Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

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Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

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Optimism Place is Perth County’s only women’s shelter. Since 1983, we’ve been a safe refuge for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Optimism Place provides secure, protective housing for up to 8 weeks or more for women with or without children. We also offer a wide range of free and confidential support services. We’re here to help women of every age, race, religion and income level. We understand what you’re going through and we’re here to help. It’s not your fault you’re being abused. We know this and we’ll help you take the necessary steps towards rebuilding your life and creating a better future. If you have children, we can help them too. And remember, our support services are still available even if you’re not staying at the shelter.

11/02/2026

Gender-based violence (GBV) is any act of violence committed against a person because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender.

GBV includes intimate partner violence, sexual violence, family violence, and human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Anyone can experience GBV. Women and girls face higher rates and more severe violence, including being killed by intimate partners.

Who’s most at risk? Indigenous women, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, women with disabilities, younger women, and those in rural communities.

Need help? Contact Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services at 519-271-5550 / 1-800-265-8598 (24/7).

💜 More resources: www.stopvaw.ca | www.itsnotok.ca

10/31/2026

$20,417 raised for Optimism Place! ⛳️

Thanks to the generosity of our golfers, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, this year’s Swinging for Hope Golf Tournament was a success (again!)

💙 A special thank-you to our amazing sponsors for helping make this event possible!

Title Sponsors: On Stage Dance Studio + GC Financial Solutions Group
Golf Cart Sponsor: Orr Insurance & Investment
Beverage Sponsor: Bluebird
Swag Bag Sponsor: Mark’s Stratford
Entertainment Sponsor: huntersteelsales

Every dollar raised helps us continue supporting women and children in our community. Thank you for being part of it!

10/29/2026

Team building looks a little different when you’re *several feet* off the ground 👀🧗‍♀️

Here’s a few highlights from our staff development day at Camp Kintail earlier this month.

There’s something special about days like these…

💙 Building trust + stronger relationships
💙 Improving communication + understanding
💙 Connecting + celebrating one another

And of course, taking time to recharge + have some fun ☺️

Camp Kintail has been hosting our staff and leadership days for many years. We’re grateful for their wonderful hospitality!

10/26/2026

Today is the final day to vote in Stratford’s municipal election!

The decisions made at the municipal level impact our community, including access to housing, community services and supports for women and families.

Your voice matters, and we encourage everyone who is eligible to make their vote count.

Voting is available online or by telephone, and in-person assistance is available at the Rotary Complex until 8 PM.

Find voting information at stratford.ca

10/22/2026

A huge thank-you to our friends at Laurier Men’s Varsity Rugby 💙

This marks their 9th year supporting Optimism Place! This year the team collected in-kind donations, along with $700 raised through bracelet sales.

Special thanks to Vyaz & Josh for making the drive to Stratford to deliver the donations!

We’re so grateful for your continued support. Wishing the team all the best in playoffs 💫

10/21/2026

We’ve had some spooky visitors around Optimism Place lately… 👻

A special thanks to our gorgeous ghosts, Ashleigh, Chantal, Sage & Katelyn! 🎃💫

10/19/2026

Looking for a meaningful opportunity to support women in our community? We’re hiring a Family Court Support Worker!

In this role, you’ll help women navigate the family court process, access legal resources, and feel supported along the way.

Interested in joining our team? Learn more about the position and how to apply through the link in our bio.

💙 Please share to help us spread the word!

10/16/2026

Registration is now open for our upcoming training opportunities!

We’re helping professionals, employers & organizations build the knowledge and confidence to recognize intimate partner violence, respond appropriately & connect people with support.

Whether you’re a service provider, manager, supervisor or small business owner, we have training opportunities designed for your role.

Our upcoming sessions begin in November 2026, with additional dates available throughout 2027.

➡️ Service Providers + Managers/Supervisors - you can register for a training as soon as *this* November

Swipe through to find the right training for you, and visit optimismplace.com/training to learn more & register.

10/14/2026

We have partnered with to strengthen care for individuals who have experienced sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence.

If you have experienced sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence and would like support, go to your nearest HPHA Emergency Department. We are here to help.

10/13/2026

Have you seen our campaign posters around Perth County?

💙 The Not ok campaign makes the invisible signs of abuse visible - helping everyone recognize, respond, and offer support.

It happens here, and it’s Not ok.

Visit itsnotok.ca to learn more and access campaign resources.

Address

270 Freeland Drive
Stratford, ON
N4Z1G8

Telephone

+15192715550

Website

https://linktr.ee/optimismplace, http://www.itsnotok.ca/

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