YBH Press Releases
YELLOW BRICK HOUSE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AT QUEEN’S PARK
Recipient of an Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction for 2013
(RICHMOND HILL, ON: APRIL 25, 2013) – Yellow Brick House received an Attorney General’s Victim Services Award of Distinction for 2013 today in a ceremony at Queen’s Park. Executive Director Lorris Herenda was on-site to accept the prestigious award and receive formal recognition from the provincial government for the leadership and dedication Yellow Brick House has demonstrated in helping victims of crime and raising the profile of victim issues in Ontario. The award was created to honour individuals and organizations doing outstanding work in Ontario’s communities to improve the lives of victims of crime.
Last year, Yellow Brick House served more than 5,500 abused women and children in York Region through its shelter and outreach services. It is estimated that one-in-four Canadian women live in abusive homes. Abuse affects women and children of all ages, ethnocultural backgrounds and socioeconomic strata. With the population of York Region projected to reach 1.4 million by 2026, the demand for Yellow Brick House’s services is expected to increase dramatically. Yellow Brick House continues to lack the capacity to meet demand, despite opening its second shelter in 2012.
Yellow Brick House Executive Director, Lorris Herenda wins
Provincial Award
(RICHMOND HILL, ON: April 5, 2012) – The Provincial Award, Leading Women, Building Communities, was awarded to Lorris Herenda, Executive Director of non-profit organization Yellow Brick House. The Leading Women, Building Communities award recognizes exceptional community leadership to improve the lives of women and girls throughout Ontario.
Richmond Hill MPP Reza Moridi visited Yellow Brick House to present Ms. Herenda with this honourable award. Also in attendance to congratulate her on her achievement were Yellow Brick House Board members, staff and volunteers, all of whom have seen the unfailing dedication and drive that Ms. Herenda contributes to the organization and the community every day. In addition, MPP Moridi made a member statement to the provincial legislature highlighting Ms Herenda’s exceptional work as well as that of Yellow Brick House.
About Yellow Brick House
Yellow Brick House, a nonprofit organization, provides emergency shelter, counselling and supportive services to abused women and their children in York Region. To learn more about Yellow Brick House, please visit the web site www.yellowbrickhouse.org
Yellow Brick House Opens our second Emergency Shelter(RICHMOND HILL, ON: Feb 6, 2012) –
Abused women and children in York Region now have another safe haven to turn to when they are fleeing dangerous, and sometimes, life threatening situations. The second Yellow Brick House emergency shelter, located in the Southern part of York Region, has opened its doors. This facility is expected to assist about 300 women and children a year in their efforts to start a new life free from violence and abuse.
On January 30th, Yellow Brick House held a private Open House to honor several individuals, Foundations and corporations who helped make this dream a reality. Presented with recognition plaques were the Ministry of Community and Social Service; Chair of the Capital Campaign, Vivian Risi, Royal La Page Your Community Reality; Chair of the Major Gifts Committee, Nancy Coxford; board members of the Frank Scarpitti Charitable Foundation; and Stefano Guizzetti, of Guizzetti Developments Inc. Also in attendance to celebrate this enormous achievement were several Members of Provincial Parliament, Markham Town Officials, partnering foundations such as the Canadian Women’s Foundation, and other key individuals who were integral to the success of the Second Shelter, Second Chances Capital Campaign.
With the dedication and support of the entire region and the community, Yellow Brick House is now able to offer urgently needed refuge for so many more women and children who suffer domestic violence. Together, we are helping to save lives.
For additional information please contact Marnie Sigmar of the Yellow Brick House at 905-709-0900 extension 2233.