Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

Program Name:: Aboriginal Mother Centre
Organization/Community:: Aboriginal Mother Centre Society
Location:: East Vancouver, British Columbia
Website:: www.aboriginalmothercentre.ca
Goals and Objectives:: To provide urgently needed housing for Aboriginal women and children and to support and foster self-sufficiency in clients, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse.
Target Group Description:: Everyone.
Program Description:: 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 throughout the centre. There is also a community kitchen and a food bank program, and a 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.
Program Successes/Impact:: The ability to provide many services in one place. Watching the women's community grow and support each other at the centre.
Key Lessons/Challenges:: The challenge of securing operational funding.
Program in operation since:: 2011.
Program:: Ongoing.