The project is focused on approaches to leadership in the Family Violence (FV) / Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sector, including internal structures and governance, maintaining capacity at the management level, and achieving organizational strategic planning. The project will ultimately serve victims and survivors of GBV by building the leadership of the shelters and agencies that provide the direct service. Our work in this project directly impacts the leadership and staff of family violence emergency shelters in Manitoba.
Main Objective: The main objective is to create a Leadership Orientation Guidebook for FV emergency shelter Executive Directors (EDs) to support new and existing leaders in effectively managing and guiding their organizations. The guidebook includes various sections covering essential aspects of leadership, management, and operational strategies specific to family violence emergency shelters. This comprehensive resource will support growth and service delivery from the top level down.
Funder: Winnipeg Foundation
Project Documents & Resources:
1. Leadership Series: The Leadership Series is designed to empower emerging, senior, and EDs in their professional development journey. Our series covers essential areas such as communication, change management, strategic thinking, and personal growth. The goal is to equip leaders with tools to navigate complex challenges and drive organizational success. Whether you’re an aspiring manager or a seasoned executive, MAWS’ Leadership Series provides the knowledge, skills, and network to elevate your leadership capabilities.
2. Blog: This blog serves as an indispensable hub for shelter leaders, tackling the distinct challenges inherent in their roles while fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional development. This blog not only addresses immediate concerns but also encourages long-term growth, enabling EDs to enhance their skills, adapt to evolving needs, and ultimately improve the quality of care and support provided to vulnerable women and children as well as gender-diverse individuals.
3. Recommended readings: These recommended readings feature a range of topics relevant to leadership in the Family Violence (FV)/Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sector, addressing both general leadership principles and specific issues related to family violence emergency shelters, shelter management and GBV. The readings include a mix of academic sources, practical guides, and reports from relevant organizations in the field.
“Leadership: Theory and Practice” by Peter G. Northouse. This comprehensive text covers major leadership theories and their practical applications, making it an excellent foundation for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.
“Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader’s Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You” by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss. This book emphasizes building others up and creating an environment where people can excel, which is crucial in a family violence emergency shelter setting.
“Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” by Adam Grant. This book explores the importance of keeping an open mind and the ability to question one’s opinions, which can be valuable skills for shelter directors facing complex challenges.
“A culture of care: How Lotus House Women’s Shelter heals program participants” (McDivitt & Blasco, 2015). This article discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment in women’s shelters and could provide insights into trauma-informed leadership practices.
“Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration” by Keith Ferrazzi and Noel Weyrich. This book offers valuable insights on collaborative leadership, which can be particularly useful in a family violence emergency shelter environment.
“The Female Vision: Women’s Real Power at Work” by Sally Helgesen and Julie Johnson. This book focuses on women’s leadership and could provide relevant perspectives for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.
“Centered Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Impact” by Joanna Barsh and Johanne Lavoie. This book offers a model for leadership that combines personal passions with professional aspirations, which could be beneficial for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.
“Positive Leadership Principles for Women: 8 Secrets to Inspire and Impact Everyone Around You” by Karol Ladd.This book focuses on leadership principles specifically for women and could provide valuable insights for family violence emergency shelter executive directors.
“Effective Leadership Strategies for Women: A Practical Guide for Women to Successfully Influence, Motivate and Inspire” by Meredith Haskins.This book offers practical strategies that could be particularly useful in a family violence emergency shelter environment.
“The Leadership Handbook for Women: A Woman’s Guide to Developing Leadership Skills for Career Success, Fostering Equity in Workplace, and Empowering Other Women to Lead” by Liz Elting. This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of leadership that are relevant to family violence emergency shelter executive directors, including empowering other women.
“Leading Gracefully: A Woman’s Guide to Confident, Authentic & Effective Leadership” by Monique Svazlian Tallon. This book could help family violence emergency shelter executive directors develop a leadership style that is both effective and authentic.
“Manitoba Standards Manual for Women’s Shelters” executive directors of family violence emergency shelter in Manitoba should familiarize themselves with this document as it provides important context for leadership in this specific setting.
“Working with a board as an Executive Director”
“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. An essential resource for shelter directors, providing strategies for effective safety planning with survivors.
“No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” by Rachel Louise Snyder. This book provides a deep dive into the realities of domestic violence, offering both personal stories and an analysis of systemic issues.
“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. A seminal work that explores the impact of trauma and the process of recovery, essential for understanding the psychological aspects of gender-based violence.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk. This book explains how trauma affects the body and mind, offering insights into effective treatment methods.
“Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men” by Lundy Bancroft. A critical resource for understanding the mindset of abusers and the dynamics of abusive relationships.
“Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings” by the Homelessness Resource Center. A practical guide on implementing trauma-informed care in shelters, with a focus on creating safe and supportive environments.
“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. This book offers practical strategies for safety planning with women experiencing domestic violence.
“The Manitoba Gender-Based Violence Strategy” by the Government of Manitoba. An essential document outlining the provincial strategy for addressing gender-based violence, including policies and programs.
“Violence Against Women: Vulnerable Populations” by Douglas A. Brownridge. This book focuses on domestic violence in Canada, examining how it affects different vulnerable populations.
“Cruel But Not Unusual: Violence in Canadian Families” edited by Ramona Alaggia and Cathy Vine. A comprehensive examination of family violence in Canada, including domestic violence.
“Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”. While broader in scope, this report contains crucial information about violence against Indigenous women in Canada.
“Gender-Based Violence: A Comprehensive Guide” edited by Geraldine Terry and Joanna Hoare. An academic text that offers a broad overview of gender-based violence, including theoretical frameworks and case studies.
“Intersectionality: Key Concepts” by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge. This book explores the concept of intersectionality, crucial for understanding the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender.
“The Routledge International Handbook of Gender-Based Violence” edited by Nancy Lombard. A comprehensive collection of research and essays on various aspects of gender-based violence, from global perspectives to specific case studies.
“Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life” by Evan Stark. This groundbreaking work examines the patterns of coercive control in abusive relationships, offering a new framework for understanding domestic violence.
“Domestic Violence at the Margins: Readings on Race, Class, Gender, and Culture” edited by Natalie J. Sokoloff and Christina Pratt. A collection of essays that explores how factors such as race, class, and culture intersect with domestic violence.
“The Batterer as Parent: Addressing the Impact of Domestic Violence on Family Dynamics” by Lundy Bancroft and Jay G. Silverman. This book examines the effects of domestic violence on children and parenting, crucial for understanding family dynamics in abusive situations.
“Women’s Experiences of Violence: An International Perspective” edited by Shubhangi Vaidya. A comprehensive look at domestic violence from a global perspective, offering insights into cultural and societal factors.
“Helping Her Get Free: A Guide for Families and Friends of Abused Women” by Susan Brewster. A practical guide for those supporting survivors of domestic violence, offering strategies and advice.
“Domestic Violence Advocacy: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies and Eleanor Lyon. A comprehensive guide for advocates working with survivors of domestic violence, covering a range of practical issues.
“Black and Blue: A Memoir of Racism and Survival” by Veronica Gorrie. A powerful memoir that explores the intersection of racism and domestic violence, offering important perspectives on systemic issues.
“Crazy Love” by Leslie Morgan Steiner. A memoir that provides insight into the psychology of an abusive relationship and the process of leaving.
“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. A seminal work on trauma, essential for understanding the psychological impacts of domestic violence.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk. This book explores how trauma affects the body and mind, offering insights into effective treatment methods.
“Healing the Trauma of Domestic Violence: A Workbook for Women” by Mari McCaig and Edward S. Kubany. A practical resource that can be used to support survivors in their healing journey.
“Intersectionality” by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of intersectionality, exploring its theoretical foundations and practical applications.
“Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color” by Kimberlé Crenshaw. An essential essay that introduces the concept of intersectionality and its relevance to understanding violence against women of color.
“Women, Intersectionality, and Power in Group Psychotherapy Leadership” by Yoon Im Kane. This book explores the application of intersectionality in group psychotherapy, offering insights that can be adapted for use in shelter environments.
“Intersectionality and Social Work: Omissions, Alliances, and Possibilities for Practice” edited by Suryia Nayak and Rachel Robbins. A Canadian-focused text that examines the application of intersectionality in social work practice, offering practical insights for shelter directors.
### Readings on Gender-Diverse Issues
“Beyond the Gender Binary” by Alok Vaid-Menon. A thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional notions of gender and advocates for a more inclusive understanding.
“Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community” edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth. An inclusive guide that covers a wide range of topics relevant to transgender individuals, from health care to legal issues.
“Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation” edited by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman. A collection of essays, stories, and artwork by gender-diverse individuals, offering diverse perspectives on gender identity and expression.
“Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More” by Janet Mock. A memoir that provides a personal and powerful narrative about the experiences of a transgender woman of color.
