Thanks to the enthusiastic support of The Hearts of Durham, Herizon House finally has a home for its donations centre. “New Starts from the Hearts” at 566 Kingston Rd. West, just east of Church Street in Ajax. 

Hearts of Durham is a unique volunteer group made up of individuals who support and reinvest in their community. It is the vision of Hearts of Durham that by working with and supporting local resources, all of our families will benefit by living, working and playing in a stronger community.  Hearts of Durham supports one community initiative each year. In April 2008 the group held a gala benefit to help Herizon House open a retail outlet. The Hearts of Durham event was a great success thanks in part to corporate sponsors - Flaherty Dow Elliott & McCarthy,  Durham Region Police Services, Ontario Power Generation, PBI Office Interiors, Veridian as well as numerous in-kind sponsors and donated goods and services that were sold at the live an silent auctions.

 "New Starts from the Hearts” provides an opportunity for the public to  donate and purchase gently used goods while supporting their local shelter,” says Catherine Carney-White, Executive Director of Herizon House. “Coming to Herizon House is the first step towards hope. Leaving Herizon House is the next step.  So, although the store is open to the public, it will also help women who are starting over by providing access to clothing and household items. While women are in the shelter they earn store credits when they take positive action for themselves, their children or the shelter. This may include attending a life skills program, taking their kids to the library or helping with extra chores at the shelter.  This system builds independence and self-esteem – important steps in recovering from the stigma and shame that women experience in an abusive relationship.”

Herizon House, a shelter for abused women and their children is located in Ajax, and serves Durham Region. The shelter offers free confidential services 24 hours a day, provides a place of safety, support and empowerment for abused women and their children and is committed to ending the cycle of abuse and violence in our community.

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Store will aid Herizon House
Thu Sep 25, 2008 – from:  www.northumberlandnews.com

By: By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- Women fleeing abusive situations will get a new start with an initiative of Herizon House and The Hearts of Durham.

New Starts from the Hearts will sell used and new clothing, along with household goods, with the proceeds to benefit the abused women's shelter.

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