Learning & Resources

A Culture of Violence

Patriarchy is the system on which our world is based – its defining characteristic being the belief that men are inherently more valuable than women. Its effects are far-reaching, and the patriarchal system maintains class, gender, racial, heterosexual and the status quo of power. “[It relies] on both crude forms of oppression, like violence; and subtle ones, like laws; to perpetuate inequality. Patriarchal beliefs of male, heterosexual dominance and the…

Barriers in the System

Because of our patriarchal system, there are many, many barriers that survivors face when trying to tell their stories, seek justice, or simply trying to move on to a violence free life. We don’t live in a culture that values women’s voices as much as men’s, so the justice system can often be more traumatizing than the violence itself. Women’s voices are not believed, sometimes by their close circles of…

Feminism 101

What does the “F” word mean to us? Gender-based violence does not happen in a cultural vacuum.  We believe our societal values, norms, structures, laws, policies and systems reflect deep cultural beliefs that certain groups of people are valued over other groups.  Most predominantly, that men are valued over women. This has profoundly negative implications for all genders, not just those who identify as women. Feminism as a concept has…

Abuse and Manipulation Tactics

Often, when people think of domestic violence, physical violence comes to mind. However, this is just one tactic that perpetrators use to exert control over women. The behavior could look like something very minor, but could symbolize something much more powerful. There are so many different ways that abusers can ensure that they control their victims, it would be impossible to list them all here. Here are a few that…

International Women’s Day 2022

It’s been two years since the world was turned up-side-down. We’ve seen irrevocable, complex change, challenge, and struggle. And somehow, while the sun is just starting to peek through the clouds again, war has been brought to the lives of millions of innocent people. It’s enough to make you want to curl up in bed, under the covers, and just try again tomorrow. And honestly, no one would blame you…

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Corey Allison is the Executive Director of the Women's Rural Resource Centre. Every year, when the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH) releases their Annual Femicide Report, I brew myself a cup of tea, find a cozy blanket, a quiet space in my house, and read. I read about women like Natalie Bartlett from Sarnia. She loved travelling, music, and going to concerts. She was a mom who had…

OAITH 2019 Femicide List

Every year, the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Homes (OAITH) publishes a list of those who are killed as a result of femicide. The following is the list that was released this year. This list was compiled between November 26th, 2018, and November 25th, 2019. Content Warning: Descriptions of violence, violence against women.  Femicide is commonly defined as the intentional murder of women because they are women. Broader definitions…

Woman Abuse Prevention Month

Every November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario. We will be bringing awareness to Violence Against Women throughout November, and tying in issues that are often associate with it. We hope to raise awareness about this cause throughout our entire community. In addition to, that, WRRC is once again taking part in OAITH's Wrapped in Courage campaign. This campaign is in it's seventh year - and encourages everyone to…

The Paramedic’s Question

About the Author: Linda is a trainer/facilitator who lives in Middlesex County with her 2nd husband. She reflects on the time in her life when her home life was far from simple, and her experience with moving forward and away to a much more peaceful and satisfying place. By sharing these blogs with WRRC, and with you, she hopes to help other women find the strength to make a change…

Big Funding Announcement

About a month ago, WRRC received news that thrilled us beyond belief. We will be the recipient of a large piece of funding from the federal government's Capacity-building Fund. WRRC will receive $219,000 over four years to increase our capacity through strategic planning, building a HR and volunteer management strategy, and increasing our efforts in public education and fund development initiatives, all to cultivate growth and support women's rural leadership…

Sexual Assault Prevention Month in Rural Communities

May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month in Ontario. Although we would definitely be educating ourselves every month of the year, we take particular notice during May. With the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, our society has become more aware, and more willing to talk about sexual assault, it's root causes and the prevalence with which it happens. One in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.…

Creative, Resourceful, Whole

In the non-profit world, much of our focus and resources are given to women we serve, and rightly so. However, we also believe that our team is one of our greatest resources, and to invest in their development ia a direct investment into the quality of our work. So this past January, that’s exactly what we did. When our Executive Director, Corey Allison, first floated the idea of bringing the…

