The Shield of Athena is a non-profit organization for victims of family violence. We offer emergency shelter and professional services to women and their children. Our support, intervention and prevention services are culturally and linguistically adapted to meet the needs of many of Montreal's major ethnocultural communities.
We offer three integrated services:
- Our offices, located in Laval and Montréal, offer multilingual services by professional social workers, trained cultural intermediaries and supervised law students
- Our shelter, Athena’s House, provides emergency housing to women and their children 24/7, in a safe and empowering environment
- Across Montreal and Laval, our community outreach program provides information to men and women in their own languages
The Shield is a registered charity.
News
December 15, 2014: It was such a pleasure to celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary of our shelter, Athena's House with all of our supporters on Sunday November 30th at le Windsor. In honor of this special milestone we produced a short film featuring the history of the shelter, including our struggles & triumphs over the years. We would like to thank the participants in this film for their ongoing support and the passion they hold in their hearts for our cause. Please take a few moments to view it!
December 12, 2014: Two more special volunteers donate 100 shoe boxes filled with gifts along with diapers and baby formula for the babies that stay at our shelter. We thank you for your generosity.
December 11, 2014: We were so touched this week with the generosity of a certain lady who volunteered her time to gather, wrap & personalize all of these Christmas gifts for the little boys & girls who we see at our centers. We are blessed to have the support of so many wonderful people..Thank you..
December 2, 2014: A nice surprise call today from Alouettes' Coach, Tom Higgins, to go and pick up THREE BAGS of soaps that the team has collected for our shelter Thank you!
December 1, 2014: We want to thank all of the guests, artists & volunteers that made the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration of Athena's House a success & a night to remember. A VERY BIG thank you as well, to this year's chairperson, Nadia Saputo & all her hard work and fabulous decorating team. Everything was beautiful thanks to everyone's support & big hearts! Thank you!
October, 07 2014: The Shield of Athena is very happy to collaborate with the Alouettes so as to raise awareness about family violence. Please look at the link for the Alouette's president interview on 98.5. Paul Houde interview with Luc Brodeur .
September, 15 2014: Melpa Kamateros was very happy to have been invited by Tommy Schnurmacher to be a part of the panel discussing conjugal violence on his show on CJAD radio. We are grateful for the media programs that give us the opportunity to reach thousands of listeners so as to raise awareness about family violence and the services that are available for victims of abuse.
August 20, 2014: The Shield of Athena held its Annual picnic today, Wednesday August 20th, in honor of the South Asian communities that we have worked with over the year. Women of all ethnic groups were welcome to join in the festivities which included, fun games, a henna activity, face painting for children and delicious multicultural food. The event would not be possible without Maud, the co-ordinator of the outreach department, her wonderful team of cultural intermediaries and the Shield of Athena stagiaires.
June 23, 2014: The Shield of Athena launched its Annual Membership Campaign on Wednesday June 11 at Bâton Rouge. The honorary co presidents of the event were: one of the legendary Montreal Canadiens and Host of TSN sports; Chris Nilan, along with Evan Kiousis; Founder and CEO of Planète Mobile. This chic soirée was hosted by respected business woman and the Shield’s long time supporter and former president, Chris Ann Nakis. The entertainers of the evening were comic Darren Henwood of the Comedy Nest and jazz singer, Kimberly Bourgeois.
Close to 200 supporters attended the annual event and a lucky guest won a lovely door prize, a painting by renowned artist Lucette Matar. The evening also included an extensive list of impressive raffle prizes, such as: A 1 night stay at Hotel Nelligan and dinner for 2 at Verses restaurant, an autographed T-shirt by UFC fighters including Georges St Pierre, a Christopher Kon purse, tickets for a VIP evening with Sugar Samy, Breakfast On The Water
courtesy of Bateau Mouche, and much much more.
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June 22, 2014: Thank you Marion for organizing the beautiful event entitled, Behind Closed Doors. We would like to congratulate you for such a unique idea for the event and for all of your time & hard work corresponding with artists, acquiring a beautiful venue and promoting the event. We also thank all the artists who participated and have graciously ceded a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their works. Your efforts in helping us raise funds for the services we offer to women and children victims of family violence is very much appreciated.
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May 29, 2014: On Monday May 26, The Shield of Athena, had the pleasure of offering its clients the opportunity to have a fun and exciting makeover. This activity was made possible thanks to Vicky, a makeup artist working for Estee Lauder at Ogilvy's. The women had a wonderful time and got to bring home many wonderful beauty products graciously donated by Estee Lauder.
