Please read the following updates from Family Transition Place (FTP), located in Treaty 19 territory. Find out more about Treaty 19.

Early bird tickets still available!

Join us on March 8th to celebrate International Women's Day with Serena Ryder!

A vocal powerhouse, Serena Ryder is a platinum-selling artist whose raw and earnest songwriting and beautifully electric live performances have made her a favourite amongst fans, peers, and critics alike. She has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Canada’s Walk of Fame Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, six JUNO Awards, a MuchMusic Video Award for Best Rock Video, and a Canadian Screen Award for Achievement in Music – Original Song. An advocate for mental wellness, Ryder has also been awarded the Margaret Trudeau Mental Health Advocacy Award.

Ryder has been playing guitar and penning songs since she was a teenager, with multiple hit albums to her name. Her songs have appeared in more than 50 television shows and commercials, including Grey’s Anatomy, VEEP, and Suits. In concert, Ryder has shared the stage with such notable artists as OneRepublic, Sara Bareilles, HAIM, Pitbull, and Melissa Ethridge.

Through her keynote presentations and recent album, The Art of Falling Apart, Ryder invites audiences to join her mental wellness journey and helps them understand the importance of sitting with the uncomfortable moments and the wisdom in their messages.

In addition to an exclusive opportunity to get to know her, Serena will also treat the audience by performing one of her popular songs. Attendees will also have access to extraordinary silent auction, swag and door-prize items and the occasion to indulge on a three-course gourmet meal. This event also provides an opportunity to network, connect with friends and celebrate the accomplishments of women, all while supporting FTP. 

$175/person (early bird - EXTENDED!)

$200/person (effective February 15, 2024)

NOTE: Discounted rates are available for full tables of 10, but the table rate needs to be paid in full at the time of registration. Please contact Kelly at 519-942-4122, ext. 243 or kelly@familytransitionplace.ca to access the discounted rate.

$1,600/table of 10 (early bird - EXTENDED!)

$1,800/table of 10 effective February 15, 2024

All funds raised will help support FTP’s critical education, counselling and shelter programs.

Other ways to support this event

Thank you to all of our incredible event sponsors! (Click here to visit our sponsor acknowledgement page)

Help raise important funds with a chance to win!

Don't miss out on your chance to win one of the following amazing prizes!

Grand Prize:

From Tradition to Non-Tradition–a quilt designed, created and sewn by Sandra Small Proudfoot. Machine quilting by Mary Light of Temiskaming Shores.

2nd Prize:

$200 gift cards for use at

Winners | HomeSense | Marshalls

3rd Prize:

$100 gift certificate for dinner at Bluebird Café and Grill

Artist Statement on From Tradition to Non-Tradition:

Quilts have long provided an outlet for creative expression, from the pioneer women of years past to the quiltmakers of today. This quilt is titled From Tradition to Non-Tradition. The traditional patters are displayed on the borders of the quilt and the central design is created by its designer and quiltmaker. Traditional quilts are often referred to as our 'grandmother's quilts.' They are made from patterns which have been passed down from generation to generation of quiltmakers for decades and which have become a 'tradition' with many quiltmakers. This quilt is designed to fit a queen-sized or twin bed.

Prize draw to take place on March 20, 2024, 11 a.m.

Family Transition Place—20 Bredin Parkway, Orangeville

You do not have to be in attendance to win.

All proceeds to support the personal-care needs of the women and children accessing FTP's shelter, counselling and outreach services.

If you would like to know more about this raffle, please visit our website or contact Kelly at 519-942-4122, ext. 243, or email kelly@familytransitionplace.ca.

The fine print:

Purchasers, all ticket holders and/or group members must be at least 18 years of age. Tickets cannot be purchased in the name of a minor.

Tickets are not tax deductible and must be purchased and delivered within the province of Ontario.

Only one (1) name can be entered as a Primary Ticket Holder.

