Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Ernestine’s
Toronto, ON – May 23 2024 – Ernestine’s Women's Shelter, a leading shelter for survivors of violence in Ontario, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their recent grant, which has facilitated crucial renovations to enhance safety and accessibility at our facility.
In an environment where shelters and transitional houses face unprecedented demand, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure often presents a significant challenge. The generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has enabled Ernestine’s to address these challenges head-on, ensuring that survivors have access to safe and secure spaces during their healing journey.
From left to right: Khadija Kathy Ali (Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator, Ernestine’s), Michelle Telfeyan (Executive Assistant in the Constituency Office of MPP Doug Ford Etobicoke North), Laverne Blake (Director of Programs and Operations, Ernestine’s) and Anna Morgan (Manager, Programs and Services, Ernestine’s). Michelle Telfeyan presents the team at Ernestine’s with a letter of congratulations from MPP Doug Ford.
Over the past year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation's investment has empowered Ernestine’s to undertake vital renovations, focusing on upgrading our shelter facilities. These renovations have not only improved the physical infrastructure of our facility but have also prioritized safety and accessibility for survivors seeking refuge.
Michelle Telfeyan Executive Assistant in the Constituency Office of MPP Doug Ford Etobicoke North presents the team at Ernestine’s with a letter of congratulations from MPP Doug Ford.
"Safe and accessible facilities are paramount for survivors of violence," said Sharlene Tygesen Executive Director at Ernestine’s. "Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation's support, we can now provide sanctuary in a space that is secure and accommodating, essential for our clients' healing process."
Beyond the tangible improvements to our shelter, the grant has enabled Ernestine’s to allocate resources more efficiently, eliminating the need to choose between programming and maintenance. This ensures that our organization can continue to provide crucial services to survivors without compromise.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation's commitment to supporting organizations like Ernestine’s underscores their understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by those working in the field of gender-based violence. Their investment not only empowers us to create safer spaces for survivors but also strengthens our capacity to deliver comprehensive and effective support services.
Ernestine’s extends its deepest appreciation to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their unwavering support and commitment to making a positive impact in our community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Emily McClung, Development and Engagement Manager Ernestine’s emily@ernestines.ca
About Ernestine’s: Ernestine’s Women's Shelter is a leading shelter for survivors of violence in Ontario, providing a safe haven and comprehensive support services to those in need. With a commitment to empowerment and healing, Ernestine’s works tirelessly to create a community where survivors can thrive. Ernestines.ca