theironwoodproject

The Ironwood Project would like to thank Halton Hills Today and author Herb Garbutt for supporting us. Herb Garbutt also wrote the very first article about The Ironwood Project in January of 2019. We are grateful for his continued support.

We currently offer weekly Women's Only and Co-Ed Groups as well as a monthly Partners and Parents Group. We are hoping to grow to include a weekly Men's Only Group. New sessions begin in May. Please reach out to our confidential email if you have any questions at info@theironwoodproject.ca.

Halton Hills Today - The Ironwood Project

Ironwood Presents:

SomaYoga with Instructor Gabrielle Allison

Learn how somatics and yoga unite to help us regulate our nervous system and re-educate holding patterns that keep us stuck in chronic physical/mental/emotional tension, or pain, and in dysfunctional movement and postures.

Event includes a lesson in somatic practices and a SomaYoga class.
This event is being offered at no cost to current and past Survivors Group participants.

Please reach out for more information or to register for the event to jodi@theironwoodproject.ca

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

We moved into our new home

Presentation to the Halton Police Victims Services Unit

First Monthly Supporters Group

First Art Day Session for participants

Donation from The 100 Women Who Care - Halton Hills

Host Team Building Evening

Training with Halton Regional Police re: reporting sexual violence

The Common Good Mini Retreat for participants

Downtown Georgetown Farmers' Market Booths

Initial development of Prevention Training

Teacher Curriculum Conference Day

Initial development of Disclosure Training

First All Women's Survivors Group

Christmas Movie Night

Win Community Votes 2023 Non-Profit Platinum Award

What Past Participants Had To Say

"Ironwood has been a lighthouse in the storm of my life experiences. I was terrified to attend my first Ironwood session. I was equally terrified to say my name aloud, and to admit to strangers that I had been sexually abused as a child - but I did, and immediately felt a sense of shame, mixed with relief. I was slow to share, but every word spoken, every story I listen to, every head nod of understanding, I slowly realized that for once in my life, I was not alone in the storm. I no longer had to hide the truth of my experiences, which allowed me to work through some of the fear, shame, anger, and array of other motions which plagued me for decades, and for which I did not fully understand. Ironwood has been a lighthouse in the storm of my life - not the buoy which barely kept me afloat, not the ship that came to save me from drowning, but rather the shining light that provided a path and gave me courage to be my own saviour. I will forever be grateful for the immense and transformative impact and support this organization, it’s participants and hosts have brought to my life."

"Being here, I can breathe, I can set aside the armour for a bit, where other people “get it”, a place that I feel safe."

"Yes….It’s a safe space, they are your people, they have your back and will be there whenever and wherever you need them, this is a safe haven/ safe house. I highly recommend for anyone with sexual trauma."

"I am so proud of what I have been able to accomplish."

"This group has absolutely changed my life for the better. Being around people who 'get it' is so incredibly healing. Hearing people's stories helped me to better understand my own. I felt safe, seen, heard, and understood."

"I had so many breakthrough moments that have fundamentally changed my life."

"I always felt safe and heard and surrounded by people that understood and respected me. I looked forward to coming every week."

"I always felt completely safe."

The Ironwood Project is not about telling your secret. It isn't about therapy or counselling. It is simply a safe place for survivors to gather. It is an opportunity to get together and talk about things that maybe you feel you can't talk about anywhere else. It is an opportunity to share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. It is a place to explore topics like isolation, fear and anger with people who are looking for some of the same answers you are. It is a place to hear what has and what hasn't worked for your peers and to maybe start to figure out what would work for you.

Why Ironwood?

Ironwood is a common name for a large number of woods found all over the world. These woods have a reputation for strength, durability, and an incredibly beautiful wood grain. They are known to grow in both dry and wet conditions, mostly requiring sunlight and a stable environment.

This is us.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are very common, occurring in frighteningly large numbers all over the world. We are not separated by gender, race, religion, economic standing, social class or geographic location. We are everywhere.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are the strongest, most durable and heart-warmingly beautiful people I have ever had the privilege to meet. Each and every one of them.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse need light to thrive. For far too long we have been stuck in the shadows, shoved into dark corners and spoken about in furtive hushed tones. It is time for us to shine a light. It is time for us to speak in strong, unwavering voices.

It is time for The Ironwood Project.

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