Who We Are

Our programs are designed to create an environment where all children connected to the foster care system have equal opportunities akin to those of parented youth. Similar to a family, we help participants secure safe housing, coach them in essential life skills, and open the doors to a brighter future.

Over 30 Years

Aunt Leah’s Place

For 30 years, Aunt Leah’s Place has been helping kids in foster care and young mothers achieve a better future. We do this by providing guidance, supported housing, job training and coaching on essential life skills. We believe every individual deserves to feel safe, cared for, and have a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for many teens in the foster care system. When they “age out” of government care at 19, they find themselves completely alone. Aunt Leah’s often provides the only thread of care and continuity for youth whose lives are marked by abuse, neglect, abandonment and multiple foster home placements. Over the years, we have seen how support at this critical time can help these young people realize their potential while becoming resilient, independent adults.

Vision and Success

Create an environment where all children connected to the foster care system have equal opportunities akin to what parented children receive. Building a brighter future for foster kids.

Mission

Aunt Leah’s place helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and mothers in need from losing custody of their children. To support them on their journey to self-sufficiency, we provide supported housing, job training and coaching on essential life skills.

2022-2025

Strategic Plan

Goal 1

Aunt Leah’s programs and services are well resourced and designed to provide persons served with the support they need and opportunities for growth and hope.

Goal 2

Evolve our organization design, staffing, systems, and infrastructure to meet projected youth needs and continue to be a great place to work- where staff, volunteers, and partners are engaged and supported.

Goal 3

Optimize Aunt Leah’s impact through communication, collaboration, and advocacy.

What We Believe

Our Values

01
All behaviour has meaning and is the human tool for communication.
02
Success is fragile and must be tended to and supported with care.
03
An individual’s artistic/soulful centre must be expressed and appreciated.
04
Celebration is essential to a successful life.
05
Community building ensures that we all have a place to go when we need support.
06
Entrepreneurial spirit builds individuals and organizations.

The story behind the name

Who is Leah?

Aunt Leah’s Founder, Gale Stewart, was the first grandchild born on a hundred-acre farm in southern Ontario. With that position came the good fortune of being the special granddaughter to Leah, her paternal grandmother. From a very early age, Gale developed a keen sense of love, loyalty and passion for this influential person.

In 1988, when Gale and other founding members began discussing and writing the vision and mandate for their new organization, Leah came quickly to mind.

Leah represented what the organization would attempt to be for children and youth that needed an alternate caregiver. Over the years, Leah became Aunt Leah, and the organization has become a tribute to Gale’s memories of her. In return, Leah, in some strange and magical way has imparted to the organization a warm, vital and creative energy that allows it to support the many children and youth who come in need of our programs. Many of these young people have suffered the loss of family and community. We attempt to become that strong alternate caregiver that Leah represents.