FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE
FALL UPDATE PROVIDING SAFETY, SUPPORT AND HOPE FOR OVER 40 YEARS.
THE YEAR IN REVIEW:
Working together for safer communities At Family Transition Place (FTP), we remain deeply committed to our work of supporting individuals and families impacted by genderbased violence (GBV) and building safer communities. While progress continues, there is still much work to be done to raise awareness about the prevalence of GBV and the importance of prevention, education, and support. Collaboration is central to this work. As a trusted community partner, we work closely with local organizations, service providers, businesses, and other valued partners to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and create safer communities for everyone. Learn more about this collaborative approach in our Annual Report (QR code below). We are also incredibly grateful for the generosity and commitment of our donors, whose support helps ensure that vital services remain available to those who need them. Every contribution, act of advocacy, volunteer effort, and community connection helps advance our mission. As we look ahead, our commitment remains steadfast. Thank you to our partners, donors, volunteers, staff, and supporters for standing with FTP. Together, we will continue this important work and strive for a future where everyone can live free from violence. Learn more about our ongoing commitment and priorities on the back panel.
WHAT’S NEW? IN THE LAST YEAR THE POWER OF SPEAKING UP EDUCATION & PREVENTION TAKE BACK THE NIGHT STAND WITH SURVIVORS COMMUNITY GENEROSITY DECEMBER 6TH VIGIL SAVE THE DATE OUR SERVICES HOW TO HELP
THE POWER OF SPEAKING UP Silence is never neutral. Laughter at someone’s expense is never harmless. Looking away when someone is being harmed is never without impact. For survivors of sexual violence, what others dismiss as a small moment can deepen feelings of shame, isolation, and fear. A degrading joke, an inappropriate comment, or a dismissive response can reinforce the belief that their experiences do not matter. When others remain silent, survivors may feel unsupported or question whether they will be believed. No one should have to wonder whether they deserve safety, dignity, and respect. At FTP, we understand that creating safety means more than simply avoiding harm. It means challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow sexual violence to persist. It means fostering spaces where survivors are met with compassion, believed without judgement, and supported in ways that respect their choices and experiences. Harm can take many forms. It may be found in the words someone speaks, the laughter that follows, or the silence of those who witness it. These actions can erode trust, deepen isolation, and make it harder for survivors to feel safe and connected. Every person deserves to live in a community that respects their boundaries and
honours their dignity. Building a culture of safety requires courage, compassion, and accountability. It means challenging harmful comments, interrupting inappropriate behaviour, listening without judgement, and standing beside those who may feel alone. Supporting survivors is not only about how we respond after harm occurs, but also about preventing harm and challenging the beliefs that allow it to continue. Change does not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with saying, “That is not okay.” It begins with believing survivors, respecting their choices, and creating space for their voices to be heard. Every act of compassion and every decision to speak up can help create a community where survivors feel safe, valued, and less alone. Being an ally means more than choosing not to cause harm. It means standing with survivors, challenging harmful behaviour, and helping create a world where safety, dignity, and respect are never negotiable.
EDUCATION AND PREVENTION Building safer communities through knowledge, collaboration, and lasting culture change Education is central to FTP’s work to prevent gender-based violence. Through school, family, and community partnerships, FTP equips young people and the adults who support them with the knowledge and confidence to build healthy, respectful relationships.
FTP's Youth Educators presenting at March 2026 International Women's Day Celebration Breakfast. Photo credit: Meghan Bond Photography.
For more than 25 years, our youth educators have delivered eight-week programs for students in Grades 5 to 8, high school presentations, and parent workshops. Reaching an estimated 50,000 students across Dufferin and Caledon, FTP’s Youth Education Program explores empathy, communication, emotional regulation, consent, bullying, social media, and mental wellness.
FTP’s Anti-Human Sex Trafficking Training, launched in 2023, has reached more than 5,000 students in Grades 7 and 10 across Dufferin County. Supported by an educator and mobile crisis counsellor, sessions help youth recognize manipulation, warning signs, and avenues for support. FTP is also expanding prevention through CLEAR— Coaching Leadership, Equity and Respect—an evidence-based program that trains coaches, teachers, and mentors to lead conversations about respect, consent, bystander intervention, and peer leadership. Across all three initiatives, collaboration drives impact. By continually refreshing curriculums and working with schools, boards, sports organizations, and funders, FTP is helping create safer communities and lasting culture change for future generations. FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT Together, we uplift survivors. Together, we take a stand. FTP extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on September 17th for Take Back the Night. It was a meaningful evening of solidarity, connection, and strength as our community came together to raise awareness and take a stand against sexual and genderbased violence. This year, we were proud to partner with Dufferin Child & Family Services and Headwaters Health Care Centre. These valued community agencies have been working alongside us for more than 20 years to support survivors of sexual violence through the Sunrise Program, and we are grateful for our continued collaboration. Held at the Mel Lloyd Centre in Shelburne, this year’s event featured guest speakers, community resources, a 2-kilometre empowerment walk, and a candlelit vigil. Thank you to our speakers for sharing messages of hope and support, and to the Ukuladies for their wonderful performance. We are also grateful to 101.5 IndieFM Orangeville and Tim Hortons Shelburne for supporting this important event and helping raise awareness in our community. Take Back the Night reminds us that everyone has a role in creating a community where all feel safe, respected, and supported. Together, we can challenge harmful attitudes, amplify survivors’ voices, and work toward a future free from sexual and gender-based violence.