What We Were Taught to Think

About the Author: Linda is a trainer/facilitator who lives in Middlesex County with her 2nd husband. She reflects on the time in her life when her home life was far from simple, and her experience with moving forward and away to a much more peaceful and satisfying place. By sharing these blogs with WRRC, and with you, she hopes to help other women find the strength to make a change…

International Women’s Day 2019

At WRRC, we celebrate women and their accomplishments every day of the year. However, on March 8th, we celebrate with many different countries and cultures around the world for International Women's Day (IWD). Check out the video below for the history, and some of the everyday items you use that were invented by women! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=61&v=eaf_X9qSeVY[/embed] So cool right? This day is significant, because for centuries women have been ignored, erased…

New Year Resolutions

Looking for a New Year Resolution? Look no further! WRRC Administrative Coordinator Laura Murray shares some awesome ideas. Laura is passionate about creating goals and personal growth, and is always ready to support others in our community. She frequently speaks at community events for organizations who want to learn more about WRRC and what we do.   Educate Yourself about Violence Against Women What does Violence Against Women mean? Why…

Justice for Irene

Yesterday, WRRC participated in delivering a letter to the London Catholic Diocese, demanding it withdraw it's appeal against a recent court ruling in favour of Irene Deschenes, a sexual assault victim of Charles Sylvestre. In partnership with Anova, London Abused Women's Centre, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, we stand in solidarity with Irene, and all survivors of sexual assault. Below is WRRC's full statement we we signed this open…

New Look, Same Vision this Christmas

As Christmas gets closer and closer, we need your help more than ever at WRRC.  Things are looking a little different at Women’s Rural Resource Centre for Christmas this year. We, as an organization are always changing and evolving, but our core vision remains the same - A vibrant community where women and children can thrive in healthy relationships. This arc is also reflective of a woman’s journey when she…

Life is Short

Linda is a trainer/facilitator who lives in Middlesex County with her 2nd husband. She reflects on the time in her life when her home life was far from simple, and her experience with moving forward and away to a much more peaceful and satisfying place. By sharing these blogs she hopes to help other women find the strength to make a change for themselves and their families. If there is…

Woman Abuse Prevention Month

This month, we raise awareness about the prevention of gender-based violence. We here at WRRC are taking part in several different events, but there's lots going on around the province. If you'd like to get involved, please email info@wrrcsa.org. We would love to hear from you! Starting on November 1st every year, we start to ramp up awareness about gender-based violence in a province-wide campaign. At WRRC, we see the…

The Future of Sex Education in Ontario

Most of us have heard by now that the Ontario government is rolling back the new sex ed curriculum. But what does this really mean for students? Guest blogger and youth activist Chloe Wilson shares her thoughts. The Ontario sex ed curriculum is being brought back from 1998 and being implemented this September by the Ford government. It's an extremely outdated version that hardly applies to the lives of youth…

Youth, Feminism and Media

Some will say that in this day and age, feminism is a movement that is no longer necessary. But is this really the case? Guest blogger and youth activist Keyana Zimoch argues no.  Through her experience with her peers, and in the media, she says feminism is needed now more than ever. Read on to discover why. People assume that because we live in 2018, feminism is an unnecessary movement…

Our First Blog – We’re Rebranding!

Oh Hey! It's the new WRRC! Excited? Us too. Let's get started. Our new brand, logo and website are all designed with a few things in mind. 1. We're a progressive, feminist agency dedicated to supporting women while they change their lives. 2. We want to change the world. 3. We want you to help us! One of the ways we thought we could achieve our goals listed above is…

WRRC October Programs

September 11, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!

WRRC September Programs

August 30, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  To download, click here: WRRC Sept. Programs 2023    

From the Board Chair: New Executive Director Welcomed

July 20, 2023

Dear WRRC Community The Board of Directors is excited to introduce our next Executive Director of the Women's Rural Resource Centre Strathroy and Area, Elyssa Rose. Elyssa Rose, whose Indigenous Spirit name is Little Thunder Woman, is an Anishnaabe Kwe who belongs to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and is a member of the Marten Clan. Growing up, Elyssa felt the impacts of intergenerational trauma within…

WRRC August Programs

May 31, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  To download this list: WRRC August Programs 2023    

WRRC July Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  WRRC July Programs 2023 Please download the list below by clicking on the link above.    

