The District of Muskoka is looking into how they can support the YWCA Muskoka’s National Emergency Survivor Support fund (NESS).
Laura Sundy, director of community engagement for YWCA Muskoka, was joined by two of her colleagues during the July 18 Health Services Committee meeting to petition district council to provide $20,000 over two years for the fund.
“This would help 20 more women escape violence over the next two years,” said Sundy.
She explained how the fund was unveiled a couple of years ago and provides a one-time grant of up to $1,000 for survivors of gender-based violence. Sundy pointed out the YWCA doesn’t receive consistent funding from any level of government.
“This is not in any way the entire solution,” she added. “This is the most immediate need we have at YWCA Muskoka.”
Sundy shared how the NESS fund has allowed them to support 35 survivors of gender-based violence since it was established locally with eight receiving financial assistance since April 2024. She added they’re currently processing three other applications.
Suzanne Olimer, commissioner of finance and corporate services for the district, outlined how the request will be researched by staff and presented to council when they begin discussing the 2025 budget.
Sundy said this is another positive step forward in addressing the issue, noting how the district declared gender-based and intimate partner violence and epidemic in this past April.
However, Jiana Cutting, officer administrator and systems navigator for YWCA Muskoka, added more work is needed.
“Women and gender diverse people often cannot escape situations of violence because they do not have the financial means to leave and live on their own,” she explained.
Cutting detailed how gender-based violence isn’t just physical, it could happen online, sexually, emotionally, and psychologically, too. “It’s not a one size fits all problem nor is there a one size fits all solution,” she continued.
A more unique problem is location.
Cutting shared how women in rural areas are more vulnerable since there are often a lack of options for them. She pointed out how the affordable housing crisis, isolation, lack of transportation options, economic conditions, and accessibility of legal and social services are other issues unique to rural areas like Muskoka.
District Coun. Tatiana Sutherland shared how she wants to teach her young daughter about “what love is supposed to look like and what it’s not supposed to look like.” With that in mind, she asked how youth are supported through the YWCA’s programming.
Stacey Schat, who is director of women’s programs at YWCA Muskoka but used to run the organization’s youth programs, says they start working with young people in grade five.
The Girlz Unplugged and Boy’s Quest programs work with youth to help girls identify what they like about themselves, what their strengths are, and why they deserve to be treated well. She added they also dive into healthy ways to discuss topics and express themselves.
“A lot of people grow up in a household where anger and yelling are their mode of communication,” said Schat. “All children really model what their parents show.”
She added how the programming they offer youth is their way of trying to stop the cycle of gender-based violence.
