Providing Prevention, Intervention, Education & Advocacy

Welcome to Optimism Place

Optimism Place is Perth County’s only women’s shelter. Since 1983, we’ve been a safe refuge for women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Optimism Place provides secure, protective housing for up to 8 weeks for women with or without children. We also offer a wide range of free and confidential support services and programs. We’re here to help women of every age, race, religion and income level. We understand what you’re going through and we want to help.

We will help you take the necessary steps towards rebuilding your life and creating a better future. If you have children, we can help them too. And remember, our support services are still available even if you’re not staying at the shelter.

End Violence Against Women

In 2021, we received 2144 calls to our crisis line and served 58 women and 36 children in our residential program. Here at Optimism Place, we are committed to ending violence against women and children. It is our mission to support women and provide them shelter and confidential, non-judgemental services.

 

Support Women & Children in Perth County: Donate Today

Donations to Optimism Place make it possible for us to do the work that we do. Your donations have a direct impact on the lives of the women and children we serve in our community, and we’re grateful for your support. 

For a list of our needed items, please click below.

Donate Now

β€œYears later I’m in college still putting the pieces of my life back together because you guys were there when I needed it. Forever grateful.”

β€” Former Resident

Contact Us

If you have any further questions or inquiries about accessing our services, please call our 24/7 support line.

*Please note that emails are not monitored on a 24/7 basis - if you are in need of immediate support, please call our 24/7 support line or emergency services.

24/7 Support Line:

519-271-5550 | 1-800-265-8598 (toll-free)


Address:

270 Freeland Drive, Stratford, ON, N4Z1G8

Email:

Jasmine Clark, Executive Director - jasmine @ optimismplace.com

Ashleigh Jordan, Operations Coordinator - ashleigh @ optimismplace.com

Follow us on Instagram:

This year’s Perth County Basketeers drop-off dates were a massive success! 🧺 Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, thoughtfully curated baskets were donated for women accessing Optimism Place and the Emily Murphy Centre πŸ’™ A
We were thrilled to welcome Helen Dowd, President of Operation Organize, for a cheque presentation ✨ Operation Organize, a female-led business dedicated to helping seniors live independently, generously donated $250 to support the work we do here at
We had such a lovely time at @smcsswarriors for the holiday market in support of OP! ✨ The staff & students at St. Michael’s have been incredibly gracious with their time & energy over the years. We’re beyond grateful for their s
November 25th marks the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence πŸ’œ ➑️ The Government of Canada’s theme for 2024 is Come Together, Act Now. It emphasizes how crucial it is to involve everyone in Canada – parti
Join us for the Holiday Market on November 26 from 7-9 p.m. at Eckert Hall, St. Michael CSS, in support of OP! πŸ’™ Enjoy a festive evening with a silent auction, a cozy hot chocolate bar, & unique gifts from local businesses & talented studen
Supporting Optimism Place has never been easier! πŸ’™ Online: Visit our website for secure donations πŸ’™ E-Transfer: Send your contribution via e-transfer πŸ’™ Cheque Drop-Off: Cheques can be dropped off anytime, day or night, at our secure location Yo
Help us make sure all kiddos get to experience the magic of the holiday season ✨ Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Whether it’s a gift card, toy, or holiday item, your support brings immense joy to families in need! Click the
We’re Hiring: Join Our Team at Optimism Place We’re currently hiring a Full-Time Frontline Counsellor to be a compassionate first point of contact for survivors in crisis. ➑️ What We Offer: Competitive pay, paid lunches, health benefi
πŸ“š Exciting news! Feminist lawyer & intimate partner violence expert Pamela Cross is launching her new book ”And Sometimes They Kill You” is a powerful read that shares real stories & insights on intimate partner violence in Cana
Got extra re-usable bags piling up at home? πŸ‘€β¬‡οΈ We’re collecting re-usable bags and giving them to women as they transition out of our shelter and into their new homes. These bags have been a great help for moving, storing, and organizing &
This Women’s Abuse Prevention Month, let’s confront the hard truths about gender-based violence in Canada & commit to change. Every statistic represents lives & stories that deserves our community’s empathy, action, &
Shoutout to the Wilfrid Laurier Men’s Varsity Rugby Team! πŸ’œ Since 2016, these student athletes have been dedicated supporters of Optimism Place πŸ’™ scroll to see photos from years passed ⏭️ This year, they took their generosity even further w