red thread of hope: sudbury survivor weaves vision for new refuge
3 minute read
carole denis has organized braids for a cause on june 28 at the canadian tire in chelmsford. the fundraiser runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
john lappa
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sudbury star
motivated by her own experience as a survivor of intimate partner violence, a sudbury woman has started a non-profit organization with the goal of opening her own supportive housing for families and their pets who must flee dangerous home-life situations.
carole denis recalls the day, seven years ago, when she escaped with her two children to the ywca genevra house, a shelter in sudbury for women, their children and non-binary individuals escaping intimate partner abuse.
“i was in a situation where it was either be homeless, go to a shelter or deal with the abuse,” she said. “and so, we went to a shelter and spent about two months at genevra house. my children called it a hotel because it was kind of like that.”
the support she received gave her the strength to leave her partner and, ultimately, build a new life where she felt safe, secure and happy.
“that experience changed the course of my life,” said denis, “and i’m with someone new, and he’s been amazing, and my life is completely different now.”
however, through her own experience seven years ago, denis came to realize that many women facing similar challenges were unable to access the support they needed due to limited services.
denis says she receives messages every day from women seeking a way out of unsafe situations and regularly sees social media posts from those looking for help. however, the local shelter is consistently operating at capacity, and when space is unavailable, women are sometimes transferred to shelters in neighbouring communities when possible. this predicament creates additional stress for women who have kids in school and beloved family pets. denis says she was fortunate that her father took her dog when she was in a shelter, but realizes not everyone has family who can care for pets.
then there is the lack of affordable housing for these families, with some women returning to unsafe homes after spending time in a shelter because they feel they have no other option.
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“my end goal is to build a facility for all these women falling through the cracks,” denis said. “because if you can’t enter a shelter, you are staying where you are. and then what?”
as a strong advocate for better support services for women, denis founded the registered non-profit organization red thread refuge society, complete with a board of directors of people with lived experience. she is inviting the community to attend braids for a cause, a family-friendly fundraiser on june 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the canadian tire in chelmsford.
the event features hair braiding services – denis once worked as a hairdresser – along with local vendors, food and drink for purchase, music and children’s activities. there will also be community resources available. all proceeds will support red thread refuge society.
“braiding is a community thing,” said denis. “i remember being in girl guides and everyone used to get together and braid each other’s hair.”
aside from raising money that day, denis said she wants to create a visible community response to domestic violence. additionally, she aims to create a safe, welcoming space where attendees can experience the simple joy and innocence of having their hair braided.
“i want women to come and feel like they are little girls again,” said denis. “and whether they’re abused at home or not, i want them to come and find that inner girl and find strength in it.”
braids for a cause is sponsored by glamour by krystal beauty, all hands on deck and rise up forward studio.
“i want to build something completely new,” denis said about her goal to open a new shelter. “i want a home where everyone is included, meaning pets and kids.”
denis said she envisions not only a shelter but a transition home where families can rebuild their lives through education and other services.
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“i want it to be secluded, although accessible, to allow for healing, too,” she explained. “i want it to be a refuge, because women need it, we desperately need it.
according to the organization’s website, the proposed housing will be located in a forest-like setting and will feature three small hamlets arranged in a protective horseshoe layout, with private homes surrounding shared courtyards to ensure safety, privacy and a sense of calm everyday living. at its center will be a discreet healing space for counselling and support, creating a non-institutional environment focused on dignity, recovery, and the transition from crisis to stability.
learn more about red thread refuge society at www.redthreadrefugesociety.ca. to reach carole denis, email willowrae@redthreadrefugesociety.ca.
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