NEWS AND EVENTS
Public Statement – Change in Leadership at My Friend’s House
The Board of Directors of My Friend’s House announces a leadership transition that marks an important moment in our organization’s journey. Effective July 3, 2025, Samantha Jones has been appointed Executive Director.
This follows the tenure of Alison FitzGerald, who served My Friend’s House with steadfast commitment for over three decades, including 27 years as Executive Director. The organization responded to growing community needs with expanded programs, strengthened partnerships, and a focus on long-term sustainability. Alison has left a meaningful legacy, and we thank her for her years of service and leadership.
We are excited to welcome Samantha into this role and we are confident in her ability to lead the next chapter of our work. With more than 17 years of experience in social work, including the past 8 years as Program Manager at My Friend’s House, Samantha brings a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing women and children impacted by gender-based violence. Her approach is grounded in trauma-informed care, empathy, and a strong commitment to equity and access.
“I am honoured to continue my journey with My Friend’s House in this new capacity,” says Samantha. “We are focused on the future—on expanding our shelter services to meet increasing demand, and on ensuring every woman and child in our region has access to the safety, support, and resources they deserve.”
The Board looks forward to supporting Samantha’s leadership as My Friend’s House continues to evolve to meet the urgent and growing needs of our community.
Paulette Soper
Chair, Board of Directors
“Doug Linton, a broker with Royal LePage Locations North in Collingwood, will embark on a 100-kilometre camping journey through Phnom Kulen National Forest in Cambodia this October. Linton is hoping the five-day expedition will raise $20,000 in funds, the majority of which will be donated to My Friend’s House. Linton will be paying for his own travel expenses for the trip.”
My Friend’s House 3rd Annual Ultimate East Coast Kitchen Party present by Chapman Private Wealth was a grand success! Thank you to those who joined us!
On May 14th, 2025, we gathered to raise funds for food security at My Friend’s House and boy, did you show up! We were entertained all evening by Strange Potatoes and their Celtic tunes – we loved all the fun song requests that came in from our crowd! We ate delicious East Coast-inspired bites, made new friends and danced the night away, all while raising a whopping $44,978 for My Friend’s House! Through ticket sales, our song requests, 50/50 draw, Matching Gift Donations the night of and our Corporate Partners we were able to exceed our goal!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Chapman Private Wealth for your generous support and desire to help women and children in need, even donating further after the event.
Thank you to Harbour Street Fish Bar for your wonderful service and delicious food.
Thank you to the Dave and Sharon Lewis Foundation for providing a generous $4000 Matching GIft for the evening’s fundraising.
Thank you to our volunteers and staff who helped make it happen!
And THANK YOU to everyone to came out to support the women and children in South Georgian Bay who need us now more than ever. We are so grateful!
And one last shout out to our Corporate Community Partners for their ongoing support!
Chapman’s Private Wealth
Living Water Resorts
Alair Homes Collingwood
Cherchez La Femme
Studio Ciel
Apple Self Storage
Robinson’s Paint and Wallpaper
Huronia Alarms
Baker Tilly
Crozier
Murder in the Blue Mountains
Thank you to TorontoLife for covering this tragic story that happened right here in our own community. We grieve alongside those who knew Ashley Schwalm and will continue to work to end gender-based violence in South Georgian Bay.
Read the article here: Murder in the Blue Mountains: The story behind the killing of Ashley Schwalm – Toronto Life
My Friend’s House is thrilled to share our new partnership with the United Way Simcoe Muskoka, Finding Home. As a multi-year Community Collaborative Project, Finding Home will allow our team at My Friend’s House more space for strategic capacity building to bridge the transitional housing gap we are experiencing in South Georgian Bay.
When a woman is supported by our 24/7 Residential Shelter program and has completed the necessary steps to move on to a life free from violence on her own, we are often faced with barriers to finding affordable housing for a single woman, many with her children. This program is designed to allow our team the time and resources to create community partnerships for housing opportunities, giving women choices that are safe and affordable.
When we move a woman out of shelter and into her own independent living, our team maintains contact for a year thereafter, offering guidance, counselling and connection to ensure women feel well supported.
If you know of anyone in South Georgian Bay who would be willing to partner on Transitional Housing, please have them reach out to our Transition Coordinator, Jordan, at transitioncoordinator@myfriendshouse.ca.
We look forward to sharing our success stories as we go, and stay tuned for community information sessions!