Offering women a chance to grow

The West Island Women’s Centre is kicking off a fall session filled with variety of courses for women. Since its creation in 1975, the Centraide-supported agency has been offering services to West Island women of all ages and backgrounds.

“We’ve been around for a long time,” said Karen Henchey, executive director of the West Island Women’s Centre. “Our mission is to improve the quality of life of women.”

The Pointe Claire non-profit organization operates primarily out of Valois United Church on Belmont Avenue. Since the number of programs has gradually grown, the centre has relocated some of its activities to the nearby Church of the Resurrection, on Mount Pleasant Avenue.

Henchey said the centre offers a wide range of educational, health-related and leisure courses for women, both during the daytime and in the evenings. There are also courses available for preschool children. Mothers who choose not to register their little ones for courses can take advantage of the free childcare offered, while they participate in activities with other women.

“While you are taking a course for yourself, you know that in the same building, your children will be cared for,” said Henchey, a mother of three. Her youngest child is now in Grade 6, but she said she hasn’t forgotten what it’s like to look after preschoolers at home.

“Just to get out during the day and do something different, it’s pretty rare to have that opportunity,” Henchey recalled. “To spend time with other women, no matter what the course is, it’s kind of nice just to have that hour or two where you’re not strictly being a mother.”

For young mothers who want to learn how to bond with their children, the centre offers courses such as Grasping Growth – A Time for Mom and Baby, and Entertaining Toddlers 101.

Another new course featured this fall is “Gentle Toning”, which teaches women how to improve their posture and work on their joints.

“This course would be suitable for seniors,” said Henchey. “It’s like a way to get back into exercising.”

The West Island Women’s Centre is holding registration for its fall session Sept. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Registration is at 70 Belmont Ave., Pointe Claire. The complete fall course list is available at www.wiwc.ca. Women who wish to register are asked to call 514-695-8529 to confirm course availability. Classes begin the week of Sept.15.

@Ci:Our mission is to improve the quality of life of women. @Csi: Karen Henchey