Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services will be implementing a four-day work week for staff.
The agency announced the innovative move last week in a press release, saying it will not impact services to the community.
“The four-day work week is a wellness strategy that complements our Haudenosaunee values of family,” Ganohkwasra said in the announcement. “It also fosters and models well-being and self-care to our clients and community.”
As an emergency essential service, Ganohkwasra said the staff will continue to provide care to community members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We anticipate minimal or zero impact on clients, residents or community as we implement this new work schedule,” said Ganohkwasra Executive Director Sandra Montour. “The Ganohkwasra organization and staff remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicate domestic violence, relationship violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking for the Six Nations of the Grand River territory.”
The following Ganohkwasra programs will remain fully functional:
-the emergency shelter (which will be open for new admissions)
-24-hour crisis support line at 519-445-4324
-women, men and children’s community counselling services
-Ohahi:yo Group
-traditional and family court support
-community education programs
-the youth lodge
-second stage housing
-Ratiweientehta’s Section 23 classroom
-Sonhatsi:wa sexual violence healing centre
-anti-human trafficking prevention program
Ganohkwasra has been providing support for people escaping domestic violence and advocating for a violence-free community since 1986 when individual community members formed a steering committee to help victims of violence on Six Nations.
