Who we are

Lennox & Addington Interval House provides safe shelter, transitional housing and counselling supports for abused women and their children. Services are provided to those who have been physically, sexually, emotionally or financially abused or those who fear they will be assaulted. Trained and committed staff offer supportive counseling, crisis intervention and safety planning.

Our History

Lennox & Addington Interval House opened its doors in February 1992 in the Town of Greater Napanee in the County of Lennox and Addington.

In 1987, a group of service providers came together at the invitation of the local Family and Children's Services to identify and address the need for improved community services to victims of domestic violence in the County. Following this meeting, a committee was established to assess community needs, provide public education regarding violence against women, and to develop services. A volunteer Board of Directors of what is now the shelter grew out of these initial efforts.

A building in which to house residential and community services was purchased and funding secured by the Board. In 1993, shelter and counselling services were extended by the addition of a second stage housing facility, called "Bridge-It", which provides a supportive housing option for women and their children. In 2000, the agency undertook the provision of community support and outreach services in the community of Deseronto. In 2005, the agency added 'Marching On' a Communal Living Centre, an apartment providing housing for six single women. In 2009 the outreach site in Deseronto was embedded in a newly second site of a four bedroom Communal Living Centre.

Beliefs

All people have the right to live free of violence, threats and abuse. Domestic violence against women is prevalent throughout society and harms the entire community. Domestic violence against women occurs systemically and within the context of exerting power and control. The cycle of violence can be broken and doing so will help solve other social issues. Children who witness violence require and deserve interventions that address the impact on them. Ending domestic violence against women requires a collaborative, multi-faceted approach, involving all levels of the community.

Women have the right to exercise choice, free of judgment, and are entitled to confidential assistance, except where immediate safety is at risk. Temporary shelter, support services, information and education are essential elements of a community-wide response to violence against women. Women need access to housing, meaningful employment and affordable day care to truly exercise choice and live free of violence. 

Mission

Provide places of safety for women to live free of violence.
Provide a range of confidential, non-judgmental, flexible, community-based support services, meeting the needs of women and their children.

Vision

A world where all women and children live in homes free of violence and fear.

Aims

Empower women to recognize when they are not being treated fairly and to find solutions that work in their lives.

Enhance safety for women and their children.

Provide accessible services or create accommodations to address barriers.

Provide services addressing the unique needs of children who have witnessed violence.

Work together to increase positive outcomes for women and children.

Work as a team to provide community leadership, encouraging effective, coordinated responses.

Use knowledge, skills and community partnerships to continue innovations in program delivery.

Provide a meaningful and dynamic work environment for staff and volunteers.

Manage agency resources and public funds in a responsible manner, providing the best possible services to women and their children.

Board of directors

Jen Crosby (Executive Director)

Corina Starbuck (President)

Karen Brant Taylor (Secretary/ Treasurer)

Branden Leach-Leung (Vice President)

Steven Starbuck

Deborah Coles

Tricia Cammaart