Across Toronto and Ontario, families fleeing gender-based violence face urgent and compounding challenges rooted in socioeconomic adversity. Central to this work is the need to ensure that children are protected, both physically and emotionally, after growing up in a violent home. 

 

Many child residents of North York Women’s Shelter have lived through fear, chronic stress, disrupted attachment and emotional neglect. These early Adverse Childhood Experiences significantly inhibit the healthy development of socioemotional skills as foundations for long-term wellbeing. At North York Women’s Shelter, we are committed to offering trauma-informed and evidence-based programs to assist in children’s healing, seeking to interrupt the cycle of violence.  

 

“I learned that when I feel angry or frustrated, I can stop, take a deep breath, and try to calm down.”

– child resident in NYWS

 

 

“I liked spending time with my friends in the shelter without worrying about anything else. We played, laughed, and learned together.”

– child resident in NYWS

 

This year, with the support of the Air Canada Foundation, we are delivering the Brighter Futures program; creative arts, music, movement and nature-based play sessions, providing age-appropriate healing and enrichment to support children’s resilience, regulation and personal relationships. Supporting us in this program, North York Women’s Shelter would like to thank the Air Canada Foundation for their support towards creating safe and stable lives for vulnerable children.  

 

“The staff were very empathetic, patient, and attentive. They helped me build on my own strengths and supported me in learning strategies to help my child manage their emotions. I learned so much throughout the program.”

– adult resident in NYWS

 

Thank you to the Air Canada Foundation for supporting vulnerable children’s health and wellbeing after violence through this program and your ongoing work in the community.