HomeContactSitemap

Our History

Click here to view the printer friendly version.

 In 1982 Project MAYDAY, a group concerned with women's issuers, undertook a survey of the communities along the North Shore of Lake Superior to determine the extent of wife abuse and family violence. Their findings were alarming. As many as one women in ten had, at some time , experienced abuse. These alarming figures corresponded to similar reports from surveys conducted across the country.

 

Project MAYDAY, went on to determine what facilities were available to the victims of family violence. It was found that few resources were accessible to women in isolated communities. Project MAYDAY identified the need to provide safe shelter for battered women and their children, as the first step in helping the victims.

 

In the summer of 1983, Project MAYDAY brought their findings before the Councils of the four communities, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Terrace Bay and Schreiber. Their proposal called for the establishment of a safe shelter and counseling for battered women.

 

With the support and guidance from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, a plan was formulated to provide a centrally located, shared facility. This facility was to accommodated both women and their children from the four communities as well as the unorganized area of Rossport and the First Nation communities of Mobert, Heron Bay and Pays Plat.

 

In October of 1985, a Board of Directors was established having equal membership from each community. The Board's function was to administrate the facility and its associated support services.  In November 1985, with capital monies from M.C.S.S., construction of the Family Resource Center commenced.

 

THE SHELTER OPENED IT'S DOORS MAY 30th, 1986