|
|
November 8, 2002
Safety for Jewish women
Emergency short-term housing project gets set to open doors.
BAILA LAZARUS EDITOR
Jewish women who are trying to find a safe haven from abusive partners
for themselves and, possibly, their children, will have a refuge
in just a few more weeks.
ASTEH (Alternative Short-Term Emergency Housing) has come to the
Lower Mainland. A combined project of Jewish Women International
of Canada, B.C. Chapter, (JWI/C-BC) and the Jewish Family Service
Agency (JFSA), ASTEH is the result of a generous donation of an
apartment last spring, along with a grant of more than $10,000 from
the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver.
ASTEH provides short-term housing solutions for Jewish women who
must move to ensure safety for themselves and their families. It's
for women for whom a communal shelter is not a viable option, either
because they require or desire anonymity or they may have spent
the maximum amount of time allotted at another shelter, but have
not yet made plans for their future. They may also require additional
support from social workers and volunteers to begin to sort out
their lives and make decisions.
"The house is a second stage house, meaning that women who
are ready to take a different direction in their lives can have
a safe place to stay while they make plans and connections for independence,"
said Selina Robinson, JFSA's co-ordinator of counselling services.
"Women who are just leaving the relationship are better served
at a friend's house or at a transisiton house where there are 24-hour
supports in place."
According to Robinson, ASTEH house will be served by a core of JWI
volunteers who can visit, provide some comfort and assistance as
needed. JFSA will provide the case management and counselling services.
"The structure of the project has been based on the working
ASTEH manual prepared by Jewish Women International/Canada in co-operation
with the Toronto Jewish Family and Child Services," Sara Ciacci,
domestic violence chair, JWI/C-BC, told the Bulletin. Toronto has
an ASTEH house, as does Montreal.
Besides psychological and emotional support, volunteer organizations
will have to provide upkeep for the apartment. Before each new occupant
arrives, the kosher kitchen has to be restocked with food and miscellaneous
items and the apartment has to be fully cleaned.
While the apartment is being prepared for the first occupant, JWI/C-BC
and Jewish Women Against Domestic Violence are co-sponsoring a community
shower to provide the many needed furnishings. Those interested
in donating items can do so Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Schara Tzedeck
Synagogue.
Some items have already been taken care of, such as linens from
Ed's Linens and furniture from Hospitality Suites. As well, one
generous bar mitzvah boy, Jordan Kahn Tietz, took some of his bar
mitzvah money to donate books and games for the children.
If you are interested in volunteering for the ASTEH project or would
like more information, call the JFSA office.
ASTEH wish list
New items only are being accepted. Some items have already been
donated. To avoid duplication, call the JFSA at 604-257-5151.
Kitchen: Pots (meat and dairy); Cutlery/dishes for eight
(meat and dairy); Cooking knives/utensils (meat and dairy); Mixing
bowls (meat and dairy); Frying pans (meat and dairy); Disposable
aluminum pans, various sizes; Coffeemaker; Microwavable storage
containers; Salt and pepper shakers; Kitchen tools; Spice set; Salad
spinner; Colander/strainer; Measuring cups/spoons; Can opener; Teapot;
Kettle; Toaster; Hand mixer; Microwave; Glasses; Mugs; Kosher cookbook.
Large house items: Iron and ironing board; VCR; Telephone
with caller ID; High chair; Four kitchen chairs; TV tables for small
patio; Plastic stacking chairs for patio; Hand vacuum; Broom; Floor
mop; Lamps.
Small house items: Candles; Matches; Flashlight and batteries;
Brushes and Combs; Pen and pencils; Note pads; Clock; Coat hangers;
Kosher dish detergent; Garbage pail; Toilet bowl brush; Plunger;
Disinfectant liquid; SOS pads or detergent pads.
Judaica: Kiddush cup; Havdalah set; Mezuzah and scroll.
Toiletries: Deodorant; Toothbrushes; Lotion; Toothpaste;
Shampoo; Soap; Bath bombs.
^TOP
|
|