“Supporting Trans People in Crisis” by the Trans Lifeline. A guide that provides best practices for supporting transgender individuals in crisis situations.
“Financial Management for Nonprofit Organizations: Policies and Practices” by John Zietlow, Jo Ann Hankin, and Alan G. Seidner. This book provides comprehensive guidance on nonprofit financial management, covering essential topics such as cash flow, financial sustainability, analytics, reporting, investing, and risk management. It is an indispensable resource for understanding the technical expertise required for nonprofit financial officers and includes real-world case studies and checklists.
“Bookkeeping Basics: What Every Nonprofit Bookkeeper Needs to Know” by Debra L. Ruegg and Lisa M. Venkatrathnam. This book explains all aspects of developing and managing systems to track and spend nonprofit finances. It is an easy-to-reference resource that is useful for new or established nonprofits, emphasizing accountability and financial responsibility beyond just the Board treasurer.
“The Budget-Building Book for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide for Managers and Boards” by Murray Dropkin, Jim Halpin, and Bill La Touche. This book provides a practical guide for creating and managing budgets within nonprofit organizations, offering step-by-step instructions and strategies for effective financial planning.
“The Cash Flow Management Book for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide for Managers, Consultants, and Boards” by Murray Dropkin and Allyson Hayden. This book offers a comprehensive guide to cash flow management for nonprofit organizations. It covers cash flow principles, policies, forecasts, budgets, strategies, and technology to improve cash flow management, along with practical resources such as to-do lists, sample forms, and worksheets.
“Financial Sustainability for Nonprofit Organizations” by Emmanuel Jean Francois, PhD. This book provides leaders and managers of nonprofit organizations with theoretical and conceptual frameworks, approaches, and strategies to manage organizations that are financially sustainable. It covers financial and nonfinancial facets of sustainability, including financial analysis, budget management, cash flow, financial accountability, and reporting.
“Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability” by Jeanne Bell, Jan Masaoka, and Steve Zimmerman. This book provides a framework for integrating financial performance and social impact considerations in strategic decision-making. It introduces the “Matrix Map,” a model for assessing the impact and profitability of a nonprofit’s programs, helping leaders make informed resource allocation decisions.
“Get Good with Money” by Tiffany Aliche: Known as “The Budgetnista,” Aliche offers a ten-step plan for achieving financial wholeness. Her practical advice and actionable steps are designed to create harmony between individuals and their money, regardless of their starting point.
“On My Own Two Feet” by Manisha Thakor and Sharon Kedar. This guide provides essential information on money management, helping women keep spending in check, save for emergencies, and create secure retirement plans. It is particularly useful for those managing finances independently.
“The Woman’s Guide to Money” by Kelley Keehn: This book helps women overcome barriers related to money management, teaching them to see beyond net worth and focus on true wealth and prosperity. It is about achieving financial freedom and empowerment.
“Building Financial Empowerment for Survivors of Domestic Violence” by Judy L. Postmus: This book is specifically designed to empower survivors of domestic violence by providing them with the financial knowledge and skills needed to achieve independence and security. It is a valuable resource for shelters aiming to support women in rebuilding their financial lives.
“Financial Planning & Analysis and Performance Management” by Jack Alexander. This book is an essential reference for financial planning and analysis professionals. It covers budgeting, forecasting, and effective financial communication, providing practical analytical techniques and real-world applicability, which can be particularly useful for organizations operating on tight budgets.
“Financial Forecasting, Analysis, and Modelling: A Framework for Long-Term Forecasting” by Michael Samonas. This book offers a hands-on toolkit for long-term forecasting with an emphasis on uncertainty. It includes practical approaches to enhancing financial statement simulation models and techniques to bolster a robust planning process, making it ideal for organizations needing precise financial strategies.
“Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. Although primarily focused on personal finance, this book’s principles can be adapted for small business budgeting. It emphasizes aligning spending with values, which can help organizations create budgets that reflect their financial goals and broader objectives.
“Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement” by Bryson, John M. (2004). 3rd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. This book is a comprehensive guide on conducting the strategic planning process in public and nonprofit organizations, detailing ten core planning steps known as the Strategy Change Cycle.
“Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: A Practical Guide and Workbook by Allison, Michael, and Jude Kaye. (2005). 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. This work provides a detailed exposition on strategic planning in nonprofit agencies, using case studies and offering practical tools like worksheets and checklists.”Strategic Planning in Human Service Agencies.” By Webster, Stephen A., and Mary Wylie. (1988). The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, Vol. 15, Iss. 3, Article 4. This article examines how strategic planning is utilized in human service agencies, highlighting its replacement of incremental planning models due to external pressures.