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May 9, 2014: It is with great pleasure that the Shield of Athena accepted the Deka Award 2014 from the Hellenic Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal in the category of community services.
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April 18, 2014: During the week dedicated to the victims of criminal acts, the Shield of Athena graciously accepted a special thanks in recognition of its support and contribution to the well being of victims.
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April 17,2014 : the Shield of Athena launched its new project
Adaptation of emergency intervention in cases of conjugal violence
in Laval.
The project was developed in collaboration with the City of Laval, The Police of Laval, CAVAC and three Laval shelters. The tools developed within this project include: A new booklet in 10 languages, a multilingual audio message for victims arriving at shelters and consultations with cultural intermediaries. The Police of Laval, CAVAC and three Laval shelters. The tools developed within this project include : A new booklet in 10 languages, a multilingual audio message for victims arriving at shelters and consultations with cultural intermediaries.The Police of Laval, CAVAC and three Laval shelters. The tools developed within this project include : A new booklet in 10 languages, a multilingual audio message for victims arriving at shelters and consultations with cultural intermediaries.
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April 10, 2014: In honor of National Victims Awareness week, The department of justice, visited the Shield of Athena to experience a day in the life of our organization and how we help victims of family violence, particularly those coming from ethno-cultural communities that face additional barriers in accessing help. http://www.semainedesvictimes.gc.ca/experience-stories/essai-essay/athena.html
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March 24, 2014 : The Shield of Athena took part in the SCC job fair at Vanier College. We have a longstanding relationship with Vanier and greatly enjoy providing internship and employment opportunities to students.
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March 21, 2014 : The Shield of Athena presented at a conference organized by "FILIA-Association Du Troisième Âge " held in the Greek community on Elder Abuse.
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March 18, 2014 : McGill Students for V-Day presented its annual benefit production of "The Vagina Monologues" on March 14th, 21st and 22nd @8pm. Based on over 200 interviews, "The Vagina Monologues" is a sometimes witty, sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes outrageous collection of tales and reflections surrounding sexuality. McGill Students for V-Day is a campus organization dedicated to fighting gender-based violence by spreading awareness and raising money for local anti-violence organizations. Part of the proceeds benefitted the Shield of Athena.
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March 11, 2014: In honor of International Women's Day, Dawson College held a 2 day fundraiser for the Shield of Athena Family Services. We thank the organizing committee for all their hard work and helping us raise awareness about family violence.
December 19, 2013: On behalf of the Shield of Athena Family Services and more particularly, the clients that use our services, we thank Karina and Antonio from Sportira for their campaign for toys for the children exposed to violence from the Shield.
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December 16, 2013: We are so excited to be a part of this wonderful project...Behind Closed Doors will be an art exhibit and silent auction where part of the funds raised will be donated to the Shield of Athena Family Services. The event will take place from May 8 - 31 at Hotel Zero1. We thank the 22 participatings artists and the sponsors to date! For more details please visit the following website: http://behind-closed-doors.ca /project/concept/
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November 28, 2013: By clicking on the Athena Art Gallery link on our website, you can now see the paintings from the Shield of Athena's Annual Art Auctions that are available for sale. We are certain that you will find a lovely piece for your home or office or to offer as a gift to a friend or loved one. Your purchase will bring great joy to you while at the same time supporting the services we offer to victims of family violence.
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November 12, 2013: The Shield of Athena’s 19th Annual Art Auction took place on Sunday November 10, 2013 at Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal. The Patron of this year’s event was Mr. Evan Kiousis, CEO and founder of Planète Mobile. This year’s auction was held in support of the establishment of a Second Step Transition Home for victims of conjugal and or family violenceThe need for this second resource is pressing for many women, particularly mothers with their children, who need affordable housing and security for some time after they leave an abusive relationship.
Auctioneers: Eramelinda Boquer; CJAD and Sophie Berubé; CHOI Radio X Montréal 91,9 FM, 106,9 FM et TVA.
Master of ceremonies: Jeremy Filosa; sports journalist on 98.5.
