Toora Women Inc. | Social service

Toora Women Inc.

Phone: +61 2 6122 7000

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25.01.2022 Today, 102 years ago, peace came to a divided world. For four years, nations had battled. Lives were lost, and differences were viewed with hostility across blood-and-mud-soaked fields. The World War I armistice signaled a desire for reconciliation. Today, we work towards reconciliation. Our 49 staff represent 19 countries. We're learning more about Indigenous culture. We're working with translators. We're working together because our differences make us stronger. Lest we forget.

24.01.2022 A big thank you to Leaf & Co Studio for supporting the women and children at Toora. We love seeing Canberra women grow and succeed in business.

23.01.2022 In 1982 when Toora first opened its doors, Australia had a culture of victim blaming and silence around domestic abuse. Every time we speak out about the right of every person to live a life free of domestic and intimate partner violence we protect the social changes we've fought so hard to achieve. What changes to women's social equality have you seen over the past decades? How as a society can we do better?

23.01.2022 We're thrilled to let you know that @residentialreports are supporting the women and children at Toora through their Without a Roof donations program. We're honoured to be their Spring/Summer 2020/2021 partner. Thank you @residentialreports - your heart for vulnerable Canberrans is as big as a house (#badpunalert #sorrynotsorry).

22.01.2022 Financial abuse truth no. 4: Domestic violence is one of the main reasons women can live in poverty.* For women experiencing financial abuse, being afraid or unable to advocate for their basic needs can be a daily reality, regardless of the family's overall financial status. If you suspect you're living with financial abuse, reach out when it's safe to do so: 6247 2399... *Source: @unsw and @australiancouncilofsocialservices

21.01.2022 Last year, we supported 145 children through our domestic family violence & homelessness services. They came with their mothers, looking for a safe, welcoming space. Every child has the right to live free from seeing, hearing or being the target of abuse. If you’re concerned about your own or another’s safety, consider contacting @lifeline_act; @kidshelplineau; @womenslegalcentreact or 000. You can also contact Toora on 6247 2399 or, for 24-hr crisis support, @DVCSACT on 6280 0900.

21.01.2022 Congratulations to Katia, our Child and Family Specialist, for winning the UnionsACT May Day Award for Advancing Women's Rights!

20.01.2022 Here at Toora, we ask each other how we are. We share. We listen. We're here for each other - it's okay to say we're not okay. If you see someone who is struggling, listen, encourage, check in. In Canberra, here are some of the organisations there to walk with us when we need a hand: @karinyahouse @DVCSACT @Menslink @everyman.aus @YWCACanberra @wwdact @LifelineCanberra @womenslegalact You can call Toora on 62472399 -homelessness & domestic violence & 62417233 - drug & alcohol dependency

19.01.2022 Is your child's school holding a Book Week parade this week? While Book Week is postponed to 17-23 October, some Canberra schools are holding Book Week celebrations this week. Here at Toora, we love children's books. They're insightful, challenging, affirming, and fun to read (especially the ones that rhyme), and help us stay connected. What are some children's books you love?... Good luck with the Book Week parades everyone!

19.01.2022 ‘Success’ in your recovery journey can mean no longer using drugs or alcohol, but it can also mean planting the seed even if relapse occurs; reducing harm; or attending a recovery session even if feeling overwhelmed. The key is to believe in yourself. If you're looking for a supportive community that understands & believes in you, give us a call on 6241 7233. ********... Thank you @aninatakeff & @fineacts.co for the beautiful illustration. See more

18.01.2022 CEO of EveryMan Australia, Greg Aldridge writes a blog post on men and the parliamentary conversation. "That we want men in Australia to aspire to something muc...h greater than what so many of us are settling for right now. That every man is responsible for making this country safe for the women who live in it. That we want the behaviour to stop. That we want you to stand up for every single woman in Australia - not just your daughter or your sister or your wife or mother. Every. Single. Woman." READ MORE ON THE BLOG: https://everymanstories.org//men-and-the-parliamentary-con

18.01.2022 This Christmas, many of us will enjoy time off work. We’ll meet with family and friends (while being #COVID-safe, of course). We’ll open our Christmas presents, eat too much food, and talk about our hopes for a drama-free 2021. Christmas is a time of togetherness, presents, backyard cricket, and domestic violence. Incidents of domestic violence increase by about 25% over the Christmas season. Demand for safe emergency accommodation at specialist women’s services, like Too...ra Women Inc., rises by an average of 30% over Christmas and New Year. The holidays can also trigger drug and alcohol use and be a catalyst for life change. There's support for you this holiday season. @DVCS_ACT can be contacted on it's 24-hour crisis line: 6280 0900. Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14. We will be closed from Friday, December 25 until Tuesday, December 29 at 17.00 - The office will re-open on Wednesday, December 30 until Thursday, December 31 and return to regular office hours - We will be closed from Friday, January 1 and will re-open on Monday, January 4 at 9.00. Thank you to everyone who has supported the women and children at Toora. And, above all, our thanks to our clients. It is a privilege to work with you.

