Question 1

Who pays for my stay?

Accepted Answer

We receive funding from the Gender-Based Violence Program within Gender Equity Manitoba to cover most operating costs. We also raise money from the community to help.

Question 2

How much does it cost to stay?

Accepted Answer

There is no charge for any of our services.

Question 3

How long can I stay at the shelter?

Accepted Answer

Our shelter operates on a 30-day stay, but in special circumstances extensions can be arranged.

Question 4

What does a typical day in the shelter look like?

Accepted Answer

Families that stay at Nova are encouraged to eat and connect with each other.

Clients participate in one hour of individual counselling per day. On Mondays and Thursday a support group meeting is held. Women are encouraged to check in and share their stories with each other. There is a counsellor in the shelter 24 hours a day to provide clients with the support they require no matter what time of the day.

On Tuesdays a house meeting is held. In this meeting, the menus are planned, questions and concerns are discussed, and special arrangements are made.

Clients are assigned cooking and cleaning responsibilities daily. This provides opportunities to learn about nutrition and new cooking techniques.

Clients share all rooms except their bedrooms. Nova House has a comfortable living room area equipped with a TV, VCR, DVD player, and a variety of movies.

Children’s bedtimes are assigned so that the smaller children are not kept awake by the older ones.

Question 5

What kind of rooms are available?

Accepted Answer

Family-sized bedrooms are available so your children can stay with you. The kitchen, living room, dining room, and bathrooms are shared with other families.

Question 6

What types of programs does the shelter offer?

Accepted Answer

Nova House offers counselling sessions for you and your children to help you understand the abuse you have experienced and make decisions about your future. Staff may help you prepare a safety plan, and help you respond to different situations like getting help.

Question 7

Do the shelter staff have specialized training?

Accepted Answer

In addition to academic and professional qualifications, shelter staff also receive ongoing on-the-job training, such as dealing with women who have experienced violence, the effects of violence on children, legislation updates, and first aid.

Question 8

Are the services provided by Nova House confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All information Nova House receives about a person is kept in confidence. The only instance in which information may not be kept confidential is if it is required by law (i.e. subpoenaed, or there are concerns about child abuse).

Question 9

How do I get into the shelter?

Accepted Answer

Once you have initiated contact with Nova House and have decided to leave your abusive relationship, transportation will be arranged for you. This will be through either taxi cabs or buses, depending on your location. Shelter staff will ask you to go to a safe public place (ex. RCMP station, hospital, etc) where you will be picked up.

Question 10

What should I bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Shelter staff will ask you to bring any medications you or your children are taking, any legal documents (ex. protection orders, etc), identification (if you have any), and any other small personal items that you wish to bring. Storage at the shelter is very limited, so please check with staff before bringing large items.

Question 11

What if I am unable to bring clothes with me?

Accepted Answer

Nova House will ensure that you and your children receive the clothes you need in order to make your stay comfortable.

Question 12

Do shelters accept lesbians?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Lesbians, transgender, and bisexual women who have been involved in intimate partner and/or family violence are welcome.

Question 13

Will I have access to a telephone, computer, the internet, etc.?

Accepted Answer

There are telephones and phone cards available to you in the shelter.

Our regional library provides opportunities for you to access the internet, and a word processor is available within Nova House.

Question 14

I am on a special diet. Can the shelter accomodate my dietary needs?

Accepted Answer

Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary needs. Please let staff members know about any dietary requirements that you, or your children, may have.

Question 15

Can I bring my pets with me?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not allowed in Nova House. However, shelter staff will refer you to local animal care centres if needed.

Question 16

Is your shelter accessible for a person with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nova House is equipped to help women and children with disabilities.

Question 17

Can I ever come back to the shelter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can return to shelter if you need to.

Question 18

I don't speak English very well - Does the shelter have interpreters?

Accepted Answer

If shelter staff are unable to speak your language, an interpreter can be arranged.

Question 19

Is childcare provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A childcare worker will care for your child(ren) while you are in counselling sessions, or attending appointments (ex. lawyers, doctors, housing, social assistance, etc.)

Question 20

What happens after I leave the shelter?

Accepted Answer

Before you leave Nova House, you will be asked if you wish to receive follow-up counselling. This is usually provided on a once-a-week basis. You will also be informed of any groups that Nova House is conducting at the time.

If you are moving out of the region, appropriate referrals will be made so that you can continue receiving counselling in the area of your choice.

This does not
delete your history!

Empowering Women to Live Free From Abuse!

This does not delete your history!

This does not
delete your history!