True Self/Debwewendizwin is a unique non-residential program located in North Bay Ontario Canada it provides access to an array of services rooted in First Nation Culture for victims of domestic violence to assist in overcoming trauma, and preparing  participants for training, education or employment. Participants are empowered with the tools and knowledge needed to reduce their vulnerability to poverty and abuse, ultimately breaking the cycle for themselves and their children.

True Self offers culturally-centered employment-readiness and Microsoft Office training for all men and women in the Nipissing District, with outreach to Aboriginal, Francophone, rural and individuals with disabilities. Supporting an individualized journey of claiming or reclaiming ones right and capacity to choose, get and keep meaningful career paths.

True Self is funded as a community collaboration to address the gaps in employment and training services for survivors of trauma, striving to provide streamlined access to services that promote the safety, self-sufficiency and well-being of individuals and their families by fostering a structured collaborative community response.

            To offer men and women who have experienced violence and those at risk of, a holistic approach to employment and training supports.

            To empower men and women to consider, explore, pursue and achieve higher levels of training, education, or employment on their journey to economic independence.

            To work within our district to raise awareness of and sensitivity to the barriers faced by men and women who experience violence.

Focusing on meaningful plans tailored to the individual, ensuring a unique path within the program not a predetermined path available in our back pocket ensures growth and leads to long term employment in various fields.

In 2006 Donna wrote a proposal to the Ontario Government and Nipissing First Nation agreed to take the lead and be the flow through if successful in securing funding to start a program .  The proposal was successful and Donna was hired as the Program  Manager  in October of 2006 and was instrumental in the design and delivery of the program as a survivor of domestic violence her insight has led to the success of the program. 

Donna brought several years’ previous experience as the Manager of the Disability Employment Opportunities Centre (DEOC) (employment support for people with disabilities). As well as over 15 years’ experience as a member of the board of directors with People for Equal Partnership in Mental Health PEP (11 years as Chair) 10 years with Nipissing University –  Aboriginal Council on Education,Canadore College – Indigenous Circle on Education and 7 with the Ontario Peer Development Initiatives OPDI,  and current sits as a board member of the regional peer network Lived Experience & Recovery Network (LERN). 

As a survivor of domestic abuse, I was inspired 10 years ago to found the program, True Self Debwewendizwin, to help other men and women in similar situations. My staff is experienced in domestic violence, drug addiction and mental illness.

The basis of my preparation was lived experience. Additionally, I have been in the military, worked in the banking industry, and done many public speaking events on domestic violence. In 2006, I received funding from the Ontario Provincial Government.

My biggest challenge was working in the field, with no formal training and funding to keep the non-profit program running.

Among my greatest strengths are my life experiences and my ability to effectively communicate and conduct workshops in a way that the listener truly understands what is being said.

My greatest accomplishment has been founding this program and securing funding, conducting trainings and workshops, and having others work along with me.

My professional goals is to deliver this model across the provinces and across the country.

I am inspired by seeing the empowerment of people who go through the program, the people who believe in themselves and those creating their future.

I want to be remembered for my dedication to the empowerment of others, and for teaching and showing victims that they can recover and come back stronger.

I support and volunteer for non-profit organizations that support and empower individuals that have experience trauma in their lives or are struggling to overcome the challenges of mental illness, addiction, and /or poverty .

I enjoy reading and spending time with my grandchildren.