18.01.2022 Victim blaming: Is it a thing of the past or, as a society, do we still condemn women for the trauma they've experienced? Our mission when we first opened our doors was to create a space where survivors are believed and respected. This is still a part of our mission today. Call 6247 2399 to speak to us about how we can support you if you're experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, or call 6241 7233 for drug & alcohol dependency support.

18.01.2022 Kristen of @leafandcostudio reached out to offer part of her monthly earnings, & also indoor plants for Toora houses. We're amazed by everyday Canberrans' generosity. Thanks so much Kristen! "At Leaf & Co, we want to help you incorporate plants into your daily life. Plants make life so much better. The older I get the more I value women and feel like I should do more to support women in need. I want to do whatever I can to support Toora to continue their great work." - Kristen, Leaf & Co Studio

18.01.2022 Do you remember Australia in the 1970s & 1980s? We're digging into the Toora archives to see what's changed (other than the big hair and even bigger shoulder pads and the way we listen to music) and what work Australia still needs to do. Join us, won't you? "As a young feminist, the most amazing thing this project has offered me is an understanding of what it felt like to be a part of Australia’s feminist community 20 odd years ago." - Elena Rosenman, author, Talking Like a Toora Woman, 2004

18.01.2022 Justice Ginsberg championed human rights & women's equality. She faced setbacks & discrimination. But she persisted. Her faith in herself & in our capacity to improve our community helped her become a force for good. At Toora, we see women who've faced setbacks, discrimination, abuse. But their stories are more than the abuse done to them. They persist. They believe in themselves, and are a force for good in their lives, their children's lives, and in ours. (Photo credit: Ted Eytan)

14.01.2022 Do you have an hour free this Tuesday or Wednesday? On 15 & 16 December, Toora is setting up a gifting room at it's Weston Creek office. Are you the queen of the Allen key? Can you help us set up clothing racks? Is organisation your thing? Can you help us sort and hang clothes?... Do you love Christmas lights and toy stores? Can you help us display Christmas presents and decorations? Once set up, the room will be open to the women and children supported by Toora to come in and choose new clothes and gifts in time for the holiday season. If you can lend a hand, please contact our office on 6122 7000. To keep everyone #COVID-safe, you can book in a time that suits you. Together, we can share the spirit of Christmas : )

13.01.2022 Do you find it difficult to be kind to yourself? Here at Toora, we start each staff meeting by asking each other how we are. We acknowledge each other, listen to each other, and remind each other that we're all worthy of compassion, empathy and understanding. Self-compassion isn't easy, but it's so important. ... How would your life change if you spoke to yourself like you were speaking to a friend?

12.01.2022 If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive. Brené Brown A supportive community is stronger than shame and doubt. If you're experiencing drug or alcohol dependency, reach out and call us on (02) 6241 7233. If you're experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, we're here for you: (02) 6247 2399.

11.01.2022 Today, we acknowledge the deep pain and trauma caused by the forced removal of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. National Sorry Day came about as a product of the "Bringing them Home Report in 1997 to honour Australia’s First Peoples and to remember the Stolen Generation. The Stolen Generation includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been affected by this part of Australian history since European Colonisati...on in 1788. Educating Australians, especially the younger generations, on how Sorry Day came about or how it started is a way to show respect to the country’s history. The suffering and loss experienced by the Stolen Generation cannot be taken back, but it can be amended. #NationalSorryDay #26May EveryMan

11.01.2022 Have you heard the saying, 'Knowledge is power?' At Toora, we know that every woman has a right to make decisions for herself. When Toora started in 1982, we took a radical approach to supporting women who'd experienced trauma - believing their stories and believing in them. This 'radical approach' continues to this day. Call 6247 2399 to speak to us about how we can support you if you're experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, or call 6241 7233 for drug & alcohol dependency support.

11.01.2022 Do you have any happy news to share? @handsacrosscanberra will donate $1000 to the charity that receives the happiest message on a donation made between 5pm & 8pm today through the Canberra Recovery Appeal (link in Learn More). Wow! We have some happy news - we're setting up wellness exercise areas for the women and children staying at Toora. Your generosity will go towards yoga mats and exercise gear. ... Thanks so much, Canberra. Can't wait to hear your happy news.

08.01.2022 At Toora, we work to promote reconciliation through respecting the traditions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and actively working to eliminate racism. We're privileged to learn from every Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander woman we work with. Who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women we can learn from?

