Update on Pat's Place

Pat's Place offers save haven for odler victims of abuse

From a client who
used Pat’s Place
Thank you so much
for giving me the
chance to spend
time, on my own,
and the opportunity
to find some of
myself again! You
have been so kind…I
shall never forget it.
This is a creative
idea for seniors, and
one that has so much
potential. You have
put your heart into
it, so it will work!
Love Always,
God Bless,
M.
XX

Family Service Toronto’s safe haven for older people experiencing abuse opened on September 8, 2008. This program is named Pat’s Place, in honour of Pat Fleming; as a former manager of the Seniors and Caregivers Support Service Unit (SCSS), Pat was instrumental in identifying and naming abuse of older people as an issue in the mid-80’s. At our last Annual General Meeting, SCSS staff presented the history and a vision for the program, and we were honoured to have Pat Fleming present for the occasion.

A safe haven allows elderly clients to decrease anxiety, get away from abuse, try out a measure of independence, and find new community connections.

Pat’s Place is a small unit in an apartment building which provides a quiet and safe place for the client to reflect on their situation and look at their options, with the support of a SCSS counsellor. Counsellors provide a continuity of support before, during and after their stay at Pat’s Place. The reality for many people is that leaving an abusive relationship may mean leaving their only family or caregiver relationship. The promise of the program allows people to reorganize their lives away from the stress of their situation. Since it’s opening, two clients have used Pat’s Place, and both have realized positive outcomes.

Pat’s Place is made possible through generous funding from the Rotary Club of Toronto. If you want to contribute directly to FST’s Pat’s Place, we welcome your donation. Call Murray Rowe, Manager of Development at 416.595.9230 x225.

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