Dreams and The Tragically Hip

Just a few months ago, it seemed that this little dream of mine would always be just that - a dream. As much as I believed in the power of my village, I wasn't ever sure we would be able to come together to provide the kind of care that we believed children and their families deserved. The trauma experienced by a family when one of their own is abused is incomprehensible. The pain and anguish can seem insurmountable and often feels like there is no one to turn to for answers or guidance. While service providers can be quick in dictating how the process will work for children and youth, there is rarely anyone who fills in the role of advocacy. Due to the limitations in our criminal and family court processes, conversations with service providers often serve to provide information which, although important, lacks the sensitivity that children and their non-offending caregivers need.

There are times when a voice at the other end of the phone is all that's needed. And sometimes, honest and objective information can make all of the difference in planning for the long-term safety of children and youth. This is not the role of any agency within our judicial system. But it will be our role.

We will be the voice on the other end of the phone when that is all someone needs. We will provide a wrap-around approach for these families so they never feel as though they are navigating these waters without direction. We will be advocates, shoulders, sounding boards and confidantes for families because they deserve better than what is currently available to them. And it is on us to be their voice. Today it seems as though we got everyone's attention with the announcement about the two The Tragically Hip box seat tickets that were donated for our silent auction by Haven Home ClimateCare! These tickets are being packaged with a gift certificate for dinner at Le Chien Noir and two taxi chits to make this a once in a lifetime opportunity. But in case you were wondering what was happening before today, here's some info about our great event: Our Kick-Off Fundraiser, Change For FIN - A Celebration of Hope, is happening on June 18th at 2495 Princess Street from 10-3. We have partnered with Haven Home ClimateCare and have managed to secure 25+vendors, including Parkadilly, Shiva's Delight, CocoaBistro, The Owl and the Peacock, Orna-Metal, Sassy Classy Fashion, Kimberly Doucet Photography, Alka's garden and so many more. We have great music lined up for you - Sean Harley, Greg Ball, Downtown Trio and more! So come ready to cut a rug! Art by Michelle Reid and Parkadilly have created amazing custom pieces for us which are part of a raffle that also includes a chance to win a decadence package from Diva Salon & Day Spa Kingston! These tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event or you can message us to pick yours up today! We have too many silent auction items to list, most of them donated by our vendors and supportive community members. We have a bake sale, a cake raffle, a children' art auction, activities for the kids, face painting and henna artists. Today, I go to bed believing in my dream. Every single person who has reached out to support our organization, to tell their story, to offer donations of items or time, who has listened to us speak about this dream has brought us so much closer to opening doors for Families In Need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in the importance of this issue. We can inspire change and we will. <3 ‪#‎changeforfin‬ ‪#‎itsonus‬ ‪#‎ibelievesurvivors‬