The Denise House

06/04/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐈𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞́𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬.

We are excited to share this wonderful community event hosted by Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle on June 6 in Oshawa. Enjoy cultural performances, music, food, artisans, family activities, and opportunities to connect with community in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Whether you're looking to celebrate, learn something new, or spend time with family and friends, this event offers something for everyone.

📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 863 Glen Street, Oshawa

We encourage our community to attend and take part in this vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and community.

Mark you Calendars! Family Fun for All.

06/03/2026

🍎🧃 Our Snack Shelf Needs a Little Help! 🧃🍎

Did you know that children staying at The Denise House rely on us for snacks not only for school lunches and after school, but also in shelter for lunches, evenings, weekends, school breaks, and those moments when they simply need something comforting and familiar? 💜

Right now, our snack supply is running low, and we're reaching out to our amazing community for support.

Some of our most-needed items include:
🍎 Applesauce cups
🍪 Granola bars
🍪 Individual cookie packs
🧃 Juice boxes
🥨 Crackers
🐟 Goldfish crackers
🍿 Popcorn
🍎 Fruit cups
🥜 Nut-free snack packs
🍇 Raisins and dried fruit
🥣 Individual cereal or oatmeal packets
🌾 Rice Krispie Squares
🍫 Nut-free treats

Gift cards to grocery stores are also greatly appreciated and help us purchase snacks as needs arise.

Every donation helps ensure that children staying in shelter have access to nutritious, kid-friendly snacks when they need them most.

If you'd like to help, please reach out to us:
📞 Call us anytime 905-728-7311
✉️ [email protected]
💻 www.thedenisehouse.com

Thank you for helping us keep little tummies full and little hearts cared for. 💜

06/02/2026

𝐀 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚.

In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a new tort of intimate partner violence. In simple terms, this means survivors may now be able to bring a civil claim and seek financial compensation for the harm caused by intimate partner violence.

Why does this matter?

Because intimate partner violence is often much more than physical assault. It can involve a pattern of coercive control, emotional abuse, intimidation, threats, isolation, financial control, surveillance, and other behaviours used to dominate and control another person. For years, advocates, survivors, and front-line organizations have worked to raise awareness around this issue.

Many survivors have struggled to have these experiences fully recognized within the legal system. This decision acknowledges that the cumulative impact of these behaviours can cause profound and lasting harm and that those harms deserve recognition and accountability.

At The Denise House, we see the effects of coercive control every day. We support women and children who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing abuse that may not always leave visible scars but can deeply affect their safety, wellbeing, confidence, and independence.

While this decision does not end violence against women, it represents an important step forward. It sends a powerful message that intimate partner violence is not simply a private matter, it is a serious harm with real consequences, and survivors deserve pathways to justice.

Are you or someone you know experiencing intimate partner violence and don't know where to turn?

We Can Help.

📞 Call us anytime 905-728-7311
✉️ [email protected]
💻 www.thedenisehouse.com

06/02/2026

The Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH) 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 𝙞𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 1 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙

We acknowledge the devastating impact of these losses. We Say Their Names to remember and honour them 🦋

Confirmed:
🦋 Farnaz Farahani, 60 - Ottawa, ON

OAITH Highlights: "As the country continues to grapple with inadequate safe and affordable housing stock, women and girls continue to be at risk for violence within their homes. Without affordable housing alternatives survivors may be faced with remaining in or returning to living in violent and unsafe conditions (Women’s Shelters Canada,2024). According to OAITH’s femicide data (2025), in 2024-2025, 79% of femicide victims were reported to be killed inside of a residence or on the property outside of their residence, illustrating the risk that many women face in their own homes."

To continue reading.. Visit https://www.oaith.ca/

every woman deserves to age in safety.

𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡!! Action is urgently needed to end all forms of gender-based violence. We CAN do better! We MUST do better!

06/02/2026

🧡 June is National Indigenous History Month 🧡

This month, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, whose presence on this land stretches back since time immemorial and continues to shape our communities today.

