May 1, 2025
Media Release
Exciting Changes at Women’s Resources
As Women’s Resources moves into the next chapter, the Board of Directors is extremely pleased to announce that Penny Chatson has been appointed as our new Executive Director. Penny is our current Residential Services Manager and has been employed with Women’s Resources in various capacities for over 20 years. Her expertise, leadership, passion and dedication for the work we do makes her the right person to lead Women’s Resources into the future.
As Intimate Partner Violence continues to be an epidemic we are confident that under Penny’s leadership Women’s Resources will continue to build on our legacy and community partnerships to provide services for women and children fleeing abuse. We look forward to the exciting future of the organization under Penny’s leadership.
Penny will officially assume the role of Executive Director on June 28th. She will be working with Lori Watson, our current Executive Director until her retirement on June 27th. Lori has been the heart and soul of the organization for 30 years and it will be hard to say good bye. She has been an inspiring leader and advocate in the community with a vision for working towards ending gender-based violence. Lori’s leadership, passion and commitment has given us a strong foundation to build on and continue our work to support and provide services to women and children fleeing abuse.
Please join us in congratulating and supporting Penny in her new role. The Board wishes Lori all the happiness and adventure in her well-deserved retirement.
Jane Chapman
Chair, Board of Directors
janechapman96@gmail.com
What is Period Poverty?
Period Poverty impacts communities across Canada, affecting individuals who lack access to essential period products. These products are essential to fully participate in daily life. Missing out because of the lack of period products or having to “free bleed” (not using menstrual products during a period) can lead to loss of dignity and falling behind in work projects, school assignments, or missing important events.
One in four (25%) Canadian women who menstruate have been forced to make a decision between menstrual products and other essentials such as food or rent within the last year. Monthly menstrual products cost on an average of $15 a month. Women living in an abusive relationship often have no access to finances or may be isolated in a rural community with no transportation.
In the Kawartha Lakes we know some menstruators are homeless or living in poverty. They may be choosing between menstrual products and food or rent.
Recently, two Women’s Resources Board Members have been working with community partners to ensure that those in need can access period products. More details will follow about this initiative and where to donate.
Thank you to Kim Thornbury, owner of Heart ‘n’ Soul Gifts and her generous customers for helping us get started. Kim collected products at the store’s Ladies Night which continued through to December.
Thank you also to Deb Green, owner of Aesthetics.calm for a donation to purchase products.
For Immediate Release
Kawartha Lakes, ON – November 26, 2024:
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes Announces Retirement of Executive Director, Lori Watson, After More Than 30 Years of Service
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes is announcing the retirement of Executive Director Lori Watson, who has dedicated over 30 years to the organization, serving in various capacities to support women and children across the region.
Lori’s journey with Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes began in the late 1980s when she first joined the Board of Directors. In 1995, she was hired as the organization’s Executive Director on November 25, coincidentally the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a meaningful date reflecting her deep commitment to advocating for women’s rights.
Throughout her tenure, Lori played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s growth and success. She was instrumental in securing the first major funding for the shelter, which continues to be a lifeline for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Under her leadership, Women’s Resources expanded its programs, improved services for those in need, and built a strong community network of support.
In recent years, Lori’s leadership culminated in one of the organization’s most significant accomplishments – the opening of a new second-stage housing facility in Lindsay, named in her honour: Lori’s Place. This new facility represents a crucial step in providing women and children with a safe and supportive environment as they transition from emergency shelter to independent living.
Under Lori’s guidance, the agency grew from a small team of 9 staff members to over 44 staff as well as a dedicated group of over 100 volunteers who help support programs and services. In addition to our annual program funding, Lori has raised over $3 million to secure vital program expansions which has been instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization and its mission. “Lori has been a tireless advocate for women, children, and families facing violence and hardship. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our organization and our community,” said Jane Chapman, Chair of the Board of Directors at Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes. “Her work has inspired and empowered countless individuals, and we are deeply grateful for her decades of service.”
Throughout her career, Lori was recognized for her ability to collaborate with community partners, building relationships and ensuring that the needs of those served by Women’s Resources were always at the forefront. Her vision and efforts in creating a safer, more supportive environment for women and children will continue to influence the organization’s mission for years to come.
“It has been a genuine honor and privilege to lead and help nurture this organization into a place of safety and support for women and children,” said Lori Watson. “I am deeply proud of the work we’ve done together with our dedicated staff, board, and volunteers. I will be forever grateful for the unwavering dedication and support of the Kawartha Lakes community in advocating for a future free from violence. The collective commitment and passion of everyone involved has been truly inspiring, and I am excited to see how this organization will continue to grow and make a lasting impact in the years to come.”
As Lori prepares for her retirement, she has requested that, rather than a retirement or farewell event, those who wish to honor her legacy consider making a donation to Lori’s Place, a cause that is close to her heart. These contributions will help continue the vital work of providing shelter and support to women and children in need.
Lori’s retirement will take effect at the end of June 2025, and while she will be greatly missed, the legacy she leaves behind will continue to guide Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes as it strives to build a future free from violence.
The organization will begin the search for a new Executive Director to continue Lori’s vision of providing vital services and resources to women and children in the Kawartha Lakes region.
About Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes is a non-profit organization committed to providing shelter, support, and advocacy for women and children who are experiencing gender-based violence. Through its programs and services, the organization empowers individuals to build better lives, free from violence and abuse.
For more information, please contact:
Jackie Chahley
Executive Assistant
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes
jchahley@womensresources.ca
705-878-4285
To make a donation, please contact:
Carolyn Fox
Fund Development Director
Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes
cfox@womensresources.ca
705-878-4285