“Leadership: Theory and Practice” and “The Leadership Handbook for Women: A Woman’s Guide to Developing Leadership Skills for Career Success, Fostering Equity in Workplace, and Empowering Other Women to Lead” by Liz Elting. These books focus on developing leadership skills and fostering equity in the workplace.
“Leading Gracefully: A Woman’s Guide to Confident, Authentic & Effective Leadership” by Monique Svazlian Tallon. This helps in developing an effective and authentic leadership style.
“Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings” by the Homelessness Resource Center. This provides guidance on implementing trauma-informed care in shelters.
“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. This offers strategies for effective safety planning with survivors.
“No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” by Rachel Louise Snyder. This provides insights into the realities of domestic violence.
“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. This explores the impact of trauma and recovery processes.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk, explaining how trauma affects the body and mind.”Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men” by Lundy Bancroft. This is a critical resource for understanding the mindset of abusers.
Human Resources and Team Management – September 17, 2024 “Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace ” by Gill Hasson and Donna Butler. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice for both employers and employees on fostering mental health and wellbeing at work. It covers topics like creating a supportive culture, identifying issues, and implementing effective interventions.
“Work Better Together” by Jen Fisher and Ahn Phillips. Explores how to cultivate strong workplace relationships to maximize wellbeing and organizational success. Provides evidence-based strategies for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a supportive environment.
“The Culture Question” by Randy Grieser. Examines how to create a workplace where people genuinely enjoy working. Offers insights on developing a positive organizational culture.
“No Hard Feelings” by Liz Fosslien and Molly West Duffy. Provides strategies for effectively managing emotions at work to increase wellbeing, focus and job performance. Explores how emotions can be harnessed productively in the workplace.
“Leading Up: Transformational Leadership for Fundraisers” by Lilya Wagner. Explores leadership concepts that can be applied to volunteer management and fundraising, both crucial for shelter operations.
“The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management” edited by David O. Renz and Robert D. Herman. A comprehensive resource that includes sections on volunteer involvement and management.
“Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others” by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky. Addresses the impact of trauma exposure on staff and volunteers, essential for maintaining a healthy shelter environment.
“Supporting Northern Women: A Northwest Territories Family Violence Shelter Worker Training Program”. This comprehensive manual covers key topics like roles and responsibilities, impact of oppression, and working with diverse groups.
“Manitoba Standards Manual for Women’s Shelters”. Provides important context and standards for shelter operations, including staff training requirements.
“Violence Against Women Training Hub” by Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH). Offers over 25 self-paced courses specifically designed for those working in programs supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
“Shelter Worker Training” by Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute. Includes courses on communication skills, managing priorities, crisis management, and working with adults and children who have experienced violence.
“Safety Planning with Battered Women: Complex Lives/Difficult Choices” by Jill Davies, Eleanor Lyon, and Diane Monti-Catania. Essential for training staff on effective safety planning strategies.
“Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror” by Judith Herman. Crucial for understanding trauma-informed care in shelter settings.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk. Provides insights into trauma’s effects and treatment methods, valuable for staff training.
“Shelter from the Storm: Trauma-Informed Care in Homelessness Services Settings” by the Homelessness Resource Center. A practical guide for implementing trauma-informed care in shelters.
“A Culture of Care: How Lotus House Women’s Shelter Heals Program Participants” by Eaton et al.Offers insights into creating a supportive shelter environment through genuineness, dignity, and individualized attention.
“Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others” by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky. This book offers a deep dive into the impact of trauma exposure and provides practical strategies for maintaining well-being in high stress helping professions.
“The Compassion Fatigue Workbook” by Françoise Mathieu. A hands-on guide that offers tools and techniques for recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue, specifically tailored for helping professionals.
“Overcoming Compassion Fatigue” by Martha Teater and John Ludgate. This practical resource provides evidence-based strategies for preventing and recovering from compassion fatigue.
Understanding Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout: A Guide for Mental Health Therapists” by ICANotes. This comprehensive article explores the differences between vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout, offering insights particularly relevant to shelter directors.
“Secondary Traumatic Stress: A Fact Sheet for Organizations Employing Community Violence Workers” by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. While focused on community violence workers, this resource provides valuable information applicable to women’s shelter staff.
“Vicarious Trauma and Resilience” by the Office for Victims of Crime. This resource offers strategies for building resilience and addressing vicarious trauma in victim service organizations.