WRRC June Programs

March 27, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Women's Support Circle WRRC May 16/23, 5:30-7:30pm A safe and supportive space for all who identify as she or her to come together, learn, reflect, share their truth, and be witnessed and heard without shame, guilt or judgment. Explore themes and activities based on what inspires the women in the group. Gentle Yoga WRRC & Virtual Mondays, 9:30am…

WRRC May Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Women's Support Circle WRRC May 16/23, 5:30-7:30pm A safe and supportive space for all who identify as she or her to come together, learn, reflect, share their truth, and be witnessed and heard without shame, guilt or judgment. Explore themes and activities based on what inspires the women in the group. Gentle Yoga WRRC & Virtual Mondays, 9:30am…

WRRC April Programs

March 1, 2023

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Women's Support Circle WRRC April 18/23, 5:30-7:30pm A safe and supportive space for all who identify as she or her to come together, learn, reflect, share their truth, and be witnessed and heard without shame, guilt or judgment. Explore themes and activities based on what inspires the women in the group. Gentle Yoga WRRC & Virtual Mondays, 9:30am…

WRRC March Programs

December 9, 2022

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Additional Program: Quotes and Conversations 11:00am, Tuesdays, virtual Bring a coffee/tea and connect over inspiring quotes and ideas related to well-being.  

WRRC February Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Please note: The Pillars of Well-Being workshop scheduled for February 22, 2023, has been canceled.  

WRRC January Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form! 

Hikes By Rebecca

October 21, 2022

This October and November, Rebecca from Heron Land & Water Adventures will be offering local hikes. Here's the schedule: Wed. Oct. 26, 5:30 pm Wed. Nov. 9, 4:30 These are all beginner level hikes. If you're interested, please register here! More information will be provided to you on registration.

WRRC December Programs

September 9, 2022

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Download Here Download Here

WRRC November Programs

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Download Here Download Here

WRRC October Programing

To Register for any of our programs – please fill out this form!  Download Here Download Here

Annual Report 2021-2022

August 16, 2022

Please find the WRRC 2021-2022 report below: WRRC Annual Report

WRRC Programs August – September 2022

July 31, 2022

To Register for any of our programs - please fill out this form!   

August Programing

July 31, 2021

WRRC Summer Programs

July 6, 2021

WRRC has lots of programming and activities coming up for July. Plus, take part in our daily challenges, meant expand your boundaries and help ground you in the little moments of life. If you have any questions about the programing taking place, or would like to take part, please contact the registration email for the program. Or, give us a call at 519-246-1526.

2020-2021 Annual Report

June 18, 2021

2020 was a year like no other. Please check out our Annual Report to see how WRRC dealt with challenge, change, and ultimately, incredible resilience and connection with our community. WRRC Annual Report 2020-2021

New Resource for Teaching Consent

March 31, 2021

Anova has launched a new educational resource for caregivers when teaching consent! This guide is packed with useful information, and we encourage you to share with anyone you know who could use it! Caregivers-Guide_-ABCs-of-Consent

Support Canada’s Conversion Therapy Ban

January 22, 2021

CW: Conversion therapy . We wanted to bring this to your attention in case anyone was interested in supporting/signing the petition, as well as share some education and background on conversion therapy and it's harms. . Last year, the government of Canada banned conversion therapy: a harmful practice to the LGBTQ2S+ community, and in particular youth. Recently, an MP has brought forward a petition asking the government relax the ban,…

COVID-19 Update: December 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

As we're sure you're aware, Ontario will once again be entering lockdown as of December 26th. We wanted to stress that during this time, as always, our doors will be open, and lines of communication will be active. We know that COVID-19 has disproportionately effected those experiencing gender-based violence. Many will face increased relationship stress, isolation, feel unsafe, experience harm during this time. We ask that you reach out to…

2019-2020 Annual Report

November 20, 2020

Please click on the link below to view our latest annual report, including financial statements. WRRC Annual Report 

WRRC Strategic Plan

September 2, 2020

To view our latest strategic plan, please see below. WRRC Strategic Plan

WRRC Annual Report 2018/2019

To view the most recent version of our annual report, please see below. WRRC Annual Report

