Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS

HISTORICAL LEGACY

Support for Parents

Program name:

Aboriginal Mother Centre

Organization:

Aboriginal Mother Centre Society

Location:

East Vancouver, British Columbia

Target Group:

Everyone.

Contact Name:

Marjorie White

Phone:

604-521-7237

Email:

marjoriewhite@hotmail.com

Website:

www.aboriginalmothercentre.ca

Program Overview
History:

The Aboriginal Mother Centre was opened in 2004. The program was closed in 2008 and reopened in a new facility in June 2011.

Program Description
Goals & Objectives:

To move mothers and children that are at risk of violence and abuse off the streets, and provide, under one roof, all the support, tools and resources a mother needs to rebuild her health, self esteem and skills to regain and retain her child; to maintain community of healing in which to nurture children and families, allowing them the opportunity to become vital members of their communities.

Traditional/Indigenous ways:

The Aboriginal Mother Centre uses the values of traditional culture to develop a community based response built upon respect, wisdom, and generosity. Clients and staff respect the interconnectedness of all life. The diversity that is represented of First Nations, Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit is honoured and taken into consideration when programs are being developed and delivered.

Components of program:

The program offers 16 suites of transitional housing and a daycare for children 3-5 years in age. There is an intergenerational drop-in centre providing programs in health care, life skills and parenting. Job training is available through volunteer positions for mothers in positions throughout the centre. There is also a community kitchen and a food bank program, free clothing program. Aboriginal men are able to access programs at the centre but do not have access to housing. The program also offers advocacy and support programs as well as essential skills and training through the on-site Native Education College.

Services/How they work:

Services are provided on site at the facility.

Funding:

Funding is provided by a partnership with Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services; Aboriginal Homelessness Steering Committee; First Nations Health Council; private foundation support for day care; and the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Relationships and Stakeholders
Involvement of Target Groups:

Clients contribute to the program development of the facility; as well as the social enterprises that operate out of the centre.

Partners:

The Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council.

Other relationships:

N/A.

Details of Program Evaluation
Evaluation:

No evaluation has been completed.

Highlights of Evaluation Findings:

N/A.

Program Outcomes
Measures of Success:

Success is measured by the success of the clients staying clean and sober, finding employment, regaining custody of their child/children, furthering their education etc.

Achievements:

The ability to provide many services in one place. Watching the women's community grow and support each other at the centre.

Challenges:

Obtaining operational funding.

Things to Know to Replicate
Replication Advice:

The program is considered replicable. No advice given.

Resources:

Adequate funding, facility space and trained staff are necessary to ensure the program's success.