“The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss. This book offers strategies to streamline work and create more time for personal life, which could be valuable for busy shelter workers.
“Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. This book can help shelter workers establish healthy boundaries between their demanding work and personal life.
“Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time” by Brigid Schulte. Schulte’s book addresses the feeling of time scarcity and offers solutions for finding meaningful personal time amidst a busy schedule.
“Off Balance: Getting Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth to Personal and Professional Satisfaction” by Matthew Kelly. Kelly’s approach focuses on seeking satisfaction in both work and personal life, which could be particularly relevant for shelter workers.
“Work Simply: Embracing the Power of Your Personal Productivity Style” by Carson Tate. This book can help shelter workers optimize their work style, potentially reducing work hours and freeing up personal time.
“Supporting Employee Mental Health in Shelters and Clinics” by ShiftLink. This article addresses the mental health challenges faced by shelter workers and offers advice for supporting them, including strategies for work-life balance.
“Defining Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma and Burnout” by TEND Academy. This resource discusses the factors contributing to compassion fatigue and burnout in helping professionals, including shelter workers, and provides strategies for mitigation.
“Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue versus Burnout” by ICANotes. This guide offers insights into managing the emotional toll of work for mental health professionals, which can be applied to shelter workers.
“Beyond Shelters: Solutions to Homelessness in Canada from the Front Lines” by James Hughes. This book offers insights from experienced shelter managers on addressing homelessness in diverse communities across Canada. It includes perspectives on serving women, youth, Indigenous people, and families..
“No Place to Go: Local Histories of the Battered Women’s Shelter Movement” by Nancy Janovicek. Examines the development of women’s shelters in small cities and rural communities, with attention to serving Indigenous women.
“Runaway Wives and Rogue Feminists: The Origins of the Women’s Shelter Movement in Canada” by Margo Goodhand. Provides historical context on the women’s shelter movement in Canada and its evolution in addressing diverse needs.
“The Politicization of Safety: Critical Perspectives on Domestic Violence Responses” by Jane K. Stoever. Examines assumptions about domestic violence responses and challenges the field to address larger justice issues for diverse populations.
“Violence Against Indigenous Women: Literature, Activism, Resistance” by Allison Hargreaves. Analyzes the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women in Canada and community-based responses.
“The Revolution Starts at Home: Confronting Intimate Violence Within Activist Communities” by Ching-In Chen, et al. Addresses intimate partner violence within marginalized communities and alternatives to state-based interventions.
“Setting a National Standard on Gender-Sensitive and Human Rights Approaches for Emergency Shelters” report. Outlines standards for gender-sensitive and rights-based shelter practices to better serve women and gender-diverse people.
“Shelters for Victims of Abuse with Ties to Indigenous Communities or Organizations in Canada” report. Examines characteristics and services of Indigenous-focused shelters.
“A Culture of Care: How Lotus House Women’s Shelter Heals Program Participants” study. Analyzes shelter practices that create a supportive environment for diverse women experiencing homelessness.
“Traditional Healing Strategic Framework” by First Nations Health Authority. This comprehensive document outlines key objectives and strategies for promoting, incorporating, and protecting traditional medicines and practices in healthcare settings.
“Traditional Healers Gathering Report” by First Nations Health Authority. This report summarizes insights from a gathering of 68 traditional healers and knowledge keepers from across British Columbia, providing valuable perspectives on supporting traditional healers in their work and communities.
“First Nations Approaches to Traditional Medicine” by First Nations Health Authority. This resource offers an in-depth look at traditional medicine approaches used by First Nations communities.
“”Indigenous Native American Healing Traditions”“ published in PMC. This article provides an overview of Native American traditional healing systems, including ceremonies, symbolic healing, and the integration of indigenous practices with modern medicine.
“”Indigenous Women, Intimate Partner Violence, and Housing”“ by the Learning Network. While focusing on housing issues, this resource includes valuable information on traditional healing circles and culturally appropriate support for Indigenous women.
“Shelter Design Guidelines” by BC Housing. This document provides detailed guidance on designing inclusive and safe shelter spaces, including considerations for women with children, LGBTQ2S individuals, and people with disabilities.
“Setting a National Standard on Gender-Sensitive and Human Rights Approaches for Emergency Shelters” by Canadian Centre for Housing Rights. This report outlines national shelter standards using a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to improve service delivery for women and gender-diverse people.
“Violence Against Women Resource Guide to VAW Shelter Policy and Procedure Development” by Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses. This guide assists shelters in developing policies for consistent, high-quality services, covering topics like accessibility, physical security, and admission criteria.
