For forty years, Nellie’s has been a place of safety and recovery for thousands of women and their children at the most difficult moment in their lives. Just by reaching our door, they have shown immense courage. While here, they overcome their vulnerability and display impressive strength as they begin their new journey.

Forty years ago, domestic violence was something few talked about publicly. Women who were physically, emotionally and sexually abused had little support, even from their own families.

Change has been a long time coming. Even thirty years ago, when MP Margaret Mitchell first brought the subject of domestic violence to the Canadian Parliament, men in the House laughed and jeered at her.

Hopefully that wouldn’t happen today. But the reality is that government funding for vulnerable women and children does not reflect a strong commitment to support women and children experiencing violence and who are in need of emergency shelter.

Despite the social changes of the last 40 years, Nellie’s is needed more than ever.

A 40th anniversary is a time to reflect and recommit. We are dedicated to supporting women and children to overcome violence, poverty and homelessness. And we are determined to increase the accessibility of our services to all women.

This year, we continue to embark on the exciting project of building a new shelter. Our current 36-bed shelter is over 100 years old. We need more space to help more women and we need to increase accessibility for women with physical disAbilities.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done in this time, and are inspired by the women who have passed through our doors, sharing their strengths and rebuilding their lives.

Thank you to our community for your support over these years. Because of you, thousands of women and children today are leading healthy, independent lives free from violence and abuse.