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.
  
  
• Outreach - Bridgewater: Second Story offers outreach services (one-on-one counselling, information, referrals) at the Bridgewater Library on the last Tuesday of each month, 2-5pm. Call 543-1315 or 640-3044 to make an appointment, or drop in to the library during those hours.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Healing room: If you're looking for stress reduction, relaxation, relief from pain, or simply a way to treat yourself, the Healing Room offers free introductory sessions in a variety of healing practices. Practitioners are at the Centre on a volunteer basis. Staff can provide information about any of the healers, and help you make an appointment time.
  
  Practitioners:
  
  • Barbara Holland-Smith
    (Reiki - 1st Thurs. afternoon of the month)
  • Jennifer James
    (Intuitive Healing - 2nd Thurs. afternoon of the month)
  • Jane Moody
    (various, last Thurs. afternoon of the month)
  • Mary Dixon
    (Reiki - 4th Tues. of the month).

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 2013
  This free four-day camp program is offered through SSWC to girls 9-12 years old. The program aims to increase self-esteem and confidence in participants. 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.
  
  Dates & Locations:
• Week 1: Monday July 8 - Thursday July 11: Bridgewater, St. Paul's Lutheran Church
• Week 2: Monday July 15 - hursday July 18: New Germany Elementary School
• Week 3: Monday July 22 - Thursday July 25: Lunenburg, Central United Church
• Week 4: Monday July 29 - Thursday August 1: Chester, Forest Heights Community School
• Week 5: Tuesday August 6 - Friday August 9: Liverpool, Queen's Family Resource Centre
• Week 6: Monday August 12 - Thursday August 15: Bridgewater (if required)

More information:

• Click Girl Talk 2013!
• Call 640-3044, ext. 15
• or 543-1315, ext. 15
• or email Girl Talk!


• A case for Leaving
  Women who have experienced or who have witnessed abuse are invited, with the leadership of Centre staff and a community artist, to use suitcases in creating a piece which tells a story about their experiences. The theme can be approached in many ways, from depicting the creation of a safety plan to evoking impressions of the resiliency, strength, and courage of women who leave and women who stay. This program is supported with funding from the Muriel McQueen Foundation. Facilitated by Sally Hutchinson, Support Coordinator
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Bits and Bites
  Are you puzzled by the place that food has in your life? Is it interfering with how you feel about yourself? Would you like to explore that relationship a little further? In this six-week series, we will explore the complexities of women's relationship with food. Through facilitated discussion and journaling, we will examine our beliefs and attitudes about the role that food plays in our lives and identify some of the factors that shape them. As a group, we will work towards recognizing the components of a healthy relationship with food, and develop strategies for living more comfortably with ourselves and what we eat.
  
  
• 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.
  
  If you have an idea for a learning opportunity that you would like to offer or experience, give us a call!