A NEW BUILDING IS ON THE HORIZON!

After 20+ years of empowering participants in our old "home" at 1600 York Street, we have decided it's time for a change!  SAME LOCATION, NEW BUILDING!  We need your help!

PROJECT VISION

To create a safe space for people to make the change they need in their lives
A place with positive feeling and energy
A place that promotes health and connection
A place where participants don’t have to think about their safety
A place that supports those who need to leave behind their old peer group and create a new peer group
Use Trauma-Informed Design to help build resilience and support personal growth

3D Rendering of new building

Principles of Trauma-Informed Design
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• Aesthetically pleasing while minimizing visual complexity
• Corner-to-corner seating (conversational) rather than face-to-face (potentially confrontational)
• Opportunities for participants to alter and control environment (furniture, lighting, etc.)
• Natural materials and colors
• Open spaces, clear sightlines, minimal barriers
• Simple, linear and easy to navigate
• Choice of quiet areas vs. engaged areas
• Maximize natural lighting
• Minimize unnecessary and overwhelming ambient noises.
• Ensure lighting has no flicker or buzz
• Provide clear and consistent signage.
• Do not overcrowd furniture and ensure adequate space to navigate around each piece
• Use color schemes that emphasize cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple. Avoid stark, white walls.​

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