Barbara Weider (1937-2015) was a tireless volunteer and community leader as well as a generous contributor to many charities and causes. She was the first woman President of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce while working as the manager of the Georgian Triangle Economic Development Corporation and was a keen participant in a host of programs in pursuit of training, economic development and arts and culture in the area. During her lifetime, Barbara earned many honours including the Order of Collingwood and Companion to the Order and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Barbara will long be remembered for her passion for the arts, her tireless efforts in establishing live theatre here and her commitment to the South Georgian Bay campus of Georgian College.
Thanks to a generous donation from George Weider, in memory of his late wife Barbara, and the contributions of Ray Smith, Home Horizon Transitional Housing Services is proud to announce the opening of Barbara Weider House, in May, located at 53 Campbell Street in Collingwood. Barbara Weider House will offer a wide range of support and counselling to local youth as well as temporary housing.
Enabling youth from Collingwood and the Southern Georgian Bay area to develop the skills and access the services to overcome abuse, homelessness and other challenges is Home Horizon’s mission and a fitting testament to Barbara Weider’s legacy. To date, the Barbara Weider project has reached 42% of it’s fundraising target and they need our ongoing support.
Home Horizon is a non-profit registered charitable corporation that has been serving the needs of homeless individuals and families in this region for the past 10 years. The program focuses on transforming the lives of homeless women, children and youth through support, counselling and housing.
The goal and focus at Home Horizon is to provide a pathway that will assist in rebuilding the lives of those who are enduring homelessness.
Clients arrive with their own personal tragedies—they are in crisis and need help. Whether it is due to an illness, loss of employment or physical/mental abuse, Home Horizon provides hope and empowerment to youth, women and children. Sadly, 95% of the clients have experienced abuse in some form in their lives.
“The opening of the Barbara Weider House fills a major gap in the services offered in Collingwood and the surrounding region,” explains Executive Director, Doris Sensenberger. “Homeless youth represent an overlooked segment of our community. Now we have an opportunity to assist an underserved portion of the community.”
The problem of youth homelessness has reached crisis proportions in Canada. At any time an estimated 50 youth in our area alone are without a home. Worse still, this shocking figure does not take into consideration the ‘hidden homeless’—those living in cars and motels, and couch-surfing with friends.
With the opening of the Barbara Weider House, Home Horizon’s current Youth Program is now able to provide a safe and welcoming communal environment—something many of these youth have never had.
Mary was in a home that had no support and was kicked out. She wanted to stay in school, but had nowhere to live. Through the support of teachers and staff at Home Horizon Mary was able to complete her grade 12 education and is now attending college in Toronto. With the tools she learned from Home Horizon, Mary is able to live independently, has gained self-esteem, hope and is focused on her future.
Barbara Weider House will transform lives.
The full fundraising campaign for Barbra Weider House is well underway and continues with a number of community initiatives. Your assistance would be most welcome.
If you would like to contribute, please contact the office at 705.445.5478 or email fundraising@homehorizon.ca.
Visit homehorizon.ca to find out more. |E|