Employees of the Charity* staff and Charity board members are NOT eligible to participate (defined as purchase tickets or receive prizes in the Raffle).

Charity volunteers and family members are able to participate.

*Charity defined as Family Transition Place (FTP)

Lottery Licence M 841760

February is Black History Month

In Canada, the 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build." This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.

More information on Black History Month Canada can be found here.

Our Youth Education Program in action

The following is a client's success story through FTP's Youth Education Program:

A client recently shared to an FTP clinical counsellor that it was the Youth Education Program that prompted them to seek support. Unbeknownst to Mom, her daughter was participating in FTP’s Healthy Relationship Power Program in her grade 7 class. During this time Mom was also wondering if the relationship she had with her husband was healthy or not. She was constantly questioning herself and even wondered if she was “crazy” for thinking such things.

It wasn’t until her daughter started to come home freshly armed with healthy relationship information that she felt validated and began to understand that she was in an abusive relationship. A critical turning point came when her daughter said to her “I don’t think the relationship you have with Dad is a healthy one.”

Mom is currently in counselling and is in the process of leaving the unhealthy relationship. Mom asked her counsellor to thank the Youth Education team for not only providing critical education to her daughter but by extension to her as well. Mom relayed that life is better for her and her daughter because of FTP and the information her daughter came home with.  

Another wonderful contribution

These two fantastic people—Shelley and Ken Wishart—have made a significant contribution in support of our work every year for the last five years through their family trust. This reliable source of significant funding has helped us ensure that our services continued—uninterrupted—through challenging times, and has supported the growth of our programs.

"Family Transition Place has supported so many of our most vulnerable community members. We are honoured to be able to help." — Shelley and Ken

GoYoga Orangeville—Shelley’s business here in Orangeville—has also been a significant source of support for us over the last several years. In fact, GoYoga is a Presenting sponsor of this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration Event taking place on March 8 at Hockley Valley Resort.

We are all truly grateful for everything that Shelley and Ken have done to help us continue to provide the quality of service that this community has come to know and trust. 

Support for Caregivers Group

It is often difficult to navigate how to care for someone you love who has experienced sexual violence. You may be unsure of what to say or what to do to help them through the process. FTP is offering an 8-session group providing a space of support for caregivers (i.e., intimate partners, family members, parents and friends) to learn about trauma, how to support their loved ones and to learn techniques to love and care for themselves.

Tuesdays, March 12–April 30, 5–6:30 p.m.

Call FTP to register: 519-941-4357 | 905-584-4357

Click here to view all of our available groups.

Nonprofit Appreciation Week

Next week is Nonprofit Appreciation Week in Ontario—February 12–16, 2024. This is the third year of this initiative and it is based on legislation to recognize nonprofit workers and organizations by the Government of Ontario, Bill 9, Nonprofit Sector Appreciation Week, 2021.

Click here for reasons to celebrate.

Local events

Human Trafficking Awareness

February 22nd is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In recognition of this important annual initiative, FTP staff and some of our amazing community partners will be doing an online presentation and panel discussion on trafficking in this region on February 13th from 6–7:30 p.m.

This presentation is geared towards parents and caregivers who want information, tools to build resilience and ways to support their children as they navigate a world where trafficking rates are sharply on the rise. All are welcome.

Registration is required.

February Events

March Events

If you are experiencing abuse and/or homelessness, please do not hesitate to call us. Our counselling and outreach supports will be offered virtually, by phone or in person. Our support/info line operates 24/7; text options are also available. Our priority is to ensure those experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness have somewhere safe to go, or have the option to speak with a caring and compassionate professional.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. We are always here to provide access to safety, support and hope for those in need.

24-Hour Support/Info Line:

519-941-HELP (4357) | 905-584-HELP (4357)

1-800-265-9178

Text: 519-278-5410

Email: support@familytransitionplace.ca

Text and email accounts are monitored Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Staff will respond to messages as soon as possible. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.