Tamara’s House Services for
Sexual Abuse Survivors, Inc.

I’ve learned that I’m not alone. I’ve learned that I’m strong and I’ve learned not to feel guilt about what happened to me. It wasn’t my fault. There. I said it. ”It wasn’t my fault.”

~ Tamara’s House service user

Childhood sexual abuse is a crime that can have long-lasting physical, emotional, mental and spiritual consequences.  Adults who suffered sexual abuse in childhood are more likely to experience struggles with chronic illness, addictions, relationship problems, poverty, and mental health issues than the general population.^[1]  

Tamara’s House in Saskatoon was initiated by survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their supporters who recognized the need for services that could provide more thorough understanding and support than was available through psychiatric services.  Since its incorporation as a non-profit organization in 1991, Tamara’s House Services for Sexual Abuse Survivors, Inc. has developed services that include:  a residence where women can stay for up to two weeks while working intensively on their healing; a drop-in centre that provides ongoing support, information, crafts, and psycho-educational programming; and Harmony Song (funded by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation), which provides services to assist First Nations women in overcoming the legacy of Residential School abuses.  The agency is housed in a beautiful home-like residence in a quiet neighbourhood, and welcomes women from all backgrounds.  Volunteers assist with tasks such as fund-raising, providing complementary care to service users, leading yoga classes, maintaining a free clothing exchange, assisting with celebrations, and maintaining a garden.  Tamara’s House is wheelchair accessible, and interpreters can be provided to allow women with hearing disabilities to take part in programs.

Women come to stay at Tamara’s House from throughout Saskatchewan, and occasionally from other provinces.  Each woman talks to the Intake Worker before she comes, to give an idea of her circumstances, and decide on the goals she wishes to work toward during her stay.  When she arrives, she chooses a room (made cozy with a donated patchwork quilt), and learns the routines of the household.  During her stay, she takes part in house meetings and group discussions, helps with cooking and clean-up, and joins in programs offered in the Drop-In.  Her stay in Tamara’s House gives her a quiet retreat away from the demands of family and employment where she can work intensively on her healing.

I feel honoured to be here.  I want to make the most of being here.  There’s lots of women that would want or need to be here.  Like people back home where there isn’t a place like this, where people are institutionalized, where they can’t come here.  It’s a privilege.”

~ Tamara’s House resident from a different province

Tamara’s House Drop-In provides a comfortable atmosphere where women can drop in for coffee and a chat, take part in craft or psycho-educational programs, and find – and offer – support.   A computer, as well as a Resource Room, with books on a variety of subjects, are available for their use.  When funding allows, Tamara’s House sponsors a once a week “Share Our Soup” program that forms a gathering point for the community.

“I’m finally being seen and respected for the woman I am.  Not the girl.  Not the misfit.  Not the wannabe.”

~ Drop-In service user

The Harmony Song Project offers additional supports to First Nations women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, or are dealing with the legacy of Residential School abuses.  Each week, a Healing Circle is facilitated by an Elder, and each month, a Full Moon Ceremony is held in conjunction with another Saskatoon agency.  In addition, Harmony Song staff provide educational programs in the community to help increase understanding of the abuses in Residential Schools and their long-term effects on individuals, families, and communities.  Retreats can also be arranged that allow several women from a First Nations community to access Tamara’s House residence as a group, and work on their healing together.

“The Circle has been an awesome experience.  I have grown so much.  It has given me strength to get through university.  I thank God for the women circles.  Women are blessed to have a place like this.  If I had a million dollars, I’d donate it to Tamara’s House.  That’s how much it changed my life . . . ”

~ Healing Circle participant

Tamara’s House works with the Women’s Community Training Residence, the local Parole office, and PineGrove Correctional Centre to offer services to women in conflict with the law. 

Tamara’s House is supported by grants from the provincial and federal governments, by foundations, and through donations from the community.  Please see our website, www.tamarashouse.sk.ca for more information on programs and services.

“I learned I am important . . . and I deserve to be happy.   I have more knowledge, and it’s empowering and I can keep going in healthier ways.”

~ Tamara’s House service user

– submitted by Judith Cheesbrough, Tamara’s House, December, 2008

^[1] National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Public Health Agency of Canada:  Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse - Overview Paper, at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/html/nfntsxagrsexadult_e.html