Hello Friend,
Over the last six months, Yellow Brick House has completed a series of renovations designed to modify our emergency shelter and crisis counselling and support offices to protect clients, staff and volunteers from the unnecessary risk of contracting COVID-19 or a future pandemic illness. The upgrades were made possible thanks to a $150,000 Resilient Community Fund grant awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and the Federal Community Support Fund.
Funds from the grants have been used to implement layout changes, plexiglass barriers, signage, wall mounted hand sanitizers, break-out lounge area accommodations, improved air flow and cafe style tables and chairs for two of our locations.
We are so excited to be able to accommodate more families and for our clients to enjoy the new space. With domestic violence up by more than 30% throughout the pandemic, this is more important than ever. We simply cannot slow down – the lives of women and children depend on it! 

As we navigate a new disrupted reality that includes physical distancing, this project has moved Yellow Brick House’s essential emergency housing and counselling space into readiness for later stages of the pandemic and post-pandemic. 
We appreciate all of your support and commitment to Yellow Brick House – you enable us to make a difference in the lives of your friends, neighbours, colleagues and your community as a whole.
From Right to Left: Michael Parsa (MPP), Wayne Emmerson (York Region Chairman and CEO), Stephanie Kremer (Yellow Brick House Board President), Minister Steve Clark (MPP), Lorris Herenda (Yellow Brick House Executive Director), Mayor Mrakas (Mayor of Aurora), Monica Sangoi, Manager Community Programs Social Services York Region
Touring one of our shelters to see our updated space and learn more about the work that we do in the community.
With your help, our expertise and our common passion and goal to assist abused women and children, we will continue to make a difference. We will continue to break the silence and eventually eradicate violence against women and children. 
 
Thank you for your continuous support!
 
Lorris Herenda
Executive Director
This year's annual Break The Silence - Step in My Shoes 2021 Virtual Walk will be raising funds in support of Yellow Brick House's life-saving support services and prevention programs for women and children impacted by violence and abuse. Throughout September and October, join us by registering and create your own 2.5 kilometer course to ride, walk, roll, run or jog. 
 905-709-0900 | [email protected]  |  www.yellowbrickhouse.org
Crisis & Support Line: 1-800-263-3247