Important message to ATEN community.

To our After Trauma Empowerment Network community,

After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role with ATEN due to ongoing health challenges and the need to prioritize my healing and wellbeing.

This organization and community has meant so much to me. What we’ve built together has always been rooted in courage, compassion, and the belief that healing after trauma is possible — not in isolation, but in connection with others who truly understand. It has been an honor to witness the strength, vulnerability, empowerment, and resilience within this space.

Making this decision has not been easy. Trauma recovery often teaches us the importance of listening to our bodies, respecting our limits, and allowing ourselves the same care and compassion we so freely offer others. At this time, stepping back is part of that process for me.

To the amazing ATEN A-Team: thank you for your collaboration, unwavering support, strong work ethic, and commitment to our shared mission. The hard work and passion each of you brings every day has made a lasting impact, and it has been an honour to work alongside you. I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together and will always carry these experiences and relationships with me.

To our clients and peers: thank you for trusting us with your stories, your healing journeys, and your hearts. Your resilience has inspired me more than words can express.

To the incredible supporters and customers of Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop: your encouragement, donations, purchases, volunteerism, and belief in our mission have made this work possible. Every item purchased, every conversation shared, and every act of support has helped create safe, trauma-informed spaces where healing and empowerment can grow.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health for their ongoing financial support and funding. Their commitment to our mission has been instrumental in allowing our organization to operate, grow, and continue supporting our community. We simply would not be able to do this important work without their partnership and support.

The After Trauma Empowerment Network was built on the belief that healing should never depend on someone’s ability to pay. Through free therapy, peer support, advocacy, and the dedication of so many caring people, we have been able to support individuals navigating the impacts of trauma with empathy, connection, and understanding. Our thrift shop — sustained by generous donations, volunteers, and community support — has also played an essential role in helping fund these services and keep our doors open to those who need them most.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the After Trauma Empowerment Network — the incredible staff, community members, volunteers, donors and supporters alike. Your voices, stories, and commitment to empowerment have created something deeply meaningful, and I remain hopeful and excited for the future of this work and organization.

While I may be stepping away from leadership, I believe wholeheartedly in the continued growth and impact of this organization and community. The mission remains important, the need remains real, and the foundation we’ve created together is strong.

ATEN and the Violet Rose will continue to operate and provide services as usual during this time of transition of leadership.

Please continue supporting the organization, the thrift shop, and the incredible people who carry this work forward every day. The need for accessible trauma support remains great, and this community continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.

Thank you for your trust, your kindness, and the many ways you’ve shown up for one another. I carry immense appreciation for this chapter and optimism for a bright future — both for the organization and for each of you individually.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this community. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

With love, gratitude, and hope,
Thank you!
Margaret Mauger
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