Gillian’s Place

How Gillian’s Place helps: If you are a woman who thinks you might be being abused, Gillian’s Place can help. All of our services are confidential and free of charge. Abused women do not need to stay at our shelter to access any of our services.  Our facility is fully accessible and translation services are available. Gillian’s Place is the only shelter and supportive services agency for abused women and their children in Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines and Thorold.

Emergency Shelter: Emergency safe shelter, meals and clothing are provided. Planning for safety of the family is reviewed with each woman as they enter the program. Our 24/7 support line, 905.684.8331 is there to support women of all ages, as well as friends and family that are seeking advice for their loved ones.

Counselling: Qualified and experienced staff provide immediate assistance through our 24/7 support line, 24-hour support counselling; one-on-one and group counselling.

Help with finding or training for a job: We can refer abused women to employment agencies and education and training programs that will help them achieve their employment goals.

Help with applying for financial assistance: As part of their efforts to create financial stability, abused women may need income support. Gillian’s Place will assist abused women through the process of applying for financial assistance.

Transitional and Housing Support: Gillian’s Place will help abused women find safe, affordable housing. We help them fill out housing applications and provide them with landlord and tenant information. The Transitional Worker will link women to support services in the community such as housing, day care, educational upgrading, employment, income support and health and wellness services.

Legal Services: Gillian’s Place has a family law lawyer on staff to help abused women in dealing with police, lawyers, Family Court and/or the criminal justice system. From advising on how to leave their partner safely, to helping them fill out and review legal documents including child interim custody and access, support and property. Our staff lawyer can help abused women deal with the legal problems they face and help them to know their rights.

Child and Youth Support: Children in the household are impacted by the abuse. We can provide supports such as recreational activities, family violence education and activities designed to help explore feelings and build self-esteem. We can also provide abused women with referrals to community agencies that specialize in various aspects of child and youth care.

Immigrant and refugee support : If an abused woman is new to Canada or Canada is not their first home, we are sensitive to the extra struggles they may face. In addition to all of our other services, we can provide them with referrals to community agencies that specialize in immigrant and refugee support, as well as translation services in any language.