Where We Began
In the Late 1970’s
A small group of Orillians identified a lack of resources for women and children experiencing abuse.
They promoted community awareness of the issues related to domestic violence and all forms of abuse against women. They were dedicated to providing emergency shelter and full support services for abused women and their children.
Barb Green and Marcia Perryman approached the city for support. They received $75 that they added to their own money to rent an apartment for emergency situations.
These women and many others sheltered women in this safe house, but eventually had to close it due to lack of adequate staff and stable funding.
Portrait of Barbara Green In the 1980’s
The Orillia Women’s Advocacy Group (OWAG) for women and children experiencing abuse was established. They began the enormous task of raising funds and support from the community. OWAG began applying for government grants, and raising support for women and children experiencing abuse.
When the federal government announced funding, they
decided to apply and chose the name, ‘Project Haven’.
However, that funding application was rejected because the group was not yet incorporated as a not for profit
organization. It wasn’t until 1990 that the group received
charitable status after successful incorporation.The name Green Haven Shelter for Women was chosen in honour of Barb Green. Her dedication to the community service and family counselling dated back to identifying the need for that initial apartment years before.
Although Barb Green had passed away shortly before the opening, her family were in attendance. An oil painting of Barb was hung in the dining room of the shelter.
Orillia’s chapter of the Quota Club provided seed money to support the public awareness campaign and the City of Orillia provided office space in the Sir Samuel Steele building for a nominal fee.
In the 1990’s
Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services funded an administrative position to coordinatea capital campaign to purchase a building. Many groups and individuals in the area began to send in donations to open a shelter.
Liz Westcott was now at the helm and by September 1990, a house was
purchased, architectural drawings
completed and rezoning of the location
was approved by City Council.On October 3rd, 1991, Green Haven Shelter for Women opened its doors to women and their children who were
escaping violence and other forms of abuse.The home was warm and
welcoming, with a lush backyard and Liz remembers still wallpapering the morning of the ribbon cutting ceremony.In the 2000’s
Thanks to Liz and her team, Green Haven grew into a well
known, well respected local agency. Many, many women
and their children were cared for in that house on Mississaga Street.However, that original shelter was deemed too small for the needs of the residents and didn’t meet the accessibility standards of the province.
Staffing had grown and so had the programs they provided. So, a capital campaign was launched to build a new shelter.
In 2020, Green Haven Shelter for Women transitioned into
a new, state of the art, fully accessible facility with bright,
open spaces providing clients with comfort and safety for
themselves and any dependent children for healing and new beginnings.At the same time, Liz Westcott retired after 30
years of providing exceptional leadership to this
essential organization.Dan Green’s painting of Barbara Green continues to be prominently displayed as a
continuous and inspirational reminder of Green Haven’s rootsDan Green’s painting of Barbara Green continues to be prominently displayed as a
continuous and inspirational reminder of Green Haven’s roots
Our history is still unfolding.
Today, as you are reading this, we are still working towards the elimination of violence against women in our community. We have made it this far due to the dedication and courage of citizens in Orillia who were passionate about standing up to support survivors of abuse. To be a part of this progress and to help us continue advocating for the rights of women and children to live free from abuse, consider how you might be able to contribute to the next chapter of Green Haven Shelter for Women‘s story.