Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) is launching a new support program for individuals affected by gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV), with a special focus on helping them gain financial independence and job skills.
The initiative is being made possible thanks to $1,116,655 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The program will be run in partnership with several local organizations, including the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, Bernadette McCann House, the Youth Wellness Hub of Renfrew County, and the Robbie Dean Centre.
PRH President and CEO Sabine Mersmann said the funding is a major step forward in helping survivors rebuild their lives. “We are deeply grateful for the Ontario government’s support, which enables us to provide critical resources to those affected by gender-based and intimate partner violence,” said Mersmann. “This program supports our belief that with the right care, people can heal and move forward.”
The new program will offer several key services, including:
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Training and Work Placements: Survivors will get help with job training and placements to build their skills and achieve financial independence.
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Support Groups: Group sessions will provide a safe space to share experiences and learn strategies for healing.
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Training for Service Providers: Local frontline workers will receive specialized training to better support survivors using trauma-informed approaches.
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Community Workshops: Educational sessions will raise awareness about GBV and IPV, focusing on prevention and early intervention.
This effort is part of Ontario’s larger $162 million plan, funded in partnership with the federal government, to end gender-based violence and support victims across the province.
Mersmann pointed out that living in a rural area like Renfrew County can make things even more difficult for victims, due to isolation and limited access to services. “Our program aims to break these barriers and provide meaningful, long-term support,” she said.
One unique part of the program is the use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a type of therapy that teaches skills like mindfulness, emotional control, and communication. Combined with peer support and job training, this therapy helps survivors build a more stable and independent life.
The program also aims to support youth, women, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. All services will be trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and tailored to individual needs.
“This initiative is a true community effort,” said Mersmann. “By working together with our partners, we can offer a well-rounded program that focuses not just on safety, but also on healing and self-reliance.”
More details about how to access the program will be shared soon.
Mental Health Services of Renfrew County, which is part of Pembroke Regional Hospital, provides free mental health support to residents aged 16 and older. For help, visit AccessMHA.ca or call 1-833-527-8207. If you are in crisis, contact the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-866-996-0991.
(Written by: Emma Butler)