06.01.2022 How does safe & secure housing support our mental & physical health? Today on @riotactnews, Nicole from our alcohol & other drugs recovery team talks about the importance of housing and supportive networks for women experiencing alcohol & drug dependency (see Learn More button above). ______________________________________... Stable housing can make a big difference. Housing isn't a sure fire thing but it really helps to have somewhere stable over your head.' - Nicole, AOD Team Leader

06.01.2022 Today marks the end of Reconciliation Week, with Mabo Day, the anniversary of the High Court of Australia’s 1992 judgement on native title. It is a day that commemorates the courageous efforts of Eddie Koiki Mabo to overturn the fiction of terra nullius (land belonging to no one). We embraced this year's Reconciliation Week theme: 'More than a word. Reconciliation takes action' and commemorated Reconciliation day on Tuesday with our clients, their families, and other services... we work closely with. Here are some happy snaps from our event with EveryMan, supported by the ACT Reconciliation Day Grant. We invited guests from Legal Aid ACT, Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT, Victim Support, and City Mental Health and we all participated in the Collaborative Hands workshop, run by Burrunju Aboriginal Corporation (Burrunju Art Gallery). It was a lovely day, which actioned a commitment to reconciliation, a journey for which we are all collectively responsible.

06.01.2022 You are not defined by the trauma you've experienced. You're not defined by the things others have done. You're not defined by your mistakes, your successes, your regrets. You get to decide who you are. If you've experienced drug or alcohol dependency (call 6241 7233), domestic violence or homelessness (call 6247 2399), we're here to help you reconnect with yourself and take charge of your life.

05.01.2022 Do you ever feel stuck or like your life is going in the wrong direction? You can create a new life. It's not always easy, but with the right support, you can create an empowered life filled with self-respect & self-care. It's never too late to start walking down a new path.... Call 6247 2399 to speak to us about how we can support you if you're experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, or call 6241 7233 for drug & alcohol dependency support.

04.01.2022 Have you ever lived overseas? Moving overseas is hard. Everything you know is 'wrong'. From where to buy groceries to how to say hi, you have to learn everything again. If you don't speak the language adjusting is even harder. It's harder still when you're in a relationship where you experience violence or abuse.... Nearly one-third of our clients are from Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. Today, why not reach out to a CALD woman & say 'G'Day.'

04.01.2022 Up for something fun? Here at Toora, every Wednesday morning we get to have a yarn with CIT teacher Wendy Brookman. Wendy is taking us through the course 'Promoting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety.' Wendy's put together a NAIDOC quiz to test our knowledge of Indigenous culture and encourage us to have fun and learn at the same time.... You can test your skills at https://kahoot.it/ using Game PIN 06142270.

04.01.2022 In June, @handsacrosscanberra started the Canberra Recovery Appeal (link in bio). Your generosity has added up to $10,000 for the women & children staying with Toora. Wow! Thank you all so much. Stay tuned to see how the donations support women & children.... We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated directly to Toora through our website or offered their time, including @thinkoutloudcoaching, @yourdeservedluxury, @cs1canberra & @HomeSliceCo.

03.01.2022 Here at Toora, we're all about supporting each other. From the matriarchs who've been with us for years to the staff recently out of uni, we're all proud feminists. We love seeing women succeed - in whatever ways success means for them. So we're delighted to be part of @cbrgals free directory of women-lead businesses and non-profits in Canberra - what a great way to support Canberra women in business. Check out their account for details : )

03.01.2022 "Anecdotally, however, counsellors report that callers at these hours [midnight] are seeking help to deal with trauma, including nightmares, flashbacks and/or sleep disturbances. It is believed the COVID-19 restrictions are exacerbating experiences of trauma, as being confined to their homes triggers victim/survivors’ memories of being or feeling trapped." Trauma affects us physically, emotionally, socially. It's effects linger. Reach out. Call 6247 2399 to speak to us about how we can support you if you're experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, or call 6241 7233 for drug & alcohol dependency support.

03.01.2022 #Pride is a chance to celebrate all the great things about being part of the LGBT+ community. Especially at a time when a lot of us have spent time isolated, co...ming together as a community is really important. Whether we’re physically, or virtually, present at an event or parade, or even if we can’t attend, we’re always here to provide support to LGBT+ communities. You can get in touch, any time. Call our Supportline 08 08 16 89 111 Start a live chat victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat

02.01.2022 There is no one 'Toora woman'. The women we support are unique, from 16-year-olds to over 65s; young mothers to older single women; women on temporary visas to doctors & high-level professionals. Trauma can affect anyone. There is no one story, no one 'stereotype'. At Toora, there's no shame or judgement, just safety, respect, and personal agency.... Call 6247 2399 to speak to us about how we can support you if you're experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, or call 6241 7233 for drug & alcohol dependency support.

01.01.2022 'In a quiet cul-de-sac in the Canberra suburbs there’s an old house at the end of a tree-lined drive. There’s a yard out the front. Bikes out the back. It’s unremarkable; just another ‘blink and you’d miss it’ brick veneer. You could drive right by and not know you’ve passed Lesley’s Place, where Toora Women Inc. runs a live-in drug and alcohol recovery program...' Read more @the_riotact (link in bio)