Colleen Morton has fond memories of her time at Niagara College and of the “amazing” professors who helped her make it to her graduation day in 2021.
But even more than that, Morton remembers the way being at NC made her feel.
“NC made me feel more empowered with my life and guided me to learn what I love to do,” Morton said. “I had a great experience at NC. I met great people there and my grades were in the 80s and 90s. I also did the Study Abroad program for a week in England for Pop Culture, which was amazing. (It) was the most memorable part of my experience at NC.”
It was a time of new beginnings for Morton, who–with the support of Birchway Niagara (formerly Women’s Place of South Niagara)–was rebuilding her life with her two sons after leaving a domestic violence relationship.
Initially, she planned to just get her high school diploma, but then decided to pursue a college education, too. She applied to NC’s Early Childhood Education program before realizing she was better suited to Office Administration-Health Services.
Upon graduation, Morton found work at Niagara Health-Niagara Falls site and then moved on to a chiropodist’s office where she was quickly promoted to Team Lead Medical Office Administrator. She still works there today.
But earlier this year, Morton said, she was feeling in a rut. “I needed to figure out what my purpose was.”
She decided to take a break and head to British Columbia for a visit with her sister. In the small town of Mission, she stopped by a lightly used clothing store that supports women who are fleeing an abusive partner. It was the purpose she had been looking for.
“After shopping there, it clicked,” she said. “I wanted to help my community and do the same thing at home. That was on May 26. Once the fire in my soul was lit, it took me almost three months to get everything together and ready for my grand opening.”
Morton’s Port Colborne store, 39 Hers, celebrated its grand opening on August 17. Like the store that inspired her in B.C., Morton’s helps women who are escaping domestic violence: A portion of her sales go to the organization that helped her and her sons start over–Birchway Niagara.
“Birchway was absolutely incredible and supportive,” Morton said. “I was staying at the Welland location and the staff was so loving and empathetic and really cared about us.
“Birchway helped me with getting sole custody of my children, helped me get my divorce and also helped me with housing. I did not do any of these steps alone. Without Birchway, I wouldn’t’ be the woman I am today (and) my children would not be the children they are today.”
She said her goal is for the store to be a place that women in or leaving an abusive relationship can turn to for help and support from someone who’s been in their position.
“I need women to know that there is an affordable place to get work attire, gym clothes and casual clothes. I want women to know that when they come to 39 Hers, it is a safe place with no judgment. I want them to feel empowered…to let women know that I have been there, and they can get out and there is help; it looks and feels scary, and it is, but there is a way out and I need them to know that. My plan is to make an impact and be a part of the solution and end violence against women and their children once and for all.”
Despite not having studied business, Morton said the time she spent at Niagara College taught her a valuable lesson that’s stuck with her for years and helped her as she started her entrepreneur journey: Ask for help when you need it.
“Do not give up no matter how challenging things might get,” she said. “There is no growth without the challenges and the outcome is worth all the uphill battles you experience. People are afraid to chase their dreams because they are afraid of ‘what if?’ What if it doesn’t work out? Well, I say ‘What if it does?’ And if it doesn’t, at least you tried and learned something in the process. Taking chances is never a waste of time.”
39 Hers is located at 197 Main St. W. in Port Colborne. To donate gently used women’s and children’s clothing, accessories and footwear, contact the store at 905-394-9725.
