Shelter Life
A description of life at the Shelter is presented here.
Page Contents:
Most Shelter residents are brought in through the Domestic Violence Hotline, though some arrive via referrals from the police and members of the public. Upon admission residents are interviewed by the matron to gather information, so as to best serve the residents' individual needs. Admission forms include medical history, address and personal history.
Residents are given a package of personal supplies, some clothing and taken to their assigned living area. Subsequently they meet with a counsellor who guides them through their stay at The Shelter.
The usual length of stay for residents is three months.
Residents participate in both group and individual counseling sessions.
Every Tuesday night there is a house meeting which all residents attend. Guest speakers may be invited or the matron will speak on a topic of interest. Topics can include: Preparing for an interview, diet and meal planning, etc.
The Shelter organises other activities that may take place during the day, on afternoons or on the weekends, such as outings and cooking classes. Residents are encouraged to make use of these sessions and perhaps suggest additional activities which might interest them.
A typical day at The Shelter follows the schedule below.
| 6:00 am | Wake up |
| 6:30 am - 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Television - Sesame Street |
| 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Television |
| 12:00 pm - 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Supper |
| 7:00 pm | Television - News |
| 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Bedtime for Children |
| 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Television for Adults |
| 11:00 pm | Lights out (12:00 pm on Fri & Sat) |
Note: A roster is made up weekly for all chores, cooking, cleaning, etc. Residents are expected to abide by this roster.
Residents are free to leave at any time that they feel ready. Before leaving they attend an exit interview with a counsellor and provided with a list of support services available to them once they have left The Shelter. Often, The Shelter is able to arrange employment for the residents before they leave. The Shelter pays follow-up visits to former residents.
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THE SHELTER
SHELTER LIFE