A Hub for Hope and Safety

Welcome to the first episode of the One Door podcast, a series that shines a light on the people, places, and ideas reimagining safety, support, and dignity for women, youth, and families in rural Nova Scotia and beyond.In our first episode, we explore the vision behind One Door, a purpose-built hub led by the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association (AWRCSASA). The goal: when someone walks through one door, they can access coordinated, wraparound support, so no one falls through the cracks.Host Alexandra MacRae is joined by:Anita Stewart – Executive Director, Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association  Natalie Leonard – Founding Partner & Senior Engineer, Passive Design Solutions  Barbara McLean – Former Deputy Chief, Toronto Police Service; former Investigations Director & spokesperson, Mass Casualty Commission  Episode 1 sets the tone for the series: real stories, honest conversations, and a clear vision for a safer future, one door at a time.About Lindsay’s Health CentreThe new One Door hub will include Lindsay’s Health Centre, opened in February 2005 in memory of Dr. Lindsay Myers, a respected Antigonish psychiatrist. Dr. Myers was a strong advocate for social justice, peace, and anti-poverty initiatives, committed to building a healthier community. Lindsay’s Health Centre continues her legacy through compassionate, community-rooted health services for women, youth, and families.Anita Stewart – Executive Director, AWRC & Sexual Assault Services Association Anita Stewart leads the Antigonish Women’s Resource Centre & Sexual Assault Services Association, serving Antigonish and Guysborough counties. She and her team support women, gender-diverse folks, youth, and families navigating violence, poverty, mental health challenges, addictions, housing insecurity, and systemic barriers. Anita is a key driver behind the One Door model and capital campaign.Natalie Leonard – Founding Partner & Senior Engineer, Passive Design SolutionsWith a background in construction, Natalie Leonard is the Founding Partner at Passive Design Solutions (PDS) and a senior engineer. Driven by a commitment to equality and planetary health, she became the first certified Passive House Consultant and builder in Canada. Since 2009, PDS has focused exclusively on Passive House and Net Zero projects. Their values align closely with AWRCSASA’s community-based vision for the new centre.Barbara McLean – Former Deputy Chief, Toronto Police ServiceOriginally from Antigonish, Barbara McLean spent 32 years with the Toronto Police Service, retiring as a Deputy Chief overseeing Human Resources Command. She later served as Investigations Director and spokesperson for the Mass Casualty Commission, examining the police response to the events of April 18–19, 2020. Now retired in Nova Scotia, she continues to champion safer, more inclusive communities and the crucial role of grassroots organizations.Learn More & Support One Door:To learn more about the One Door campaign, the new purpose-built centre, and how you can support this $5 million capital project, visit:  https://onedoor.awrcsasa.ca