Although the charitable organization Big Hill Haven does not have bricks and mortar, yet, it has not deterred the board from moving forward with boots on the ground.

If you were under the impression Cochrane didn't have a domestic violence/abuse problem you may want to reconsider. Patti Fisher, Co-Founder as well as the organization's part-time Outreach Worker is working the frontline offering support for women and children in need.

Fisher is not only educated in social work but also has a wealth of knowledge that comes from her own personal experience. With her position being relatively new,  she is focusing a lot on building connections with organizations as well as educating the public. In a recent conversation with employees from a local business, Fisher says there were a lot of questions surrounding abuse. "It was interesting because of the response I got; there were things like is that abuse, is that wrong?!' I got the sense that some education would be helpful."

Another challenging factor is around the follow through. A number of women will call seeking help or resources but meeting face to face doesn't always happen. "What I have unfortunately learned is I have talked to a woman on the phone and it seems like she really wants to come in and do safety planning and that kind of thing...but I never see her. We make an appointment and she never shows up. That tells me there is a lot of fear there."

Fisher says her job is not to guide or influence women to make a certain choice but instead simply provide her with the information and resources she may need or be inquiring about. "My role primarily is to do safety planning for the woman and her children and give her all the information in a non-judgemental way so she can make the best decision for herself and her kids. I will support her no matter what she does."

"If there has been physical abuse it would be don't go in the bathroom if there is no way out in the middle of an incident. Have a 'go bag' packed and in the trunk of your car, have your keys where you can easily grab them, have your birth certificate and all those important papers in that go bag along with your medications, all the things you can't do without and same for the kids."

The message Fisher would like to get across is that abuse is not your fault, you did not cause it nor can you control it. "It comes back to valuing yourself and your kids, I guess that is what it really comes down to. Am I worthy?!"

Longterm, Fisher says having bricks and mortar will be beneficial as well as another Outreach Worker but for right now, she feels she is in a good place to build relationships. "I am finding it really valuable because someone may come into FCSS for a backpack for their child and someone may ask, 'why can't you afford a backpack for your child?' or they might come out and say, 'I don't have food' so it couldn't be a better place for me right now."

Currently, Fisher is working Monday's and Friday's out of the FCSS Resource Centre Office but is available by phone at 403-796-6564  on all weekdays up until 4:30 pm.

A 'FUN'draiser for Big Hill Haven is occurring on October 27th and you can find more information in the story below.

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