Center Rescues Women Only Steps Away from Olympic Flame

23 February 2010

Only a few blocks from the thousands of fans near the Olympic cauldron in Vancouver, a small non-profit organization is working to help women escape prostitution, drug abuse and violence. The Atira Women's Resource Society is hoping the Olympics will bring attention to an ongoing need.

Just east of the Olympic flame, there is a library that few of the thousands of sports fans in Vancouver will ever visit.

The books here are not made of paper; the books are people. The "Living Library" is an opportunity for people to talk to Vancouver residents who are homeless, recovering alcoholics or sex workers.

The Living Library was established by the Atira Women's Resource Society. Janice Abbott is Atira's director. She says most of the women she works with come from violent and sexually abusive relationships.

VOA photo - D. Byrd Janice Abbott is the executive director of Atira Women's Resource Society in Vancouver, Canada

"We work primarily with women who are struggling with substance abuse, struggling with mental illness, have had multiple experiences of violence, and we house them," she said. "But we have a bunch of related support programs as well."

One of the facilities Abbott helps manage is Bridge House, which offers women refuge with their own bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces. The goal is to help women reestablish their lives. The Atira Women's Resource Society also offers counseling and group therapy.