Second Story Women's Centre

Services at SSWC
Second Story Women's Centre

• Friendly Listening & Support: Women are offered the opportunity to find their own answers to problems and questions by non-directive questioning (and similar) techniques. Listening to someone who needs to talk provides a crucial early intervention and preventative service. Knowledgeable staff members provide one-on-one confidential support.
  
  
• Crisis Support: SSWC staff work with women in crisis to help solve immediate problems and to provide follow-up support after the crisis.
  
  
• Referrals: SSWC knows the services available in Lunenburg and Queen's Counties, and can refer women who need the services or supports of other agencies.
  
  
• Accompaniment: If a woman requests emotional and physical support when dealing with issues, Centre staff may accompany her to court or to appointments with other agencies.
  
  
• Programming: SSWC offers relevant programs and workshops to meet the needs of women in the community.
  
  
• Social Advocacy: We act as a voice for the needs and issues of women to governments and service agencies.
  
  
• Volunteer Development: SSWC welcomes volunteers because of the skills and experience they bring. Benefits for volunteers include work experience, increased skills, improved self-image, social action, and an opportunity to overcome possible social isolation.
  
  
• Outreach: SSWC provides, as much as feasible, services and programs to women and their families who are isolated by travel distance and travel costs. Programs may be offered in communities outside of Lunenburg.
  
  
• Community Development: SSWC is involved in the social and economic support of our community. SSWC staff members work with women in their community to identify problems and mobilize skills to develop responses to pressing issues.
  
  
• A Meeting Place: We provide a comfortable meeting place for women.
  
  
• A Resource Centre: The Centre maintains up-to-date resources and information.
  
  
• Networking: SSWC is a base for women's networking.
  
  
• Assistance: SSWC can provide organizational assistance and space for groups and individuals when their planned activity is relevant to SSWC objectives.
  
  
• Communications: We serve as an initiator of, and a clearinghouse for, communications on women's issues.
  
  
• Access to Technology: Women are able to familiarize themselves with technology in a non-formal environment.
  
  
• Documentation: SSWC documents the reality of women's lives in Lunenburg County, including original research on issues that relate to local women.

Please note priorities for service may change according to current perceived needs, funding levels, staff time and office equipment availability.

SSWC programs & projects

The following programs are offered regularly at Second Story. Call 543-1315 or 640-3044 to learn dates and times or to register.

• Girl Talk 2010
  Girl Talk is a free four-day summer day camp program offered through SSWC to girls who are 9-12 years old. The program aims to increase self-esteem and confidence in young girls. Our goal is to empower girls in a fun and safe environment where they are able to express their creativity, engage in active games, and voice their opinions on various issues.
  
  The program is generously supported by United Way Lunenburg County. For more information or to register, please e-mail Girl Talk or call Kate Glen at 543-1315 or 640-3044 ext. 19.
  
  Girl Talk will be offered in the following locations:
  July 5 - 8, Kinsmen Hall, Bridgewater
  July 12 - 15, Central United Church Hall, Lunenburg
  July 19 - 22, New Germany Elementary School
  July 26 - 29, Forest Heights Community School, Chester
  August 2 - 5, St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hall, Bridgewater
  August 9 - 12, Forest Heights Community School, Chester
  
  
• Colouring Outside the Lines
  Are you tired of always "colouring inside the line?" As women, sometimes we can feel that the stresses of everyday life are overwhelming us. We do what we "should," staying inside the lines, performing, obliging, narrowing our visions and stifling our dreams. All of us are creative. We all have something to express, to create, to explore, and to offer. In this six-week program, as a group we will explore our creativity using inexpensive supplies and materials. Come ready to have fun, to connect with other women, and to go away refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired. Facilitated by Sally Hutchinson, Support Coordinator
  
  
• From Inside Out
  This support group focuses on the link between Self Esteem and Assertiveness. Do you find it difficult to say no or set limits? Do certain people test your boundaries? In a safe and supportive environment, we will examine beliefs and attitudes about ourselves and the link to our ability to act assertively. We will discuss and practice effective ways to respond in challenging relationships. Facilitated by Sally Hutchinson, Support Coordinator.
  
  
• Collective Cooking at Second Story Women's Centre
  Second Story will be providing an opportunity for women to come together to cook for others. Each month, you will be invited to come and cook up large batches of food to store in the big freezer. Women who access the centre can have healthy, balanced frozen meals that they can take home. The ingredients and recipes will be available when you get here. All you have to do is get cooking! What a simple and fun way to assist women and their families in our community, and to form new friendships and networking. Lunch will be what we make. Facilitated by Helen Lanthier, Administrative Coordinator.
  
  
• Story Seekers
  Do you enjoy listening to stories of the past? Are you interested in preserving the memories of women who have lived full and fascinating lives? Members of this group create partnerships with senior women in our communities to collect and share their stories. Facilitated by Joanne Jefferson, Community Relations Coordinator.
  
  
• Creative Writing
  This comfortable, supportive workshop will encourage even the most hesitant writer to get the creative juices flowing and the pen moving across the page. We will explore a variety of forms of creative writing through short exercises and take-home activities and we will practice giving and receiving helpful feedback. Facilitated by Joanne Jefferson, Community Relations Coordinator.
  
  
• Pre-Employment and Personal Development
  These multi-week programs are offered with support from the Department of Community Services and ESS workers. Facilitated by Sally Hutchinson, Support Coordinator.

Other workshops, programs, and projects are offered at various times throughout the year, depending on interest, facilitators, and funding. Examples include: Power From the Podium, Movie Night, Move and Stretch, Gardening, Senior Friendly Communities, Young Women's Program, Money Management, etc.

If you have an idea for a learning opportunity that you would like to offer or experience, give us a call!