“Renovations, thanks to generous donors, are underway at The Toronto Salvation Army Homestead, which serves women in Ontario who struggle with substance abuse. As we bring the facility into the 21st century we will serve a broader population of women and offer new services as we give women new hope for recovery,” says Executive Director, Major Elizabeth Price.
“The need for renovations is extreme,” says Major Price. “The heating, plumbing and electrical systems will be updated. Every part of the building requires access to stairs, which prevents us from servicing women’s with mobility issues. A small elevator will be installed. Program spaces will be more accessible, larger and brighter. The building will be environmentally friendly. We will be able to partner with more agencies. Residential space will be cleaner, safer, and brighter and will maintain a home-like environment.
“It is impossible to overstate the value of people who make donations to the Homestead. Small or large, they all make a huge difference to the services we are able to offer our clients as they do the hard work of rebuilding their lives.”
ABOUT THE HOMESTEAD
The Salvation Army Homestead, located in downtown Toronto and in Scarborough, is a residential, day and community-based program for women 18 and older who are dealing with substance abuse issues.
Treatment options are: a ten-week residential program that houses 18 clients at a time in one of the most beautiful areas of downtown Toronto; a ten-week day treatment program at the downtown site; a ten- week day treatment program located in the heart of Scarborough.
Salvation Army programs are holistic and abstinence-based. The treatment model includes relapse prevention, life skills and twelve-step classes, group and individual counselling. Group and individual counselling are important components of Homestead programs. Trained staff support women on their journey to recovery and self empowerment, in an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and safety.
The Homestead also offers community-based programs for women who may not be participating in residential or day programs. They include relapse prevention, anger management and after care. It also offers a support and information groups for friends and families of its clients.
“The Salvation Army Homestead is unique in three aspects,” says Staff Physician, Dr. Vera Ingrid Tarman. “The 10-week program is longer than most, it is exclusively for women and it offers a spiritual perspective. I believe addiction is a physical, mental, psychiatric and spiritual disease.”
The Homestead was founded in 1955 in Toronto and was located in another building for a few years. In 1961, the present location at 78 Admiral Road, became available and has been helping women at this location since.
