Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/198486
(top left) Arriving at Surrey Urban Mission: For three hours each week, Krowchencko and Kompauer host a drop-in for women in Whalley, bringing food, crafts and compassion. Their combined culinary and creative talents make them an ideal pair to put this grant money to good use for food and crafts. "We just want to create a safe place for women," says Kompauer. "We went out to the street in Whalley and Newton, brought the women some food, and started talking to them. At first they were nervous, but they were hungry too." May 2012: The grand opening "We opened the doors on May 15 last year," says Kompauer, "And the women who showed up were not the women we expected." They were women in the area who were struggling – with poverty, with homelessness, with mental health issues and with addictions. Many were single mothers – some whose children had been apprehended, and some who had worked the street in the past. The biggest realization for Kompauer and Krowchenko was the isolation in which so many of the women lived. "When the women first came, many didn't make eye contact, and wouldn't even take their coats off. They didn't know what we wanted from them," says Kompauer. But over the months that followed, the Whalley women gradually felt more comfortable participating, and some even started to arrive early, eager to begin. And so, every Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Surrey Urban Mission, the Whalley Women's Drop-In continues to attract a collection of women for food and companionship. Each week, the two women pack up their van with supplies, carpool from their homes about 40 minutes away, then unload and set up. At 7 p.m., they pack up, leaving leftover food with the women who have dropped in, and drive home. And they do it all again the next week. May 2013: Something to celebrate Kompauer and Krowchenko celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Whalley Women's Drop-In. Looking back, Krowchenko says, "We had an average of 12 to 15 women drop in each week." Challenged by other agencies to have more of an established support program, both say the women aren't coming for that. "They come in and have a cup of coffee, a meal, and share how their week is going," says Kompauer. "It's simple, we eat together and we are present together, whatever they want to do each week. This is significant for them." Kompauer and Krowchenko are often shocked by some of the stories they hear. But there is no judgment at the drop-in. "One woman came in after losing custody of her child," says Kompauer. "She was so upset. She joined us for dinner and the other women didn't know her story but reached out to her anyway." Many friendships have been created and now some connect outside the drop-in." Carla Schmidt, a regular drop-in participant, says, "I like the companionship. It's the most important. It's such a valuable program. It's a bonus for the community. I really think it could save lives." Life is school and love is the lesson Kompauer feels that she and her friend have found their calling. "We never set out to do this. Twenty or 30 years ago, I never would have guessed I'd be here today. But we love the program, and really love these women. When they don't come or we don't come, we miss each other. It has become a high point of our week now." This year, they applied for and received another Neighbourhood Small Grant to continue their program – they even hope to expand in the future. Both Kompauer and Krowchenko have learned a lot about the women in their own backyard. "They are no different than us," says Kompauer. "They are someone's daughter, sister, mother. We are all women . . . We're not here to judge them. But we need to reach out to them. Everyone deserves a second chance." VF If you would like to contribute to the Whalley Women's Drop-In, or learn more about other Neighbourhood Small Grants projects, visit vancouverfoundation.ca/NSG or contact Peter at Vancouver Foundation at 604.629.5357 to learn how you can support the program in your neighbourhood. Fall 2013 I Vancouver Foundation l page 23 p20-23 Whalley Drop-In.indd 23 13-10-11 1:34 PM