The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Am SOCIAL ISSUES Ian Diva sisterhood guides shared journey GERITOL FOLLIES Saturday January 23 2pm The incomparable Gentol Follies Variety Show is a real riproaring musical and extravaganza that features the edyofourtir Group brings brand of counselling support to women in shelters BY CHRIS TRABER com Warming and wrenching are stories of the heart from The Divas Organiza- In varying stages of rescue and recovery healing and nun members of the nonprofit group comprise a rainbow of creeds colours faiths ages means strengths and frailties commonalty is gender and a shared journey cofounder and president Rosalind Smith said of the female members Established In 2002 to provide a safe non- judgmental place for women to explore and empower themselves the began with three Today hundreds meet in different local chapters They talk share learn support ranging charities and each other Ms Smith and her members raise funds in support of shelters throughout the GTA including Yellow Brick House and Sandgate here in York Region Their goal is to bring Spirituelle Divas brand of counselling and support to women in shelters First more facilities must be con structed Women have no place to go she said We cant keep thinking its only about people sleeping on the streets Ms Smith said its easy to slip from com fortable to vulnerable Once a woman is at risk each deserves the same level of support and protection Its important for all women to know theyre not alone and that theres a sister hood to help them learn and empower them selves she said With that in mind the region is consider ing a location for a new womens shelter at todays council meeting The divas organization wants to become a viable resource of information for all women said Ms Smith a registered hypnotherapist and Reiki specialist Our members have the opportunity to share life experiences and participate in dis- help improve wellbeing and enhance life Women who become empow ered to help themselves are eventually able others Ms Smith said Many members are victims of physical and emotional abuse unable to disengage themselves from controlling spouses Their demographic also alters the stereotype of the abused female in need of safe shelter Some are stuck she said Theyre well- todo but have nothing Some have beautiful homes and lifestyles but dont have a penny of their own Theyre prisoners The system doesnt work until the separation agreement kicks in Eva who like fellow Divas opted for anonymity was to the region and in the throes of a failing 32year marriage She had no income or savings 1 thought everything would be alright she said But it wasnt I felt lonesome and alienated I joined the group as a way to network They opened a worid Ive never been exposed to and was introduced to a group who are there for you at the drop of a hat After revealing her plight the group referred Eva to a lawyer One member loaned her money for legal fees My family couldnt do that for me she said A stranger did that Women have no place to go We cant keep thinking its only about people sleeping on the streets Many women arent destitute They just trusted a husband and were left with noth ing If they have to leave where do they go A shelter isnt just a place to run to in the middle of the night Thomhills Kay was among the first mem bers She admits her lifestyle appeared ideal Nonetheless she need to escape a dangerous and abusive partnership I wanted to discuss a new spiritual path she said I found a group of likeminded women and a safe environment where I could grow bond and leam Their support is different from that of a friend or psychia- An advocate for Kay believes they should be havens Richmond Hill resident Shirley attended her first meeting in a time of turmoil She closure on an abusive marriage when she was diagnosed with breast c The support and love of the Divas was so instrumental in my keeping a positive attitude she said 1 was blown away by the to amazing women who I other wouldnt have met Now shes a volunteer had the luxury of having it all and that doesnt always work out she said At one point had no hope Now I give back to help others in a similar situation it or support The Divas Organization call 764 1 727 visit spfntueUedneswg or e-ma- Shop Like an Athlete Sidewalk Sale January 1 Find the best deal of the day for a chance to win one of seven daily 1 00 mall gift cards Visit Centre Court with your purchase and havfcyour photo taken on a podium with your gold medal deal Well email you the photo to share with your BFFs For more information visit wwwuppercanadamallcom r