WIWC Wants You to Say “No” and Feel Good About It!

The West Island Women’s Centre, which offers specialty classes and seminars on everything from childcare to language classes and art activities, has just released its eclectic fall schedule, with registration taking place on Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.

The centre, located at 70 Belmont Ave. in Pointe Claire, has been up and running since 1975. It has approximately 350 members of all ages and backgrounds. Fall courses commence Sept. 14, with a range of cool courses such as “Entertaining Kids 101” on Monday mornings, “Speaking French with Confidence” on Tuesday mornings, or “Organizing 101” on Wednesday afternoon (just to name a few).

Thursday morning’s most intriguing class, “How To Say “No” and Feel Good About It” which runs weekly from 9 to 11 am for a 10 week session, naturally needs a bit of an introduction from the WIWC’s execute director Karen Henchey. This specific course, which falls under the WIWC’s category of personal development and wellness classes, is led by instructor Caroline Samné who is the director of New Horizons, and has received her master degree in Human Systems Intervention. “How To Say “No” and Feel Good About It” aims to promote a deepening sense of well being amongst its members by devising strategies for women to be able to set personal boundaries; to effectively manage both their personal and professional lives without taken on more than they can chew.

Henchey believes this class will be a great opportunity for women to come together for lectures, discussion time and activities, as well as for personal introspection, “to stop and think about setting boundaries” as she puts it. She mentions that women often take on so much, and there is always a genuine danger of burning out unless they become confident and comfortable with saying “no” when it is necessary.

The 10-week session also “gives the group a chance to connect with others within the community” as Henchey indicates. She considers classes such as this one an important resource, especially for on-the-go mothers, who can rest easy and take a “me” moment assured that their children are in good care, thanks to the centre’s childcare services (free of charge).

For more information, call the center at 514-695-8529 or visit www.wiwc.ca.