My Sister's Space
In July of 2008, a women's shelter in London, Ontario contacted the STITCHES project. They asked us to come out and do a workshop for their women even though most of them are not infected with HIV. So we did a brief AIDS 101 session and then gave the women an opportunity to make a doll that would speak to their personal life situation. In honor of those wonderful women we are naming this webpage "MY SISTER'S SPACE". Read about this great program below and experience the dolls while you are here.
My Sisters’ Place, a program of WOTCH Community Mental Health Services, is a transitional support centre for women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In November 2004 we opened our doors expecting to see 10-15 women per day. Three and a half years later we are serving 60-90 women per day.
Guided by feminist and non-judgmental values, My Sisters' Place is a safe non-violent space that works to change existing social conditions and stereotypes for women who are homeless and at risk of homelessness. My Sisters’ Place offers Transitional Support to women in crisis, helping them to find the resources they need to regain stability in their lives. The participants of our program are women whose lives and well being are at risk due to mental health issues, extreme poverty, substance use, violence and abuse. At the most fundamental level, we provide a nutritious snack such as fruit in the morning, a hot lunch, personal hygiene products, laundry & shower facilities, and day beds for women whose circumstances do not afford them a proper night’s sleep.
My Sisters’ Place help them with the resources they need to regain stability in their lives. We are the only access point in London offering enhanced access to services related to mental health, health care, violence against women services, social assistance, and help with applying for housing.
Title: Innocence Don't we all sometimes wish we could go back to the time when we were kids, sound asleep in bed, without a care in the world? |
Title: Loretta This doll wants to let the world know, “I survived child abuse.” |
Title: Louisia This doll chose not to say anything. |
Title: Love Giver I wish we could have more love given everywhere around the world. This would increase the amount of happiness and encourage sharing of food and other necessities needed to survive. |
Title: The Peaceful Goddess She wants to end poverty, violence, and her aim is to make a better world for everyone. She brings joy, hope, faith, love, peace and happiness. Remember to do your part to make this world a better place. |
Title: Prophet, Peter Popoff If you have beliefs in healing, when you have HIV, beware of false Prophets of the world. Even they fall short of God’s glory. Don’t be discouraged, don’t be dismayed. Don’t give up, because Jesus cares for you. Others may be able to try to understand how your pain is inside, or your story that caused your disease, but reach out to those who take time, go the distance to listen to your story, and are true believers from above. I believe you will fly like an eagle, soar like a dove. Even when you are with your maker up above. |
Title: The Rev. Olive I have cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and high blood pressure. I bleed from my spleen and bowel. I live on $23 after bills are paid. This is for gas, food and personals, so I don’t eat very well. I was sexually assaulted by one clergy and raped by another. My husband has schizophrenia and tortured me to demand I swear "that there is no God". Violence can’t be mended! It must be prevented! |
Name: Kara Huard 
Name: Silke Irlanda 
Name: Lynda K. 
Name: C.B. 
Name: Iris Evans 
Name: Nina Lite Eagle McCutcheon
Name: Rev. Olive Esseltine Meharg
