NLIS 10 June 15, 2006 (Executive Council) Minister
congratulates Iris Kirby House on 25 years Joan
Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead minister
for the Violence Prevention Initiative, presented a plaque to the board,
staff and volunteers at Iris Kirby House today in recognition of the
organization�s 25th anniversary. Iris
Kirby House provides refuge to hundreds of women each year who are
fleeing abusive situations, offering comfort and a safe place for women
and their children to rebuild their lives. "Places
like Iris Kirby House hold our communities together," said Minister
Burke. "The support
offered leads to real change in the lives of the women and children who
are seeking refuge." The
shelter was established when a group of women, including what is now the
St. John�s Status of Women Council, recognized a need to provide a
safe haven for women living in abusive situations. The
shelter, now a mainstay in �Action
to end violence must happen at many levels,� said Minister Burke. �Individuals,
communities and governments must take steps to change attitudes, stop
the cycle of violence, and give victims of violence the supports they
need to live free from abuse.� In
Budget 2006, government committed $1.25 million annually to support a
new six-year action plan on violence prevention - Taking
Action Against Violence. As
part of that initiative funding to support work at the community level
has been doubled for a total of $675,000. The
new action plan, which was developed from consultations with community
groups, will invest in programs for seniors, persons with disabilities,
women, Aboriginal women and children, as well as children and youth, and
improve legislation and policy related to violence. One
specific initiative outlined in the new program is an evaluation of the
programs and services provided to women and children in crisis � this
review will help ensure that women and children are receiving the best
support possible while in transition from an abusive situation. "I
am honoured today to recognize the hard work and dedication of those who
created Iris Kirby House and the staff, board and volunteers who work
each day to provide a safe haven for women in need," said Minister
Burke. "This is truly a
milestone. Congratulations
on your 25th anniversary.� Photo #1: (L-R) Mary Dwyer (Iris Kirby House Board Chair), Minister Burke, Daphne MacNeil (Executive Director Iris Kirby House) Media
contact: Cathy Whelan, Women�s Policy Office, (709) 729-6225 2006
06 15
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