We have established ongoing transformational writing workshops in shelters, community centers, and public libraries reaching out to the homeless, people in recover from addiction, others with mental illness, in conflict with the law, youth at risk, abused women, elders, adult learners and the Indigenous, Immigrant, Refugee and 2SLGBTQQIA communities.
TWC embraces the opportunity for future partnerships with other community builders to develop ongoing and accessible programming in writing, literacy, and the arts.
Writers are solitary creatures, right? Not so fast! Working in community with other writers gets you to pay attention to what readers are hearing, instead of what you assumed you had said. Reading aloud to others brings caring feedback—and sometimes surprises—that will shape your rewriting in ways you may never manage alone.
JL Allderdice, Writer
The WCC writing group demonstrates what is possible when we cross social borders to collaborate with and listen to groups who are usually ignored. It kindles moments… that can transcend the barriers that usually divide us. The writing group demonstrates a way to honour dignity that applied more broadly – in our workplaces, our government, our culture, and our communities, could reduce the need for places like Fred Victor.
Andrew Mindszenthy, Community Development Housing Worker, Fred Victor
I spent a lot of my teen years, in fact all of them addicted to drugs and struggling with mental health issues and schizophrenia. Expressing myself is my way of coping and getting out of the hole I dug myself. I’m doing more than I expected I would. I’m living the life that I dreamt of when I was in the midst of my addiction.
Jobim Novak, WCC Writer and 2016 CAMH Transforming Lives Award-winner