Evening’s special guest: last year’s Patron, Chris Nilan; former NHL player. Details and photos
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October 23, 2013: We would like to thank CTV for supporting our 19th Annual Art auction. We greatly appreciate their help in promoting our event and our cause. To view the commercial, please click on the following link.. click here
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September 30, 2013: The Shield of Athena’s 19th Annual Art Auction that will be held on Sunday November 10, 2013 at Marché Bonsecours is a one of a kind event. There is no such other event in Montreal that promotes talented artists and their beautiful paintings and at the same time raises awareness and funds about family violence. There are over 30 participating artists and 100 pieces of art to be viewed and bid on. There is art for every taste and budget! Guests will also enjoy a wonderful cocktail that includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. For more details
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September 23, 2013:
The Shield of Athena is so happy to announce the return of 2 of Montreal’s wonderful media personalities at this year’s 19th Annual Art Auction. CJAD’s, Eramelinda Boquer and 98.5’s sports journalist, Jeremy Filosa will be the auctioneneers of the event. This will be Filosa’s 2nd consecutive year and Boquer’s 9th year. The event will take place on Sunday November 10, 2013 at Marché Bonsecours and will raise funds for victims of family violence. Thank you to this dynamic duo that will do a fabulous job!
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September 18, 2013:
New parenting group from October 16 to november 27, 2013.
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June 10, 2013: On behalf of the entire team at the Shield of Athena Family Services, we would like to thank everyone who attended the launch our 2013-2014 Membership Campaign Launch on June 5, 2013 at Baton Rouge de la Montagne. Once again, almost 200 guests attended the event in support of the organization’s multilingual prevention and intervention services to victims of family violence. We are very touched by our sponsors and guests generosity. We thank Chris Ann Nakis for hosting the event at her restaurant and our chairperson Chris Nilan for his support. A special thank you also goes out to the Comedy Nest's Sébastien Bourgault and the Troupe Folkorique Grecque Syrtaki. Everyone’s contribution made this a wonderful and very successful fundraising event.The Shield of Athena is happy to announce that this year's event generated $21,000 for its services to women and children victims of family violence. (Photos)
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May,03,2013: Mother's Day Fundraiser May 9th, 10th & 11th at l'Aquafure Salon. Spa, 5674 Monkland Avenue. ( Facial treatments, Hair care, Make up, Body care, Hand care, Foot care and Laser hair removal). 50% of the sales will benefit the Shield of Athena. Prizes to be won! Please reserve at: 514-369-3333 and mention the fundraiser. www.laquafure.com.
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April, 25, 2013: Trafalgar School for Girls is having an Event open to all, a Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Club de Golf Métropolitain Anjou, to benefit their bursary fund and the Shield of Athena. Please find below a link to the Trafalgar Open page on Traf's website: https://www.trafalgar.qc.ca/page.cfm?p=425
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February 1st, 2013: On the evening of February 1st, over 130 guests attended a special ceremony hosted by The Shield of Athena Family in Honor of the Recipients of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Thirty individuals in the categories of volunteerism, philanthropy, community outreach & services delivery and media partnership, were honored for their outstanding contribution to the Shield of Athena Family Services’ mission towards raising more awareness on the issue of family violence and providing services to victims. Recipients included police officers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, social workers, journalists, members and volunteers who have provided the Shield of Athena with their longstanding support. The evening’s special guest was the Honorable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal marks the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne. At the same time, it honors Canadians for their significant contributions and achievements to their community and to our country. (photos)
See us on Global Montreal: http://www.globalmontreal.com/video/diamond+jubilee/video.html?v=2331509811#stories
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December 20, 2012 - THANK TO OUR HOLIDAY DONORS
Visit of Mary Deros to the SOAFS
offices to give donations
to two of our clients.
Both are single moms with children
who have been deeply affected
during the Holiday Season and
will be happy to receive some assistance.
We thank Mary Deros for coming through with this wonderful donation!
A Th
ank you to
- Karina and Antonio from SPORTIRA
- for their campaign
- for toys and food
- for the children exposed
- to violence
- from the Shield.
A big thank you for the donation of toiletries from
GROUPE CAPITALE
A BIG THANK YOU TO:
- SUZY SHIERS, John and Linda Ciolfi
- Steven Segal
- Ronnie Gottlieb
- Hellenic Appeal
- Hellenic Golfer Association
- Paul Nakis and Family
Happy Holidays to all!
SOAFS staff and Board
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November 12, 2012 - Over 400 people gathered this Sunday November 11th, at the Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal. The Shield of Athena, Montreal’s only Multicultural network of services for victims of family violence, held their 18th annual Art Auction, under the High Patronage of His Excellency Orestis Kafopoulos; Consul general of Greece, and raised nearly $105, 000 for their services to women and children, offered at their two centers and emergency shelter. Click to read the articles in the Suburban on page 10 and Journal de Montreal
October 12, 2012 - It is with great joy that we announce that the Shield of Athena's Multilingual Community Outreach Department received the 2012 Excellence Award from the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Québec, in the category “Support to vulnerable persons and groups”. It is with great emotion that we accepted this award from the Minister Dr Réjean Hebert on Thursday October 11th in Quebec City. This is a wonderful reward and a recognition of our organization , something of which we can be extremely proud of! (for more details and photo)
June 21, 2012 - We would like to send a very heartfelt thankyou to Jennie Constantinides for the great work and support she contributrd to the Shield during her presidency. We would also like to welcome our new president, the Honorable Eleni Bakopanos. We look foward to working together and pursuing the Shield's mission of helping victims of family violence break the cycle of abuse.
