I recently had the opportunity to be a part of some very interesting public education presentations. This past year we received some funding from the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation to educate PSW’s about Domestic Violence and how it relates to seniors. This was an awesome population to reach out to as PSW’s often meet with seniors in their homes. Another Outreach Worker and I completed eight presentations at St Louis School within the PSW program. Over 100 PSW students received this training. Through an evaluation process the students reported, that following this education, they had a better understanding of how to recognize domestic violence in the senior population that they served as well as had an improved awareness of where to send their clients for help should they need it. Overall we received some great feedback and the teachers’ spoke about making it a part of the curriculum moving forward.
It is also that time of the year where I get the privilege to go to St Benedict’s high school and speak with the grade nine students. For those of you who are not aware of this program, all of the other students have been educated about Domestic Violence in the past number of years. To ensure that all students receive this training I return in the fall and the spring of each year to provide this education program to all new grade nine students.
This year as usual I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was enlightened by many who asked thought provoking questions. There was a very courageous young woman who disclosed to myself and her classmates that when she was six she spent some time at the shelter and was able to reflect on some of the details about her and her mother’s stay. This was obviously a difficult time but a significant event in her life.
Thanks again Bennies for having me, I look forward to the fall!
Lisa Nice
Outreach Worker