NEWS RELEASE
HURONIA TRANSITION HOMES
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After three decades Kathy Willis has retired from her role as executive director of Huronia Transition Homes (HTH).
Under Kathy’s leadership, HTH transformed from La Maison Rosewood Shelter in Midland into a multi-program county-wide organization providing service to close to 1,000 women annually who have survived violence.
Kathy leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the movement towards ending all violence against all women. Her passion for inclusion led her to become a fierce advocate for harm reduction, with La Maison Rosewood becoming one of the first violence against women shelters in Ontario to integrate the approach. At a time where women who were intoxicated were being turned away from shelters, guided by its commitment to harm reduction, La Maison Rosewood instead offered women supports and services with dignity.
Kathy has always been an innovator and a visionary. Operation Grow, HTH’s hydroponic farming social enterprise that provides low-barrier employment and training supports to women, is a prime example of this. When La Maison Rosewood Shelter began serving a third generation of women, Kathy worked with HTH’s staff and board to design, develop and implement the social enterprise, which has won provincial awards for its success.
“Kathy’s contributions have been immeasurable,” said Thea Jones, HTH’s board chair. “Her vision has driven HTH to expand its capacity and reach in ways that have transformed lives and also inspired change.”
Kathy’s retirement marks the end of an era, providing a poignant moment for reflection on the strides made in this crucial work. Her journey with HTH serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement in addressing the critical issue of violence against women. Covering Kathy’s legacy highlights the ongoing challenges and emphasizes the need for sustained advocacy in this vital sector. This story serves as an opportunity to inspire action and engagement within the community and beyond.
To honour Kathy’s remarkable career, a retirement party will be held on Nov. 12 at Operation Grow. Friends, colleagues, and community members will gather to express their gratitude for her tireless efforts and commitment to the violence against women sector. This event will not only celebrate Kathy’s legacy but also serve as a reminder of the ongoing mission to support survivors of violence. The event aims to inspire attendees to continue advocating for change and to uphold the values that Kathy championed throughout her career.
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