June 20th, 2012 - The Shield of Athena held its Annual General Assembly at Kalysta Reception Hall in Laval. A total of 31 people, members and non members were in attendance. The executive director, Melpa Kamateros, along with the staff, presented the services and activities that were given at the external offices and at the shelter, for the 2011-2012 year. Photos
March 27, 2012. Melpa Kamateros, the Shield's executive director, had an interview with Silvet Ali from CBC Radio Canada. Photo Click here to listen to the interview
March 21, 2012. With the financial support of Status of Women Canada, The Shield of Athena will soon begin a three year public awareness and community outreach program on honor crimes. We are extremely honored that Prime Minister, Stephen Harper dropped by our offices on Friday March 16 to .... Read more (plus links to photos and video)
February 25, 2012. The Shield of Athena held their 5th Annual Comedy Nest fundraiser. The show was headlined by Carole Montgomery.
February 10, 2012. This week's online Suburban Magazine posts an article on our organization! To read this article go to www.thesuburban.com and click on the Magazine button. The article appears on page 21.
February 1, 2012. We would like to thank Vikki Londos and all the members of the Parent's Committee of the Annual Breakfast with Santa of the École Primaire Socrates IV (South Shore) for their wonderful fundraising initiative. They helped gather hygiene products, toys and other much needed goods for the Shield of Athena Shelter, La Maison d'Athéna.
November 28, 2011. The Shield of Athena Family Services, in collaboration with Le Ministère de la culture, des communications et de la condition feminine, in the context of phase 5 of the government of Quebec’s public awareness campaign on conjugal violence, launched the documentary: Νίκη (Victory): From Shadow to Light...
November 20, 2011. The Shield of Athena is pleased to announce that its 20th Anniversary Gala raised approximately $200 000 for its services to victims of family violence. The event took place on Sunday November 20th at the Sofitel Hotel, the Golden Mile. Master of ceremonies for the event was the Shield’s spokesperson, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau; Quebec correspondent for e Talk .
July 19, 2011. We would like to thank the BNS, Jean Talon and Wiseman branch, both employees and clients for gathering 4,135 dollars for La Maison d'Athéna, our women's and children's shelter. Photo
June 3, 2011. Chris Ann Nakis, owner of Baton Rouge de la Montagne welcomed nearly 170 guests Wednesday night for the Shield of Athena's 2011-2012 Membership Campaign Launch. Nearly 20,000$ was raised for the organization's multilingual support, prevention and intervention services to victims of family violence. Press release Photos
May 9, 2011. Thanks to our Martini and Makeover fundraiser guests and to Shmink Cosmétics and Spa Evita. Celebrity make-up designer Steven Reti and Shmink Cosmétics teamed up for fabulous makeovers and for Shmink's new signature lipstick ATHENA, created just for us. All proceeds go to our shelter, Athena's House. Lastly, we thank Panama Rotisserie for their ongoing support. Athena's beauties
March 7, 2011. Executive Director Melpa Kamateros spoke at the Toronto conference 'A Dialogue on Family Violence in Culturally Diverse Communities: Practical Approaches to Prevention and Response'. The conference was hosted by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police with financial support from Justice Canada and Public Safety Canada.
February 15, 2011. The Shield offered its parenting group and two closed and confidential support groups for women who are victims of conjugal violence, one in French and the other in Spanish.
February 23, 2011- BPW International Night of Violence Against Women - Violence Against Our World featured Keynote speaker, Melpa Kamateros, Executive Director of the Shield of Athena.
February 17 , 2011- The Shield of Athena held a free training session on family violence from 10am-2pm. Presentations given by our social workers, community outreach agents and a police officer.
February 3, 2011- The Shield of Athena and V-day McGill invite you to the production of Eve Ensler's theVagina Monologues. The Shield of Athena is one of the beneficieries of this year's production. For more information, please visit: http://vday.mcgill.ca/
February 2, 2011- NEW: for its campaign on sexual violence in intimate partner relationships, the Shield, in collaboration with its community partners, produced information segments in Arabic, Creole, Spanish, Mndarin and Vietnamese. to view follow the link.
