Why You Should Help
In 2009, CCAA helped thousands of women children and men overcome the traumatic effects that abuse had on their lives.
These few short success stories will give you an idea of the scope of the work we do.*
*The names in these accounts have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.
Fleeing in the middle of the night.. Donna and her two children, escaped her husband and a 10 year cycle of physical violence fueled by his substance abuse. Your support helped the CCAA give them clothes, shelter, counseling and the self-esteem needed to rebuild their lives. Today, Donna is studying to be a social worker so that she can give back by helping others.
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Every day there are women and children throughout Ontario who are assisted by a Womens shelter. Of the 569 shelters across Canada providing residential services to women and children, 28% are located right here in Ontario. With 5 shelters per 100,000 women in Ontario, your donations to CCAA make it possible for hurting families to find hope.
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Every year since the story first broke, another one or two men are added to the list of over 100 that have come forward to disclose their horrific childhood experience at Maple Leaf Gardens. With your help, the CCAA continues to fund therapy and support groups for them so that they can deal with what they were forced to endure as innocent young children.
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Neil, is a young man helped by the CCAA’s Time for Men counselling group.. He writes: “Being in the men’s group has given me a safe and supportive environment to deal with my issues. As a result of the group I have grown and I can now enjoy life the way I deserve to. I realize the shame I felt was the predator's and not mine and now I am no longer ashamed."
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Over the past 2 years, more than 50,000 children and youth were victims of a police-reported assault . Your support enables the CCAA to successfully lobby the government for legislative changes to help protect our children from perpetrators including pedophiles. Your support of the CCAA helps make Canada a safer place for our kids.
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Four to ten percent of Ontario’s seniors experience some type of abuse. In 2009, the CCAA received calls from adult children desperate to protect a parent in a seniors’ home ..and other calls from witnesses of adult children abusing their own parents. Your donations enable CCAA to take on abuse issues, whatever they are…and advocate for victims.
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C.J. was desperate to escape her life of prostitution and her drug dealing pimp. When she finally found the courage to leave, your donations helped the CCAA provide Victim’s Services with emergency funding for her to pay for a hotel and the basics like food and clothing to start her new life under the witness protection program.
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Despite his father’s threats to hurt them all, Jordon, spoke out. He told his mother how he and his 2 older brothers were being molested by their father. Horrified, she called the police and took her boys to safety at a shelter. During that traumatic time, the CCAA gave Jordon, his mom and brothers help for Christmas and let them know there are good people out there who care.
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As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Curtis is grateful for the CCAA.. he writes: " The “Time for Men” group, sponsored by the CCAA has quite literally saved my life. Knowing that there are other men out there who share your story and your feelings makes a world of difference. The group has become a brother-hood…a family. I am so thankful to the CCAA and the Q107 listeners who have supported us.”
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After a house fire took all their belongings, a family of 7 was able to shop the CCAA warehouse for the things they needed to set up a new home… including a brand new freezer donated by the president of Electrolux, a Q107 listener. Thankful for the assistance, the family wrote their social worker praising the CCAA and the generosity of all Q107 listeners.
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Whether it be physical, mental or sexual abuse.. Thousands of adult men and women have had tragic childhoods ..their innocence stolen by their abusers. Your donations help provide year round emotional support, counseling and therapeutic assistance for these individuals as they try to come to terms with their tortured past.
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Children are too often victims of sexual predators. Your support allowed the CCAA to lobby the Canadian Government for an increase to the age of consent from 14 to 16.. helping protect our children from pedophiles. In fact, The “actual wording” for the law is taken directly from the CCAA’s Martin’s Hope Report.
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Addiction destroys lives. But your generosity helps all the women and children who benefit from the CCAA’s DreamBuild Program. A large facility north of Toronto was transformed into a beautiful home where young women 18-and-over enter a one-year addiction recovery program. Each and every one getting a shot at a brand new life.
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Victoria’s abusive husband viewed pornography on the computer in front of their kids. When confronted, he raged, and once shot at her with a BB gun. Taking her three children, she left for the safety of a shelter. Thanks to your support, the CCAA brought in the police and helped Victoria and her kids make a new start.
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A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Douglas faces many trauma issues. This year he gained the confidence to explore new interests, including photography. But, on a medical disability pension, he couldn’t afford it. Your donations allowed the CCAA to provide Douglas with additional counseling, photography classes, a camera and the opportunity to pursue a new career.
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Denise is a 24 year-old single mom of 4. Raised by her own crack addicted mother, Denise hoped to break the cycle, struggling desperately to give her own kids a better childhood. With assistance from the CCAA, Denise got counseling and a new job. She paid off a housing debt and got on a waiting list for new housing in a better neighborhood.
Click on any of the photos below for a larger image.
