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This article originally appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press Our Communities.

Bravestone Centre Helps Save Families

For the past 30 years Bravestone Centre has been helping courageous women and their children as they break free from family violence.

“We give families the opportunity to be safe and build strong, independent lives free from abuse,” said Bravestone executive director Lori Rudniski, a Crescentwood resident.
“Much of our focus this past year has been helping women to build healthy attachments with their kids. We work with moms to better understand what their kids who have been abused or neglected, or who have witnessed abuse, may feel. This new perspective allows mothers to see their children’s behaviours from a new, positive lens; and be able to support their children in times of emotional and physical distress.”

Bravestone Centre — which was known as W.I.S.H. (Women in Second Stage Housing) until 2014 — has 14 furnished suites in which families live during a 12-month program. Families are responsible for their own daily needs and participate in a variety of support programs and counselling.

“For those of us who work directly with these families, we see their strength every day from their initial decision to come to the program through to their graduation day celebrating their year of success and growth,” Rudniski said.

“We see these families stand taller and walk prouder as they feel safer and more confident in their new life free from violence. Although many of the challenges of building a new life may continue, these women are able to meet these hurdles with a stronger believe in themselves and strength of skill and knowledge.”

The organization depends upon fundraising events and donations to meet its programming needs.

“The Bravestone Quiz Night is a super fun event and is vital to ensure we can provide the basic services to the families in our program,” Rudniski said. “Held on Feb. 13, 2016, it will be a night of trivia with a silent auction. Grab your friends, co-workers and family and put together a team of eight and put your trivia skills to the test.”

To learn more about the Bravestone Centre or to purchase tickets to the Bravestone Quiz Night visit bravestonecentre.ca, email  info@bravestonecentre.ca or call 204-275-2600.

Carolyne Braid is a community correspondent for Crescentwood. You can reach her at carolyne.braid@gmail.com