Who We Are
Heartwood Healing Centre is the only organization in Manitoba whose mission is entirely dedicated to childhood sexual abuse. Childhood sexual abuse is a societal issue that affects people of all genders and lived experience. We aim to be an accessible, safe(r) space for healing and a respected community partner, providing leadership in addressing the individual and societal impact of childhood sexual abuse.
Our Name
In 2020, we began a rebranding process to better reflect our growth and our future. The process, that included gathering feedback from our community (staff, Board, clients, and community agencies), highlighted the need for a new name that carried forward the imagery of nature and trees from our previous brand.
Heartwood is the strong wood at the core of the tree that supports the growth of the outer layers of the tree. We see and honour the strength of all who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. We are here to support you as you connect to your inner strength and grow. Together we are Heartwood.
“It took two,” I said. “Two different people to make the Heartwood what it is. Two different experiences, grief and joy, combined…”
– Cameron Dokey
Mission
Heartwood Healing Centre facilitates the healing journey of people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and increases society’s understanding of this form of trauma. We do this by providing therapeutic services, strengthening support systems, exchanging knowledge, and raising awareness.
Vision
We envision a society without childhood sexual abuse and a Manitoba where all who have experienced this trauma have access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Remembering Our Past
1997
Women’s Post Treatment Centre changed their name to The Laurel Centre.
2022
With the support of Relish’s Change in the Making Community Grant, The Laurel Centre became Heartwood Healing Centre.
Remembering Our Past
1984 – Several counsellors working in the addiction field shared concerns that their female clients were struggling to come to terms with past experiences of childhood and/or adolescent sexual abuse. They recognized the need for an aftercare program in the community to assist women in dealing with the impact of their abuse.
1985 – Women’ Post Treatment Centre began offering post addiction treatment counselling in the community for women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Start-up funding through the Winnipeg Core Area Initiatives supported the hiring of two part-time counsellors and space was provided by the Salvation Army Harbour Light Corps.
1997 – Women’s Post Treatment Centre changed their name to The Laurel Centre.
2010 – The Men’s Resource Centre (MRC), established in 2001 under the umbrella of the University of Manitoba’s Department of Social Work, became a program of The Laurel Centre. MRC programming included drop-in services, individual and group counselling, and an Emergency Shelter Program for men fleeing domestic violence.
2011 – With the support of the Winnipeg Foundation, The Laurel Centre successfully piloted a program for men who had experienced childhood sexual abuse. Ongoing funding was later secured from Family Violence Prevention Program to make the Male Childhood Sexual Abuse Program a permanent program of the Men’s Resource Centre.
2019 – The Laurel Centre initiated an organizational development project that started with gathering feedback from various stakeholders and assessing our current structure. This discovery phase led to a decision to become one organization that serves all people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Discussions began with Family Violence Prevention Program around the transition of MRC services not related to Childhood Sexual Abuse.
2021 – MRC’s Emergency Shelter Program and support services for men fleeing intimate partner violence transitioned to Wahbung Abinoonjiiag.
2021 – A visioning and strategic planning process with Board and staff led to a new vision and mission statement. We identified our strategic priorities and began the processes of rebranding and expanding and re-structuring our services to better meet the needs of the community.
2022 – With the support of Relish’s Change in the Making Community Grant, The Laurel Centre became Heartwood Healing Centre.