Community News

SHELTER HELPS STAYNER MOM ON PATH TO SOBRIETY

SHAUNA TURNER TURNS LIFE AROUND WITH HELP OF MY FRIEND'S HOUSE

JOHN EDWARDS

Shauna Turner's life hasn't been easy, but she's weathered the storm.

About three years ago, she left her husband for Lee, a man she loved. However, things took a bad turn as he became verbally and physically abusive, and both were addicted to drugs.

At one point, she was using crack and cocaine and living under a bridge in Wasaga Beach or in the woods.

"I was spending my rent money on drugs," she said. "I ended up homeless with this man and he started getting physically abusive."

It was Turner's mom who called My Friend's House for help. Turner worked with the team to learn more about what she was going through, and also had supervised visits with her daughter, who is now 10.

The organization, which provides shelter and services for abused women and children, helped Turner get transportation to a rehab program, and eventually helped her find a place of her own and access to an affordable-housing grant.

"I feel more in control," she said. "It's the longest I've ever been in an apartment that's mine."

In its 30-year history, My Friend's House has helped thousands of women across south Georgian Bay.

Jane Truemner, senior development manager, said the shelter has a waiting list while the need for services continues to grow.

Although the shelter receives funding from the Ontario government, operating costs have risen and fundraising now makes up 60 per cent of the budget; it was 30 per cent several years ago.

Annually, the organization must raise about $700,000 to keep the doors open.

"All of the donations we receive and all of the wonderful third parties in the community are really what's keeping us able to help all of the women that come to us," Truemner said.

If you struggle with addiction and/or mentalhealth issues, ConnexOntario provides treatment service information. Call toll-free at 1-866-531-2600 or visit www.connexontario.ca. If you are woman in an abusive relationship and need help, contact My Friend's House at 705-4442511.

NEWS

en-ca

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281612424008787

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