“Human Rights-Based, Gender-Sensitive National Standards for Emergency Shelters across Canada”. This collaborative effort provides a framework for transforming shelter services to better address the unique challenges faced by women and gender-diverse individuals.
“Inclusive Violence Against Women Shelters” report. Focuses on improving access and services for older Deaf women and older women with disabilities in VAW shelters.
“Using Inclusive Design to Create Safe Spaces for Survivors” by Designs for Dignity. This resource discusses trauma-informed design principles for creating safe and welcoming spaces in shelters, including considerations for lighting, colors, and layout.
“Beyond Shelters: Solutions to Homelessness in Canada from the Front Lines” edited by James Hughes. This collection of essays explores how Canadian shelters are evolving beyond basic accommodation to address homelessness more comprehensively, including through innovative approaches and technologies.
“Digital Assistive Technology Toolkit” edited by Tech Safety Canada. This toolkit provides frontline workers with tips and information on enhancing support for survivors using digital assistive technology in shelters and transition houses.
“Use of Technology to Promote Health and Wellbeing of People Who Are Homeless: A Systematic Review” (2021). This review examines how mobile health technology is used by homeless populations and its health impacts.
“Homeless Adults, Technology and Literacy Practices” by Barman-Adhikari et al. This study explores how homeless adults access and use various technologies, including for literacy practices and communication.
“The Digital Lives of Youth Who Are Homeless: Implications for Intervention, Policy, & Services” by Barman-Adhikari et al. This chapter discusses research on ICT use among homeless youth and describes interventions using these technologies for engagement and outreach.
Canadian Shelter Transformation Network Resources Page. This page offers various resources, including webinars and documents on transforming shelters to become more housing-focused and technologically advanced.
“Introducing ShelterTech: Leveraging Technology to Support People Experiencing Homelessness” by GSMA. This article introduces ShelterTech’s initiatives, including their ShelterConnect program for providing Wi-Fi in shelters and the SF Service Guide for connecting people to services.
“Shelter Computers Best Practices” by Safety Net Project. This resource provides guidance on setting up shared computer and Wi-Fi access in shelters, with a focus on safety and privacy considerations.
“Outcome Evaluation Strategies for Domestic Violence Service Programs: A Practical Guide”. Provides practical strategies for conducting outcome evaluations in domestic violence organizations, including shelters.
“Assessing Performance in Shelters for Abused Women” by OAITH. Explores performance indicators and metrics used to evaluate shelter services.
“Review of Domestic Abuse Outcome Measurement Frameworks” by Cordis Bright. Examines various outcome measurement frameworks used by domestic abuse service providers.
“Assessing Domestic Violence Shelter Workers Views and Practices Pertaining to HIV Prevention Services for Women Residing in Domestic Violence Shelters”. Discusses the implementation of HIV prevention interventions in shelters, including assessment tools.
“The Shelter Safety Study” by CAMH. Explores safety measures and outcomes in shelters, with recommendations for data collection.
Statistics Canada’s “Canadian residential facilities for victims of abuse” report. Provides insights into data collection methods and key metrics for shelters across Canada.
Women’s Aid “On Track” system. A case management system and set of resources for collecting evidence of impact in women’s shelters.
The Documenting Our Work (DOW) Project resources. Tools developed for measuring outcomes in domestic violence programs.
Assessing Performance in Shelters for Abused Women by OAITH. Explores performance measurement challenges specific to shelters for abused women.
“Effectiveness of interventions during and after residence in women’s shelters: a meta-analysis” published in the European Journal of Public Health. Examines the effectiveness of shelter interventions on mental health, re-abuse, and social outcomes.
The Danger Assessment. A free tool to assess the level of danger for an abused person, including a calendar and 20-item scoring instrument.
Lethality Assessment Program (LAP). An evidence-based tool for first responders and domestic violence professionals to assess survivor danger levels.
Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA). An actuarial risk assessment tool to predict the likelihood of future assaults by perpetrators.
“Analysis of Shelter Utilization by Victims of Domestic Violence” by Loyola University Chicago. Examines shelter and service use patterns, outcomes, and housing needs of victims using multiple data sources.
“Women escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing” published in PMC. Explores women’s experiences in accessing shelter after experiencing domestic violence.
“Domestic Violence Housing First Model and Survivors’ Safety and Housing Stability” in JAMA Network Open. Evaluates the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence Housing First model compared to services as usual.
4. Leadership Orientation Guidebook: Will be available in 2025