Local Restaurants Serve Up Food for Thought February 14-20

In 2009, Cape Breton Transition House received over 8,000 requests from women for support, information, and/or emergency shelter admission. It’s news that is sometimes hard to swallow, but the issue of Family Violence is prevalent, even in our own community.  In an effort to raise awareness about the issue of Family Violence, and to remind us that we can all help to break the cycle, several local restaurants are offering a “Food for Thought” meal during Family Violence Prevention Week, February 14-20, and will be donating a portion from every special meal they sell to Cape Breton Transition House.  The Cambridge Suites Hotel’s Trio restauraunt will be offering a Food for Thought meal for the entire month of February.

Monies raised enables programming that helps to break the cycle of Family Violence.  Cape Breton Transition House is not just an emergency shelter, it is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; offering accommodation; support counseling; crisis/distress counseling; a help line; safety planning; advocacy; court accompaniment etc. for anyone experiencing Family Violence. (539-2945)

Transition House also offers a therapeutic childcare program for children who accompany their mothers to the shelter.  An adolescent room is available for the teenage residents. The staff support women in court and serve as advocates for them by working with existing agencies.  There are two Second Stage housing units for women leaving Transition House.

Outreach services are available for those who need to access information support groups and counseling services. (562-3045)

The Education Department runs an education program in the schools and community, which deals with date abuse, date rape, family violence, anger management and cyber violence. (562-4190).

Recognizing that the cycle of violence is a problem that can be surmounted, and knowing what support services are out there are essential ingredients for family violence prevention.

Please visit one of the following participating restaurants for some food for thought:

• Flavor
• Allegro Grill & Deli
• East Side Mario’s
• Governor’s
• Wentworth Perk
• Savoury’s (Day’s Inn)
• Ziggy’s Pub & Grill
• The Cat & The Fiddle
• Bras d’Or View
• The Clansman Motel
• Boston Pizza
• The Black Spoon Bistro
• Hong Fa
• Mickey D’s Subs & Sandwiches
• Trio