Allied against abuse.
Birchway Niagara is dedicated to protecting and empowering survivors of abuse.
Both inside and beyond the walls of our 45-bed shelter on McLeod Rd, Birchway Niagara is a community of allies against abuse. Learn more about the mission and work that you are making possible when you join this community of support.
A community without abuse.
We will be a shoulder to lean on, a voice to advocate for, a space to feel safe in, an ally to trust, a guide to navigate, and a counsellor to heal for everyone affected by abuse of all forms.
A growing community of support
In the early 1980s, two women’s shelters opened in Welland and Niagara Falls thanks to the perseverance of community members who donated their time and resources to help women escape the horrors of family violence. Over the years, these shelters became much more than just safe spaces. They expanded to offer counselling and a growing range of services designed to support women and their families. By addressing not only the immediate danger, but also other vital needs—such as legal and housing support—the shelters helped survivors continue to create lives free from violence after leaving shelter. Initially known as “Women’s Place Welland & District” (later renamed Serenity Place) and “Nova House,” the two shelters united in 1997 to form one organization: “Women’s Place of South Niagara Inc.” As the organization grew, so did the need for domestic violence services in Niagara. To meet this demand, satellite offices were established in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, and eventually Welland, bringing support closer to women in those communities. In 2022, Women’s Place expanded its shelter on McLeod Road, increasing its bed capacity from 30 to 40, consolidating all safe beds at this location. Since the expansion, strong community support has made it possible to open five additional beds for a total of 45. In 2023, Women’s Place became Birchway Niagara. While the core mission of Birchway Niagara remains focused on protecting and empowering women and children affected by abuse, the new inclusive name reflects a broader understanding that abuse impacts everyone, and it is a problem that requires the engagement of the entire community to solve. As Birchway continues to grow, you can join us in addressing the root causes of abuse as, together, we engage people of all races, ages, genders, sexualities, and economic backgrounds to end the cycle of violence.
Planning to achieve our vision (2024-2027)
Guided by our mission and vision, Birchway Niagara’s three-year strategic plan focuses on four key areas for creating a safer future.
Birchway Niagara is committed to enhancing and expanding shelter, prevention and transitional services, and will actively work to improve the inclusivity of our services.
Birchway Niagara is committed to ensuring the agency’s financial stability by diversifying funding sources, strengthening relationships with donors, and improving fundraising processes.
Birchway Niagara is committed to advocating and engaging with governments and the community to increase awareness of, interest in, and support of intimate partner violence services.
Birchway Niagara is committed to creating a thriving work environment for staff and volunteers, and to strengthening opportunities for members of our community with lived experience.
Birchway Niagara Statistics
April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
Birchway Niagara is grateful to be part of a community of allies. Learn more about what we have achieved together in the Gratitude Report.
Read the Report
Every dollar donated to Birchway Niagara has changed lives. Learn how your gifts were put to work in our most recent audited financial statements.
Read the StatementStaff Directory
Need to connect with someone from Birchway Niagara? Whether you have a question about our services or are looking for ways to be an ally, we are happy to help!
Board of Directors
Birchway Niagara is pleased to work with a passionate team of board members who are lighting the way to a safer community. Our directors come from a broad range of leadership backgrounds, enabling them to provide strategic guidance and effective governance as the agency works toward its goals.
In the News
Birchway Niagara appreciates the support of journalists in highlighting the work of our agency and the issue of intimate partner violence. Below you will find recent stories and news releases.
ARTICLE (CP24) - Federal government tables bill on femicide, deepfakes
On December 9, the federal government introduced Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act. If passed, this legislation would result in changes to the Criminal Code, including creating a new criminal offence for engaging in a "pattern of coercive or controlling conduct" toward an intimate partner. The act would also acknowledge femicide as a distinct crime and, in certain circumstances (such as when coercive control is present), treat these homicides as first-degree murder.
Read moreARTICLE (CBC News) - ‘Bailey’s Law’ honouring Kelowna victim passes 2nd reading in Ottawa
Bill C-225, or "Bailey's Law," is a Conservative private members bill named after Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna woman killed last July. It has unanimously passed a second reading in the House Of Commons.
Read moreARTICLE (YourTV) - 16 Days of Activism
YourTV Niagara recently highlighted the Niagara Region's activities to launch the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Activism and what we all can to to help end the violence.
Watch videoARTICLE (CHCH) - Niagara raises purple flags to mark Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women
Municipalities across the Niagara region gathered Tuesday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It’s a long-held tradition in the region but this year, it comes as police are seeing a spike in domestic violence calls — with more calls so far this year than in all of 2024.
Watch videoARTICLE (CITYNEWS) - No decline in domestic violence last year after hitting 2023 peak
After reaching the highest levels in 2023, the number of police-reported domestic violence incidents remained at record levels last year, according to new data from Statistics Canada released Tuesday.
Read moreARTICLE (THE BROCK NEWS) - Local leader champions inclusive support for survivors
Birchway Niagara's executive director, Jennifer Gauthier, was recently recognized with Brock University's Faculty of Social Sciences Distinguished Graduate Award. Learn more about her journey from Psychology student to community leader.
Read moreFor general media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Gauthier, Executive Director at (905) 356-3933 ext. 223 or JenniferG@birchway.ca. For media inquiries related to fundraising events or activities, please contact Amanda Braet, Director of Development and Stewardship at (905) 356-3933 ext. 240 or AmandaB@birchway.ca
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