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On June 30th, 1978, Yellow Brick House opened its doors for the first time. Five community members - 3 social workers, a nurse and a probation officer knew that there needed to be a safe place for women and children fleeing violence.

For the past 43 years, we’ve been doing exactly that - providing a safe place for women and children fleeing violence. Over the years, we’ve been able to expand our services and support even more women and children.
 
Today, Yellow Brick House offers two emergency shelters with 51 beds and cribs, 24/7 crisis support line, an extensive community counselling and supportive services which include individual counselling, family court support, group support, transitional housing support program and our public education prevention program.
 
As we reflect on our success over the years, our growth and outreach to the women and children, it is essential that we always remember the impact that our services have on the women and children in our community. Our services save lives.
 
Dear friends and supporters of Yellow Brick House, your commitment to our agency is what enables us to make a difference in the lives of your friends, neighbours, your colleagues and your community as a whole.
 
With your help, our expertise and our common passion 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 being our number one supporters!

Please join us in celebrating our birthday by helping us win $20,000. For every dollar donated to Yellow Brick House online through CanadaHelps, YBH earns 1 entry into the Great Giving Challenge to win $20,000! 
On behalf of the women and children of Yellow Brick House - thank you!
Lorris Herenda
Executive Director
Alice's Story
Written by Jasmine B.
When Alice first stepped into Yellow Brick House community counselling and supportive services facility, she didn’t know what to think. Her father recently left her house because of a violent incident. Children’s Aid got involved and recommended that her family seek help with Yellow Brick House. Alice was in ninth grade, heavily involved in extracurricular activities, and was not sure what to make of the nondescript Yellow Brick House facility as her and her family pulled into the parking lot.

“I was still in the mindset of like, this is normal. Like, what happened to me isn't a big deal and people have it worse,” she said. “So I was kind of more hesitant to go.”
 
Alice and her brother went for sessions with a counsellor, Talia— a woman with a bright smile and matching purple glasses. The sign on the door read people who wear purple glasses are cool. That’s when Alice realized this was a safe space. “I just knew that it was really fun and it wasn't gonna be that serious. It really felt like these are people I can get along with,” Alice said. 
Alice returned to Yellow Brick House counselling over the next few months, and each time, the counselling rooms began to feel more like home.
 
When Yellow Brick House closed Alice’s case and determined that her family was safe, Alice was grateful for all the support her and her brother received.
 
“Talia became more than just a counsellor; she helped us understand that violence was not our fault and that being a family did not mean having to live in fear. I don’t know where I would be without her”
 
Today, Alice and her family are happy and healthy and are in a much better place than when they first visited Yellow Brick House six years ago. Alice is currently in school studying to become a paralegal to help other survivors overcome the impact of abuse and break the cycle of domestic violence. Alice’s mom is in a happy and healthy relationship and Alice has a great relationship with her stepfather . “He treats us with so much love and respect and has really shown me what a father is supposed be”. Alice’s younger brother is currently doing well in highschool and has a part time job that also keeps him busy. He still uses strategies that Talia taught him in their sessions from years ago.

“My family and I wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of Talia and Yellow Brick House. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done.” 
Join us in celebrating our birthday – 43 years of supporting people like Alice and her family. Thank you for helping us provide 43 years of safety, counselling and resources to support families.
 
When you donate to Yellow Brick House or support our cause, you’re providing more than just money or time — you’re helping us save a family.
Great Canadian Giving Challenge - Help Us Win $20,000!
Join the Great Canadian Giving Challenge for the month of June!

For every dollar donated to Yellow Brick House online through CanadaHelps, YBH earns 1 entry into the Great Giving Challenge to win $20,000! 

So, if you donate $100 that equals 100 entries! 

Donate to Yellow Brick House through CanadaHelps until June 30th, to help us win $20,000!
Yellow Brick House | 905-709-0900

Call/Text Crisis & Support Line: 1-800-263-3247 [ext. 1 for calls]