The Emily Murphy Centre

06/05/2026

Photos from our wonderful Campaign kick-off event! Thank you to the staff, volunteers and patrons.

06/05/2026

The Emily Murphy Centre is proud to launch the “Tiny Homes…Big Impact” Campaign, a community-driven initiative with the goal of building five new tiny homes on their existing land: safe, private, and supportive housing. The campaign responds to a growing need for second-stage housing for women who have experienced violence. The Emily Murphy Centre provides more than housing, offering counselling, safety planning, life-skills development, and connections to community resources that support women as they rebuild confidence and move toward long-term stability.
The campaign will focus on building awareness, strengthening community connections, and mobilizing support to raise funding needed to bring this transformative project to life — helping change lives today while creating lasting impact for generations to come.
The initiative is lead by Co-chairs Martin Ritsma, Mayor of the City of Stratford and Natalie Moore, Consultant and Founder of Moore Creative. As the campaign begins, the leadership of Martin and Natalie sets a strong and meaningful foundation. Their willingness to step forward at the outset speaks to their deep belief in the mission of the Emily Murphy Centre and in the power of community to create lasting change.
“Tiny homes are more than a roof overhead, they represent safety, dignity, and hope,” said Lisa Wilde, Executive Director at the Emily Murphy Centre. “Through the ‘Tiny Homes…Big Impact’ Campaign, we are inviting our community to be part of a practical and compassionate solution that supports women, with or without children, as they rebuild their lives.”
The Emily Murphy Centre is calling on community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners to support the “Tiny Homes…Big Impact” Campaign through donations, sponsorship, and advocacy. Every contribution moves the project closer to reality — strengthening the community, addressing second stage housing needs, and helping create safer, healthier futures for those most in need.
Last night was our campaign kick-off event and what an event it was! Such great community support and vibrant energy. Pictures to follow soon.
If you would like to donate, one way you can do that is by clicking the QR code below.

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month!
Today marks the beginning of many Pride celebrations.
Pride is a time that we can come together to support our community and it is also a time that we can recognize struggles that are often faced behind closed doors.
Intimate Partner Violence does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, 2SLLGBTQIA+ individuals experience domestic and sexual violence at disproportionately high levels.
This is often accompanied by unique forms of abuse, such as threats of “outing” someone or invalidating someone’s identity.
Let’s work together to create safe and stigma free environments that allow ALL survivors to feel believed. Everyone deserves to feel empowered enough to seek help.

05/28/2026

Some conversations change how you see a place.
This one will make you love it more.

Next Friday at 6pm, 02 drops on YouTube and Facebook.

I sat down with Lisa Wilde, Executive Director of The Emily Murphy Centre, and we talked about things that this doesn't always say out loud.

I think you should watch it.

05/26/2026

We are hiring! Check it out....relief (casual) hours, primarily weekends and/or evenings. To apply, please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

Avondale United Church gifted us with some outside fun! Thank you to the congregation, the outreach team and the folks pictured here, Joanne Ehgoetz, Lou Gorvett and photographer Bruce Gorvett for the spectacular delivery!

05/19/2026

The Emily Murphy Centre is tickled to be the chosen charity for the SCRC Ride of the Year! Happening June 13 out of Stratford, kickstands up at 10 am. To register, use this link : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxzKDYbkmSxS2o7EIedeSakHXOhJ9zFvSV11f3VqYwZ6nFDA/viewform?fbclid=IwRlRTSARQz8ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeGILI2A6SUYpNXusgwFferZy6lZZatsJDVVMzCExNJMTnsQo3QviQSQP-_BY_aem_24-_ATOHWui_NfPOy22c2g

Lunch is included in registration but stay for dinner after the ride!

Event Timing: Saturday, June 13 Registration: 8:30 - 9:30AM KSU: 10:00 AM Start Location/Registration: Elgin Missionary Church - 4192 Perth County Line 36, Stratford, ON Waiver will need to be signed day of ride at registration After Ride Reception/Hotel: Rodeway Inn Festival - 1144 Ontario St, Stra...

02/12/2026

Thank you, St.Marys, for acknowledging the reality of IPV.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KdSoCJNGV/

Yesterday evening Town Council officially declared Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as an epidemic.

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services presented yesterday evening stating, “Every day, Perth County OPP and Stratford Police receive 2 to 3 calls related to intimate partner violence. Intimate Partner Violence has impacts on all of society and leads to significant economic and social costs and lost productivity.”

To help address Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the community, consider these important steps:
💜 Start with education – learn to recognize the signs of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and understand how to respond appropriately when someone is experiencing it.
💜 Reach out for support from community experts to better understand IPV and how local services are addressing the issue.
💜 Raise awareness by discussing IPV with friends and family, sharing information, and supporting awareness activities.

Learn more 🫶: www.stopvaw.ca, www.itsnotok.ca