A safe haven for women escaping domestic violence and homelessness has been named a recent winner of the Greater Bank’s #GreaterMidNorthCoast Community Funding Program which has supported over 100 organisations in the area since 2020.
Since opening its doors in 2016, Great Lakes Women's Shelter has provided nearly 650 women with short-term emergency accommodation in a safe and nurturing environment.
Along with accommodation, the shelter also offers advocacy and referral services for legal, financial, housing, medical and family assistance. Their trauma-informed, culturally safe approach ensures that each family receives comprehensive care during their stay.
Great Lakes Women’s Shelter Manager Carly Ravenscroft said hundreds of women and children have been referred to the shelter in the last nine years.
“We have helped nearly 650 women since we opened the shelter and provided around 5,000 nights of accommodation, and this funding helps us continue providing support to women and their families,” Carly said.
“This win has enabled us to provide 13 safe nights for women and children escaping family and/or sexual violence, allowing us to provide a safe, nurturing space for them to begin the healing process.”
Greater Bank Regional Manager Steph Smith said the customer-owned organisation is honoured to support the local Shelter.
“Leaving an abusive situation takes a great amount of strength and courage, so it is important that women are treated with the dignity and care they deserve,” Steph said.
“It is our privilege to give back to Great Lakes Women’s Shelter and to support the incredible work they do for ladies and families within our region.”
Great Lakes Women’s Shelter Manager, Carly Ravenscroft, expressed the importance of shelters and said the support of the local community can make a real difference for a woman.
“Imagine, your grandmother, mother, sister, daughter or friend was in a situation that needed shelter. What would you want her to have when she arrived with no belongings and possibly physically and emotionally hurt?” Carly said.
“We offer a beautiful bedroom for each family, shared living spaces, a playground for the children and supported case management during their stay, as we help our clients get back on their feet.
So, if you are in a position to make a regular donation, remember, every single dollar goes directly into our operations and service delivery - In fact, your donations help to keep the doors of the Shelter open.”
If you or someone you know needs support, please visit: https://glws.org.au/contact-us
For immediate help, please contact: 1800RESPECT, available 24 hours, 7 days a week