Safe haven for women and children
Chrysalis House continues support, eager for new transition house
The chrysalis is the protective outer layer that shelters the pupa as it transforms into a butterfly. Chrysalis House in Kentville performs a similar protective function for the women and children who find shelter within its walls.
“We’re the chrysalis for women who are in transition,” explains Ginger MacPhee, executive director of Chrysalis House.
Serving Annapolis, Kings and West Hants Counties, Chrysalis House opened its doors in 1985. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it provides shelter, support, outreach, advocacy and transitional services for women and their children who have experienced – or are at risk of – violence and abuse. Services are available for women who have been psychologically, emotionally, financially, physically and/or sexually abused.
Women and their children can stay at Chrysalis House up to six weeks, and this can be extended according to the needs of families.
“In a typical year we would probably average 100 women and children coming through the shelter,” MacPhee says. “That’s not counting the women we work with through our outreach.”
Chrysalis House also provides a 24-hour help line at 902-679-1922 or toll free 1-800-264-8682. As well as a listening ear and information, support can include transportation, and help with accessing services from other agencies such as legal aid, community services and family court.
With a staff of 15 and a volunteer board of directors, Chrysalis House is supported by volunteers who prepare meals and help provide programs for families including arts and crafts, sports, game, s and drama.
“Staff are always here, but the volunteers provide extra support in a variety of ways,” MacPhee says.
Public education is also part of the mission at Chrysalis House. Information sessions about violence against women are provided to individuals and organizations upon request.
Respect is the basis of a healthy relationship, MacPhee points out, while fear for one’s safety is not.
Not all abuse leaves bruises, and the scars of emotional abuse are very real.
Some of the red flags of an abusive relationship include:
• Isolation. Preventing someone from having contact with friends and family.
• Preventing someone from working or choosing their own career.
• Attempting to control what someone wears, reads or where and with whom they visit.
• Controlling money and withholding basic necessities such as food, clothes, medication and shelter.
• Verbal abuse including name calling, yelling and making threats.
• Stalking and following, checking phone calls and texts.
• Physical or sexual abuse. “It can start with breaking things, or hitting the wall in front of you, or making the gestures of hitting,” MacPhee says. “That can then turn into actual violence.”
With support from the community, a new transition house is scheduled to open this summer, allowing Chrysalis House to move from its current location in an older home. Project Renew is the capital campaign Chrysalis House launched to raise funds for the new facility. Tax deductible donations of $500 or more will be recognized in the Tree of Support, an installation that will welcome all who enter through the main doors.
“The new facility is designed for the work we do, with program rooms and a boardroom,” MacPhee explains. “All of the rooms will be fully accessible, and it will allow us to enhance our services.”