis
including supportive listening, information and/or referrals and advocacy. She provides support to Core Staff and
deliver/assist with in-house programs. Tina also helps out with Soup Lunch. It's on the third Tuesday of the
month, 12 - 1:30pm. Wonderful soup is homemade by volunteers, served with tasty bread and free for all!
Second Story Board of Directors
- Anne-Marie S. Sheppard, Co-Chair
- Suki Starnes, Co-Chair
- Sylvia Booth, Finance Officer
- Attracta Daurie
- Susan Foote
- Marilyn Keddy
- Jan McKenzie
- Nancy Ross
- Hilda Russell
- Eliza Ann Schurman
- Laura Smith, Secretary
Contact us today - we look forward to hearing from you!