OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I stepped into the role as executive director in August. It has been a privilege to work alongside our dedicated board of directors, skilled leadership team, and compassionate staff, as we continue to deliver and evolve our services to ensure they are inclusive and meet the changing needs of anyone affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in the Dufferin and Caledon communities. I’d also like to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome I’ve received from our donors and community supporters.
It has always required immense strength and courage to leave an unhealthy relationship. The barriers to safety have increased significantly due to the current housing crisis and unstable economic climate. Through education and advocacy, we need to continue to chip away at the stigmas that exist and encourage courageous conversations—in both our community and the systems we work within.
During Women Abuse Prevention Month (November), join us in taking steps towards a future free of GBV and oppression by participating in some of the awareness activities we have planned (see page 3) or take action by talking about this initiative. Woman abuse is not a women’s issue. It is a human rights issue, and it affects us all.
Warmly,
HOW WE HELP
We are much more than a shelter—our services continue to expand to meet the needs of our growing community.
FTP has always provided emergency shelter to female-identifying individuals (16+), with or without children, experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness. While our shelter in Orangeville accounts for most of our real estate footprint, we support more clients annually through our other vital programs.
Individual, family and group counselling services are provided to clients staying in the shelter, and to hundreds of clients in our community from our offices in Orangeville, Shelburne and Bolton.
FTP has a 24-hour support line, mobile crisis services, sexual violence and abuse counselling and workshops for all genders. We also offer rural outreach, legal and housing support, Second and Third Stage transitional housing and addictions support for womxn.*
Thousands of students also participate in healthy relationship and violence prevention education we deliver in grade 5-8 classrooms annually.
When you think of who in your life might benefit from the many services and supports we provide, we hope you’ll remember FTP is much more than a shelter—and we are always here to help. Please see below for a few highlights.
*The term “womxn” is used as a more inclusive option for trans and nonbinary people than “women.”
12 shelter units
15+ client services
Icons above created by Freepik - Flaticon
4,296 crisis/info calls in the last year
Almost 2,000 students in the last year
HOPE WOMEN’S COFFEE
55 staff members
7 major funders
Help us empower women, one cup at a time. Throughout October and November, FTP is selling 8-ounce bags of Hope Women’s Coffee in partnership with Mochaberry Coffee. This coffee was produced by a women’s cooperative in the Caldas region of Columbia and has deliciously nutty and chocolaty notes. A fantastic gift for friends, colleagues and family members who enjoy tasty coffee. Each 8-ounce bag is $12—proceeds will support our essential programs and services.
Buy a bag today and help us empower the women and children we serve. Available in-store at Mochaberry (177 Broadway, Orangeville) or through our online store (scan QR code). NOTE: online orders are fulfilled every two weeks.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS TO HELP?
It is a challenging time, for everyone. The cost of living is expensive and it doesn’t look like things are going to get easier any time soon. Our supply of day-to-day client needs is running lower than it has in years. Any help you are able to provide is sincerely appreciated. Please scan the QR code or visit familytransitionplace.ca/give to find out all of the ways you can support us now and throughout the year.
If you have any questions about making a donation this holiday season, please call Ashlynne at 519-942-4122, ext. 247.
WRAPPED IN COURAGE
November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month
In recognition of Woman Abuse Prevention Month, FTP is once again participating in the Wrapped in Courage campaign—an annual initiative developed and facilitated by the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses (OAITH).
The Wrapped in Courage campaign is an awareness-building initiative that encourages communities to wrap themselves in purple to show those who have experienced domestic violence they are not alone. We invite individuals and businesses to show their support of this campaign by wearing a purple scarf throughout the month of November in solidarity against domestic violence.
FTP is also coordinating flag-raising ceremonies (see inset on the right) and proclamations with local municipalities and will be sharing information about the Wrapped in Courage campaign throughout the month.
For more information about this campaign or to purchase a purple scarf, please scan the following QR code or visit our website.
