We believe in healing and balancing in the body, mind and soul. Ladies at Dignity House are taught necessary life skills. They are counselled and educated to become employable. Programming includes topics such as complex trauma, boundaries, self-development, Bible studies, budgeting, arts, 12 steps, aftercare and a health protection fitness program. We partner with community organizations that can offer the women a safe and welcoming environment to heal in the areas specific to each woman.
Criteria: Detoxed and coming from long-term treatment; ready for transitional housing with minimal staffing and for a healthy new life.
The Different Phases in the Program
There are three gradual progressive phases.
- First phase is focused on recovery programming and complex trauma.
- Second phase is volunteer work, some programming and behavioural management.
- Third phase looks at the goals of the individual to assist in finding careers and/or educational opportunities. Along with that we help in the transition of finding affordable housing, advocating with reunification with children and transitioning into community.
Core Values:
- Dignity for all women, Christian and non-Christian alike, because they are all valuable to God and His Kingdom
- Integrity in all we do as we strive to be good stewards of the resources God provides to us
- Grace and Compassion as demonstrated by Jesus
- New hope for a transformed life in all aspects
- Inspiration for a positive identity in Christ
- Trust in God’s love
- Yielding to Biblical principles
Our Objectives:
- To provide spiritual guidance, restoration and healing to women.
- To provide counselling and mentoring.
- To demonstrate genuine love providing examples of nurturing relationships.
- To work in partnership with community resources and other organizations.
- To provide safe affordable housing.
- To mentor the women to learn to live communally, modelling life skills, interpersonal communication and healthy relationships.
- To provide assistance in finding careers and/or educational opportunities with the goal of the women becoming gainfully employed, seeking partnerships with businesses and individuals who could provide employment opportunities.
- To establish relationships with women working in the sex industry in the hope to later provide assistance to leave the sex industry when they are ready.
- To network with and support other faith-based organizations and to network with other non-Christian organizations dedicated to the same and/or similar goals in assisting individuals and families that desire a healthier lifestyle.
- To become a financially self-sustaining ministry.
We are aware of the colonization of Indigenous people and the effects that has caused, and support the Indigenous women who come into our residential program. Cultural practices are allowed, as an example, smudging can be done outside of the house, and there are opportunities to participate in other cultural activities. Each woman is an individual and has different needs, which we respect. If women have needs we cannot meet, they are referred to community resources. For example, for art therapy, we join the Indigenous Family Centre on Selkirk Avenue for beading, and may participating in other opportunities they offer.
OUTSIDE MANITOBA: o For women 18+ who need assistance to exit commercial sexual exploitation, whether trafficked or not, we are located in Winnipeg, Man. Although we mainly assist women in Manitoba, we do take out of province women as well.
Application to be a Resident
(Please send completed application to admin@dignityhouse.ca)
