OUR HISTORY
In 1984, a group of concerned community members recognized the need for a safe, secure refuge for women and their children experiencing abuse in North Simcoe County.
As a result of hard work and determination, the following year, the doors of La Maison Rosewood shelter were opened, marking the beginning of Huronia Transition Homes. Starting as a 15 bed emergency shelter for women and their children in Midland Ontario, La Maison Rosewood shelter has supported many women and their children in our communities – and Huronia Transition Homes continues to grow.
Throughout the years, the ongoing community support has allowed Huronia Transition Homes to expand to a multi-site, multi-program organization operating throughout Simcoe County, providing shelter, support, education and advocacy to women and their children who have experienced abuse.
In 1998, the Ministry of the Attorney General approached Huronia Transition Homes to provide services to women in Simcoe County who had experienced recent and/or past sexual assault. Athena’s Sexual Assault Counselling & Advocacy Centre began operating in Simcoe County in October of that year.
By 2001, Huronia Transition Homes was ready for another new initiative with the introduction of Choices for Children. This program, offered across Simcoe County, helps children who have been exposed to violence against their mothers. The 10 week group sessions are held in Midland, Barrie, Orillia, Alliston and Collingwood throughout the year.
In 2009, Women’s Support Groups were introduced at La Maison Rosewood Shelter for women who have experienced violence and abuse. These psychoeducational support groups give women the opportunity to develop an understanding of the impacts of trauma and abuse , while increasing self-concept and self-esteem. Later in that same year, La Maison Rosewood Shelter, with support from the County of Simcoe, welcomed the addition of 5 homeless beds to serve more women and their children, bringing the shelter bed count to 20.
Huronia Transition Homes is continuing to grow. We count on the support and involvement of our communities to continue our work to end all violence against all women.
THE GROWTH OF HTH…
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1991 |
The move to the new La Maison Rosewood Shelter. |
1992 |
Outreach Services commenced. Women can now receive community based counselling. |
1993 |
Huronia Transition Homes engages in pay equity. |
1996 |
Ministry of the Attorney General contracts for Francophone services. |
1997 |
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation provided funding for an 800 sq ft expansion at La Maison Rosewood Shelter. |
1998 |
Athena’s Sexual Assault Counselling & Advocacy Centre opens, and a new logo is launched for Huronia Transition Homes. |
2001 |
Choices for Children program launched.
Transitional & Housing Support Program begins.
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation provided funding for interior and exterior renovations to La Maison Rosewood Shelter.
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2006 |
The Ontario Trillium Foundation provides funding for the Development program.
La Maison Rosewood Shelter holds its first annual fundraising gala “Reflections”.
V-Day is launched with Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues in Midland..
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2009 |
Supported by the County of Simcoe, 5 homeless beds for women and their children are added to la Maison Rosewood Shelter.
Women’s Support Groups commence.
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