This story is made possible through the support of Housser's Paint and Wallpaper as part of OrilliaMatters' Community Leaders Program
Green Haven Shelter for Women has a long and storied history in Orillia, beginning almost 50 years ago.
“In the late 1970’s a small group of Orillians identified a lack of resources for women and children experiencing abuse,” explained a Green Haven spokesperson. “They promoted community awareness of the issues related to 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.”
Two Orillians, 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, according to Green Haven history.
Undeterred, in the 1980s a group of Orillians calling itself The Orillia Women’s Advocacy Group (OWAG) for women and children experiencing abuse was established. They began the arduous task of raising funds and awareness for women and children experiencing abuse.
Finally, in September 1990, charitable status was achieved, and funding from many sources was attained. A house was purchased, rezoning approved, and architectural drawings were complete.
“The name Green Haven Shelter for Women was chosen in honour of Barb Green,” explained the spokesperson. “Her dedication to community service and family counselling dated back to that first apartment hostel, so many years before.” Green Haven opened on October 3, 1991, just a short time after Barb Green passed away.
In 2020, Green Haven transitioned into the home it operates in today, a modern, spacious, yet homey facility to provide safety, shelter, and support for women and children experiencing abuse.
“Green Haven provides emergency shelter, 24/7 crisis support, and outreach services in the community for all self-identifying women and their children who are experiencing abuse in our community,” said the spokesperson. “We also provide specialized support for children and youth, as well as Violence Against Women resources, to help women to recognize the signs of violence, to help themselves or others.”
A full list of Green Haven’s programs and services can be found here.
Green Haven is grateful for the community’s support and there are many different ways to support, according to the spokesperson. “You can donate once a year, or monthly. You can volunteer, or work here, or in the community. You can attend one or many of our annual awareness or fundraising events…any way you can contribute, we welcome you with open arms!”
Your contributions help people like Olivia, who, with three small children, after years of abuse, found Green Haven and with that support, formed a detailed plan to safely remove her family from the toxic home environment. Once a space was secured, Olivia and her children courageously left the home, and have never looked back.
“Green Haven has changed lives for the better, for decades,” said the spokesperson. “We are so grateful for the opportunities we can give our clients, with the help of our community.”