National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to learn, listen, and reflect. It is a time to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of Indigenous Peoples, while also acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonization and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation.

At The Denise House, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Throughout June, we encourage our community to take time to explore Indigenous histories, amplify Indigenous voices, and deepen their understanding of the diverse cultures and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Together, we can continue building relationships grounded in respect, understanding, and reconciliation.

🧡

06/01/2026

🌈 Pride Month is Here! 🌈

This June, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

At The Denise House, we believe that everyone deserves to live free from violence, fear, and discrimination. We recognize that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can face unique barriers when seeking safety and support, and we are committed to providing services that are inclusive, affirming, and welcoming.

Pride is a celebration of authenticity, courage, and community. It is also a reminder that the work toward equality, acceptance, and safety continues.

This month and every month, we stand with 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, friends, colleagues, residents, and community members. We celebrate your stories, your contributions, and your right to be exactly who you are. 💜

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

05/29/2026

💜 What a Night. What a Community. What a Celebration of Courage. 💜

Last Friday evening, our community came together in the most beautiful and powerful way for our 2026 Celebration of Courage Gala, and we are still overwhelmed with gratitude.

From the sacred drumming ceremony that opened the evening with such heart and spirit...
To the moving performances that left the room in tears and standing ovations...
To Amy’s courageous story of resilience and hope...
To the laughter, connection, bidding wars, key turns at the Glass House, heartfelt conversations, messages of encouragement for our residents, and a room completely filled with compassion and support.

It was truly a magical evening.

This year’s theme was 🌱 Growth 🌱 and that spirit could be felt in every corner of the room.

Growth in healing.
Growth in community.
Growth in hope.
Growth in the unwavering support surrounding the women and children we serve.

To every guest, sponsor, donor, volunteer, staff member, committee member, performer, dignitary, vendor, and community supporter who helped make this evening possible - thank you. You helped create something incredibly meaningful, and your support directly impacts the lives of women and children rebuilding their lives after violence.

A very special thank you as well to our professional photographer for so beautifully capturing the emotion, energy, and unforgettable moments throughout the evening. These photos tell a story all on their own and we are excited to share this collection of memories with you today.

✨ Final fundraising numbers along with a link to view ALL gala photos will be shared in the coming days!

From the bottom of our hearts - thank you for helping courage, healing, and hope continue to grow in our community.

05/27/2026

🌙✨ Eid Mubarak ✨🌙

Today, we send warm wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Adha with family, friends, and community.

May this special day bring peace, reflection, compassion, and moments of joy to all who observe. 💜

At The Denise House, we honour and celebrate the diversity of the communities we serve and remain committed to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

Eid Mubarak from all of us at The Denise House. 🌙

05/20/2026

💜 Thank You to Our Sponsors 💜

Today we’re highlighting three more exceptional companies for their generous support of our Celebration of Courage Gala 2026.:

360 Insights
Goacher Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities
Gus Brown Buick GMC

Their commitment is helping create safer futures for women and children across Durham Region.

Still want to be involved? It's not too late, please contact [email protected] to inquire.

360insights

05/19/2026

🍽️ A Simple Item That Makes a Big Difference 💜

When women and children arrive at The Denise House, they are beginning the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives. As part of that fresh start, each resident receives their own full dish set to use while in shelter and to take with them when they move into their new home.

Right now, we are running low on new dish sets and are reaching out to our amazing community for support. We are kindly asking for donations of:
New dish sets:
• Bowls, plates, mugs, glasses and cutlery sets (new only)
• Gift cards to places like Walmart so we can purchase sets directly for residents as needed

Something as simple as a set of dishes may seem small, but for someone starting over, it represents dignity, comfort, independence, and home. 🏡

If you would like to help, please reach out to us:
📞 Call us anytime 905-728-7311
✉️ [email protected]
💻 www.thedenisehouse.com

Thank you for helping women and children move forward with the essentials they need for a new beginning. 💜