WOMAN ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH This November, stand with survivors This November, in recognition of Woman Abuse Prevention Month, FTP is calling on our community to stand together, raise awareness of gender-based violence, and show survivors that they are not alone. Through the Wrapped in Courage campaign, organized by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses and led locally by FTP, we honour survivors and affirm our shared commitment to ending woman abuse. Wear a purple scarf, raise a campaign flag, and encourage local leaders to proclaim November as Woman Abuse Prevention Month. FTP is also participating in the Shine the Light on Woman Abuse campaign, created by the London Abused Women’s Centre. Throughout November, homes, businesses, municipal buildings, and community landmarks can be illuminated in purple—a powerful symbol of solidarity, hope, and the urgent need for change. We invite everyone in our community to take part. Wear purple, light up your space, share the campaign messages, start meaningful conversations, and learn how you can support survivors. Every visible action helps challenge silence, reduce stigma, and reinforce that genderbased violence has no place in our communities. Together, we can help build a safer, more supportive future for everyone. For more information about these initiatives or to purchase a Wrapped in Courage purple scarf or Shine the Light purple light bulb, please scan the QR code or visit our website. FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 6TH RECOGNITION National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women On December 6th, 1989, 14 young women were tragically murdered at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in an act of gender-based violence driven by hatred toward women. Please join us for a brief and meaningful outdoor candlelit vigil at our Orangeville location on Thursday, December 3rd. Together, we will honour the 14 women murdered in 1989 and remember all those lost to femicide since last year. We will also mark this day of remembrance online through our social media channels and website on December 6th. Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 5–5:30 p.m. 20 Bredin Parkway, Orangeville This will be an outdoor event—please dress accordingly.
Photo from 2025 vigil
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for breakfast on Thursday, March 4th to celebrate International Women’s Day! Our new breakfast format was a hit this year, and we’re excited to do it again in 2027! Join us for another memorable morning filled with delicious food, meaningful networking opportunities, fantastic prizes, and unique silent auction finds—all in support of FTP and our work to end violence against women in our community. The best part? We’ll wrap up by 11 a.m., so you can enjoy all the fun, connect with others, support a great cause, and still have the rest of your day ahead of you! Great food, great connections, and a great cause—what better reason to join us? More details coming soon—we can’t wait to see you there! 2026 Event Photo: Meghan Bond Photography
March 4, 2027 | Hockley Valley Resort Early bird tickets available December 1, 2026 Stay up-to-date by visiting our website: familytransitionplace.ca
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CARD NUMBER CARD HOLDER’S NAME SIGNATURE EXPIRY DATE FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
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COMMUNITY GENEROSITY We are deeply grateful for the generosity and ongoing support of our community. Your kindness helps make our work at FTP possible. Here are just a few snapshots celebrating the donors who make a difference every day.
Rosemont District Fire Department Car Wash Fundraiser August 2026
Cedar Fund (donor-directed fund through Dufferin Community Foundation) cheque presentation - August 2026 Photo credit: Doug Schaefer
Start of Shoppers Foundation Giving Shelter Campaign Orangeville Mall location - September 2026
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers - September 2026 Photo credit: Indigo Visual
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familytransitionplace.ca
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FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER
HERE FOR YOU: OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FTP continues to provide vital support across our community, from emergency, second- and third-stage housing for women and children to counselling, crisis response, and outreach services. In the last year, our Support/Info Line responded to 4,989 calls, while our counselling and support programs helped hundreds of women, men, and children navigate challenges and access care. We also reached more than 2,500 students and participants through youth and sexual violence education, helping build awareness, promote healthy relationships, and prevent violence. Through our housing, transitional, rural response, and addictions services, we remain committed to helping individuals and families find safety, stability, and a path forward. All of our services are free. Safety and Shelter Safe shelter, emergency support, safety planning, and transitional housing for individuals experiencing abuse or homelessness. Counselling and Support Confidential counselling, sexual violence support, and practical guidance to help individuals heal, build resilience, and move forward. Education and Prevention School programs, workshops, and community initiatives that promote healthy relationships, prevent violence, and build awareness. Outreach and Community Connections Mobile and rural outreach connecting individuals with essential resources, housing support and services for mental health and substance use challenges. Icons created by Magnific - Flaticon
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP? Give in a way that works for you There are many ways to support FTP and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether through a financial contribution, donating essential items, or finding another way to give, every act of generosity is deeply appreciated. Scan the QR code or visit familytransitionplace.ca/give to explore the many ways you can support FTP this holiday season and throughout the year. Have questions about giving? Please contact Ashlynne at 519-942-4122, ext. 247.
Find us on:
20 Bredin Parkway Orangeville, ON L9W 4Z9 1-800-265-9178
familytransitionplace.ca