Yorktown Family Services

June 2022

Fatima Valentim-Director of Violence Against Women Services and Gabby Dessye- Manager of Violence Against Women Client Services accepted our donation at the Faith-Hope-Love Meeting. Here is an excerpt from their thoughtful thank-you remarks to membership:

Your generous donation will enable us to continue to deliver the services that are crucial to enabling women and their children to heal and move on from the violence – services such as individual trauma-informed counselling, workshops that focus on increased awareness and self-esteem, assistance in finding affordable housing, securing legal services, assistance in finding supports around mental wellness and substance use, help in going to school or looking for work, financial literacy programs and even arts-based and recreational programming that allow clients to connect and have fun.

In addition, as a result of your generosity, we can also provide women with basic necessities that many of us take for granted, like feminine hygiene products, diapers and even grocery vouchers that women can use to help make ends meet once they are out on their own.  Women and their families are being hugely impacted by the rising cost of living and the difficulty in making ends meet.

Sheena’s place

November 2021

Sheena’s Place is an organization that provides support and education to individuals, families, and friends dealing with eating disorders in our community. They have provided this support over a twenty-five-year period. They have a non-judgmental approach and strive to provide their services with compassion, dignity, inclusion, and with a collaborative approach. Currently they serve 1200 people per year in-house and many more in their outreach programs. JP McMillan, Director of Development, gave members a tour of the house including areas dedicated to their cooking, counselling, art, poetry, and library resources.

Carmelina’s Home

September 2021

Women helping women. It was our honour to present a cheque to Carmelina’s Home for the work they do helping women. Ann Creighton was so kind to represent the charity to accept the award. She said the organization is very appreciative and excited to have received the donation. Carmelina’s Home provides a long-term residential rehabilitation program for women with addiction and emotional issues.

Etobicoke Senior Services

April 2021

ESS provides amazing services to our senior population. They provide day and night respite care, transportation, and exercise programming to name a few services. 

“ESS offers a diverse range of accredited services and programs designed to support the well-being of the seniors, older adults and caregivers who use our services. We are committed to providing safe, high quality programs and services.”

Daily Bread Food Bank

November 2020

During the pandemic we learned that food banks were seeing a 50% increase in need. We supported the Daily bread food bank at this critical time. 

“Our Vision: End hunger in our city.
Our Mission: We collaborate with all to eliminate food insecurity, and advocate solutions to end poverty.
Our Values: Rights Based We believe that food is a human right. Evidence-based Our actions are informed by evidence and form impactful solutions. Creative We continuously pursue new and refined solutions to serve the needs of our communities.”

Jean Augustine Centre for Women’s Empowerment

September 2020

We were thrilled to have the Honorable Jean Augustine join in on our Zoom meeting where her organization was awarded our donation. Hopefully we will meet in person in the not too distant future.

“The Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment is committed to building the self-esteem & self-worth of young women & girls by positively influencing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, & helping them to empower themselves. To enrich the lives of girls ages 7 to 17 years old through mentorship, empowerment programs & civic engagement with opportunities that place special emphasis on personal development & experiential learning.”

Women’s Habitat

May 2020

In pandemic times our group was able to support women and families in need. We are proud to support fellow women who need safety and support.

“Mission:To provide a safe refuge, counselling, support and advocacy for women and their children who are fleeing violence; while also working towards a more equal society where the inherent value of all women is recognized and celebrated.

Vision: All women have choice and opportunity to live their lives in dignity, with equal access to economic and social opportunities and freedom from violence.”

George Hull Centre for Children and Families

MAY 2020

During this pandemic it was our honour to allot monies to an organization focused on mental health is so concerning to our local population. The George Hull Centre provides mental health services for children from infancy to 18 years of age.

 “Examples of common mental health disorders include anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), traumatic stress responses and other emotional and behavioural issues. Fortunately, mental health issues can be diagnosed and treated if addressed early on. Research has proven that early intervention is critical to providing a hopeful and healthy future for children struggling with their mental health.”

The Stop Community Food Centre

February 20, 2020

Members delivered a cheque in the amount of $10,200. to The Stop. On our tour, provided by Senior Development Officer Roz Heintzman,  we learned that the philosophy is to  connect people around healthy food and then provide extensive services in other parts of their lives.  Offerings include a drop-in centre, nutritional cooking classes, a nutritional food bank with fresh produce, a Youth Program that teaches growing and cooking healthy food, and an Emotional Wellness Peer Support Group. They are proud of their Community Advocacy Program, which amongst other things, aids folks in getting medical assistance. Their income tax clinic last year helped return $485,000 to 242 participants. As you can see clearly in the photos, they are grateful for the support you have offered.

Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter

February 19, 2020

Members presented a cheque to Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter in the amount of $10,200. Manager of Development and Engagement, Angela Mazza, gave us a tour of the shelter including special play, study, and living areas so imperative for families to temporarily settle until their transition into permanent residences. We learned about the intake and supports provided to the women and children they assist. Ernestine’s is grateful to receive your donations.

Youth Without Shelter

November 20, 2019

The cheque presentation, in the amount of $18,350.00, to Youth Without Shelter was made by a group of members at the YWS facility. Following the presentation Steve Doherty took the group on a tour and explained the structure and programming. We had the opportunity to learn about the amazing work they do for the youth in our community. Steve and his organization are very appreciative of your donations.