Archives for May 2022

We’re so excited to get back into the community – this time alongside Furlani Foods – to be a part of this year’s Grilled Cheese Challenge! An iconic event in South Etobicoke, they’ve (finally!) returned and we’re grilling and giving back. 

Ready to face the competition, Women’s Habitat staff and volunteers have one simple question: 

Are you Fun or Fierce?

We will be serving up two versions of our signature sandwich: Choose from our official entry, the subtly spicy Fierce (that packs some power), or kid-friendly Fun (for the mild and casual). Both featuring Furlani Garlic Texas Toast in a spiced mac-and-cheese grilled cheese creation, sold for $5 each, and simple to recreate at home… as you’ll see below!

The Grilled Cheese Challenge represents the neighbourhood in so many ways, and we’re so excited to be with everyone again to share a little of our ‘flavour’ as well. So, support local and come on down!

This event is open to the whole family – kids and canines included. Fun and food for everyone! 

We’ll also have water and treats available, but please note – we will be cash only. All of our proceeds are going straight to our programs and services…. making it a pretty delicious way to donate. 

GRILLED CHEESE CHALLENGE

Saturday, June 11th

11am – 9pm 

Islington Avenue & Lake Shore Blvd W

Visit grilledcheesechallenge.ca for full event details. 

Interested in making your own? 

1. Simply start with a slice of Furlani Garlic Texas Toast* on a frying pan. 
2. Set to medium heat. As it warms, add a slice of processed cheese, then approximately 1/3c of prepared boxed macaroni and cheese (to which you can add up to 1tbs of spice for a little kick), another slice of cheese, and top with another Furlani Texas Toast. 
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes from there, flip and cook another 3-4 minutes (or until you have golden brown outside with an ooey-gooey inside). 
4. Cut, plate, and serve! Ketchup and/or hot sauce optional. 

As a multi-service feminist organization that supports victims and survivors of domestic violence, we conscientiously observe the world and conversations around us, and in particular the media and public narrative when it comes to issues pertaining to our services. Statistically, on the whole, progress is – as with many issues in our society – slowly being achieved in this sector. But unfortunately, there are instances like this where we see a clear step backward.

You may have Googled this trial, and seen top hits like “Funniest Witness Moments”. You may have been scrolling through Instagram and seen the “blooper” reels or meme compilations on YouTube. There has literally been laughter in the courtroom.

This – like any trial – should not be a joke.

The fact that they are celebrities is irrelevant. They are people. Every single one of them in that courtroom. And people in that situation are being subjected to scrutiny, ridicule, judgement and lack of analysis not only from the officials responsible in a court of law, but by every spectator, and – in this case – the public at large.

But irrespective of all of that, so much of the conversation is being dominated by making light of the situation, and in so doing – conscious or otherwise – making light of the subject matter.

Alicia Whyte – Women’s Habitat Shelter Manager – recently made a statement on CTV News on this topic:

“Now we’re looking at a situation where we are not actually even looking at the experience of the two individuals, we are now judging the two people who are involved.” says Whyte. “It really causes for more confusion and more misunderstanding and more ignorance on the topic of domestic violence”.

You can see the story on CTV News at 6 for Friday, May 6th.

Taking a step to take action against someone in an abusive situation takes incredible bravery and strength. Creating a culture where that action is met with ridicule and humiliation only creates more perceived barriers for people wanting and needing to come forward in the future. It puts the victims in an even more fearful position, when the potential backlash is demonstrated in such a high-profile situation such as this.

Humour in this case is a toxicity to public perception, and only exacerbates society’s inherent inclination to ignore uncomfortable issues such as domestic and intimate partner abuse in any form.

Regardless of where personal opinion lies, it needs to be about respect and a concerted effort to approach these happenings with more of an analytical and empathetic lens.

Our staff walk the walk as true advocates, and we love the chance to share information, education, resources, and our mission and values through speaking engagements, partnerships, workshops and so much more. We believe conversation and personal connection is an incredibly important part of addressing any challenges we face.

Executive Director, Carla Neto is a prolific speaker and trainer, leading teams not only internally, but within our partner organizations and non-profit network as well. As the architect of our sustainable livelihood approach, her expertise in management and process training, skills and systems development, and diversity, equity and inclusion makes her an incredible voice in any room.

Lina Almanzan – our head of Philanthropy – connects with people all over the community to support in strategy and ideation when it comes to how to get involved. Whether that’s personal, with a group, or corporate teams like our recent volunteer and donor guests at WHE Outreach from Brown-Forman Canada, her wealth of knowledge and compassionate approach has been an invaluable part of our team and external communication.

Alicia Whyte is our Shelter Manager, and has spoken across the city inspiring action in shelter, affordable housing, human rights, navigating our legal system, sexual violence, substance use recovery, trauma-based approach to care and more. She also happens to be a yoga and pilates instructor!

Other members of our team have also spoken with community groups, schools and youth. Like Lizzie at The York School, where we recently discussed intersectionality in addition to equity consideration and understanding using menstrual health and products as a tangible example. With the talk online, the school also ran their own “Period Products Drive” where students attended a dance using a product donation as their ticket. Not only addressing need, but opening up conversations and challenging stigma as well.

Or at the Etobicoke School of the Arts where Michelle presented and discussed volunteerism, activism, and understanding the history of violence against women and organizations like ours… which prompted them to run their own fundraising activities and conversations led by their incredible Diversity & Equity student groups.

And there are so many more.

We want to thank everyone on our team who gets those messages out there, but – even more importantly – thank those who welcome us into any conversation. We love and appreciate our community, and are thankful we have the opportunity to be an advocate for change and positive pathways to the future.

If you are interested in collaborating with our team, reach out to our communications lead Lizzie at eshort@womens-habitat.ca. You never know where a simple discussion can take you.