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Women's Centre offers coffee, friendship, support by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 21 | Thursday, November 3, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The Women's Centre of Halton is all about women. It's a place to drop in, have a coffee, make friends and find support. Since opening in 1989, the centre has been in the business of being the place for every woman to turn -- no problem is too big or small, according to its executive director Martha Barragan. "If you're looking for support, if you're having a crisis, a bad day or need a sound board, you'll leave us in better state," said Barragan. Women who enter the agency, located in South Oakville Centre, quickly become part of the "family." Part of the family They can make their own cup of coffee in the centre's kitchen, sit down and engage in a conversation circle and feel secure being around other women in a supportive environment. On average, the Women's Centre of Halton sees about 2,000 women accessing their supports each year, she continued. By June of this year however, it already saw 1,800 women, most of whom were seeking abuse support. The centre supports women in crisis, distress abuse, separation and divorce support groups. The centre also provides next steps and connections to other agencies that can help women continue to transform their lives. It held an open house in early October to share its strategic plan for the next three years and its plan to better reach out to women in the community by being more visible and more accessible. Challenges ahead Admittedly, Barragan said challenges lie ahead, including growing demand for programs and limited funds to train staff and deliver services. Recently, the centre launched a number of programs, including Table for Twelve, an opportunity for women to meet and make friendships. "It takes the focus off just having a counsellor or a peer supporter being the sole support, but now women get to be empowered to be supporters to other women as well," said Barragan, noting already there's been positive feedback. The centre continues to take registrations and among its clientele are newcomers to Oakville, women who have left unhealthy relationships and are looking for new community supports and other women looking to develop a new social network. see Women's on p.23 The Women's Centre of Halton Program and Outreach Administrator Alexa Murray, left to right, Susan Roney from Thrive Counselling (formerly Halton Family Services) and Women's Centre of Halton Executive Director Martha Barragan chat about the difficulties of re-branding during the Women's Centre fall open house. | Nikki Wesley/Metroland or transition by providing programs and services to change their lives. While Barragan admits many women feel ashamed to disclose how things are affecting them, she said centre staff can assist through a variety of programs, such as co-dependent no more, drop-in support, a legal clinic, selfesteem and employment workshops and Design Build Install OakVille Showroom Location 466 speers Rd,unit 6-7 oakville, oN l6K 3W9 Fully custom kitchens, vanities, wall unit, mantle, walk in closet, laundry room, Bar, etc; · Granite, Quartz countertops · Full renovation service · Real estate service; T: 905-338-8999 / 905-338-8199 info@beyondkitchens.ca F: 905-338-8099 *Trades, realtors, builder programme available,please ask store for details;