Know The Signs

In loving memory of my beautiful daughter, Lisa on this the 8th anniversary of her untimely passing. They say it gets easier as time goes on. It may seem like it to others on the outside but the pain and sadness remain in our hearts. Every occasion spent with family and friends brings both joy and sorrow. I know how much Lisa would love to spend time with her family, friends and especially her nieces and nephews. I know she watches over us and smiles and if loving arms could reach through heavens gates, we would all be giving each other lots of hugs and kisses. She loved her hugs and kisses.

Lisa's beautiful smile radiates from every picture we have of her. Even though her life was fraught with bullying, jealousy and abuse, she would always try to see the good in the people who chose to inflict it. She would always reach out to those in need and offer solice and love.

The light in the darkness of her loss is the creation of the Lisa Harnum Foundation, set up to also offer this same kind of unconditional love and caring she extended to those in need. This Foundation is to help other woman and children who are going through the same afflictions and cruelty that look her life. We must realize that while the woman suffer, so do the children, and this picture of what family life looks like should not include violence and abuse. They are the future generation and what they see and learn at home shapes their future. Through the Foundation they learn that the abusive behavior is not the norm and that there is a way out. They see the strength of their mothers who have chosen to say "No more" and are desperately trying to build a better future for themselves and especially their children.

We must all stand up and say "No" to the violence and abuse and help however we can to put a stop to it. Our world is a very fragile one at the moment, filled with hate and cruelty. Let the love and caring shine through the dark clouds and make a better future for our children.

With all our love to Lisa from Mom, Jason, Jesse, Jade, Hayley, Kellen and all our family and friends. ... See MoreSee Less

It is with great regret and sadness to announce that the Lisa Harnum Foundation will close their transitional house in July. This decision has not been made lightly by the Board. Over the past three years we have supported many women and their children who were experiencing domestic violence. Unlike crisis accommodation, which offers up to a three month stay, transitional support can be up to six months or more depending on the situation. Being the only transitional house in the Hills, the lack of funding is the reason for this closure. Many local families have accessed this service who would have otherwise been homeless or having to stay with the perpetrator. The Lisa Harnum Foundation's remaining services will continue as usual. Aileen Mountifield, Executive Director. ... See MoreSee Less