WRRC Covid-19 Update

March 15, 2020

Given recent events, we wanted to take a moment to update you on some changes we are making to keep everyone in our community safe and healthy. As always, the health and safety of the families we serve, our team, and our community are paramount at WRRC. We have been monitoring the events surrounding Covid19, consulting local, national, and international public health and government officials, and responding as needed. We do…

B-Safer Training Opportunity

February 14, 2020

We are Looking for Knitting Supplies

November 27, 2018

There's a new group starting up at WRRC called Yarnspiration. This group is made up of women who are currently seeking support at WRRC, or who have in the past. This new group meets once a week in shelter to connect, collaborate and create. Right now we're in need of supplies, including any kind of yarn you have, and and size of knitting needles. If you or someone you know…

Beneficial Boundaries Workshop

November 6, 2018

WRRC is hosting a FREE monthly workshop series from now continuing into the new year (stay tuned for future topics!).  The second in our series is called Beneficial Boundaries , where WRRC staff and attendees will explore topics around healthy boundaries, and how to set them with the people in your life. Please RSVP to juliam@wrrcsa.org or call 519-246-1526 x 236 for more information. We look forward to seeing you!…

Holiday Hamper

October 30, 2018

Holiday Hamper is one of our most loved community programs at WRRC. Every year we match local families with sponsor families to help support over the holiday season. Our local families could be any different type of family, from a single woman to lots of kiddos! Everyone fills out a list of what they wish for the holidays (including mom), and it's up to our sponsor families to go shopping.…

WRRC Rebrand Launch

Date: November 1st, 2018 Time: 4:30-7:00pm Place: The Clock Tower Bistro We're unveiling a brand new logo and website (this one!). We hope you can join us to celebrate. This has been a five year journey for us, and we want to be with our community to launch our look for the future.

Community Garden Drop-In

July 17, 2018

Thursdays, 2-4pm, Behind the Strathroy-Caradoc Police Station. Come out and help us tend to our awesome community garden! This is a new location for us, and it needs lots of love. Stop to plant, weed, water, grow, and harvest food for you and your family. Everyone welcome. Anytime, Community Garden beside Meridian on McNab St. Our original location – this calm and large garden is perfect for meditative practice, or just…

INsite

May 16, 2018

Every Thursday, individuals of all ages and families can access FREE, immediate, confidential counselling and referrals to additional supports and assistance. INsite is a collaboration between six regional partners to address the gaps in mental health services and community resources across London and Middlesex. INsite is made possible through a smart and caring Community Vitality award from London Community Foundation. In Strathroy, drop-in at the Next Wave Youth Centre, 32 Front St.…

WRRC to Host To Host Open House

February 15, 2018

The open house will invite the entire Middlesex Community through the doors, and offer tours and information about what the shelter does on a daily basis. "People know us as an emergency shelter," says Business Development Manager Cara Campbell. "But really, we're much more." WRRC has expanded it's programming in recent years, to include family and children's counselling, advocacy work, and food security. The latter will be a theme at…

WRRC Hosting Annual Open House

February 1, 2018

WRRC will once again be welcoming the public through it's doors on Friday, March 9th, 2018. In honour of International Women's Day, WRRC would like to celebrate with the entire community of Middlesex. Everyone is invited to come and take a tour of shelter facilities, administrative facilities, and speak with our team about what we do every day. We hope to see you there! Please arrive any time between 11am…

WRRC Seeking Board Members

January 2, 2018

WRRC is seeking several new board members who will bring passion for ending violence against women and support us in the advancement of the women's movement. Applications are due by Jan. 22nd, 2018 at 11:59pm. There will also be two orientations on Jan.11th, and 18th at 5:30pm for anyone interested in becoming a board member. We welcome any and all community members to apply, exciting things are happening at WRRC,…

A Culture of Violence

Patriarchy is the system on which our world is based – its defining characteristic being the belief that men are inherently more valuable than women. Its effects are far-reaching, and the patriarchal system maintains class, gender, racial, heterosexual and the status quo of power. “[It relies] on both crude forms of oppression, like violence; and subtle ones, like laws; to perpetuate inequality. Patriarchal beliefs of male, heterosexual dominance and the…

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