Public Education
About Us
About Us
Healthy Relationships = Healthy Communities is the public education program developed and delivered by Halton Women’s Place. We serve schools within the 5 communities (Acton, Georgetown, Milton, Burlington, & Oakville) and 2 school boards (HDSB & HCDSB) in Halton. Teachers book us to deliver lessons to classes on topics related to dating, intimate partner violence, healthy relationships and healthy masculinity.
Teachers, please note that our presentations are interactive and often use small groups, and for that reason are best delivered one classroom at a time, not auditorium style. We are more than happy to spend the morning or the day at your school if you would like more than one classroom to receive the information. There is less disruption for us and the students when we can come directly to their class and interact with students
Our educators are Ontario Certified Teachers, trained in best practices through PREVnet (a national network led through Queens University and York University) and the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAW – Western University). In addition to our own classroom presentations we
are trained to deliver content from the Fourth R, and are certified
Prevention Educators with the Canadian Red Cross.
All our educators receive certification from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection on both their Commit to Kids and Kids in the Know programs. We also provide training for businesses and community organizations on Neighbours, Friends and Families, Make it Our Business (Domestic Violence in the Workplace), and It’s Not Right! (Elder Abuse).
Healthy Relationships = Healthy Communities is the public education program developed and delivered by Halton Women’s Place. We serve schools within the 5 communities (Acton, Georgetown, Milton, Burlington, & Oakville) and 2 school boards (HDSB & HCDSB) in Halton. Teachers book us to deliver lessons to classes on topics related to dating, intimate partner violence, healthy relationships and healthy masculinity.
Teachers, please note that our presentations are interactive and often use small groups, and for that reason are best delivered one classroom at a time, not auditorium style. We are more than happy to spend the morning or the day at your school if you would like more than one classroom to receive the information. There is less disruption for us and the students when we can come directly to their class and interact with students
Our educators are Ontario Certified Teachers, trained in best practices through PREVnet (a national network led through Queens University and York University) and the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAW – Western University). In addition to our own classroom presentations we
are trained to deliver content from the Fourth R, and are certified
Prevention Educators with the Canadian Red Cross.
All our educators receive certification from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection on both their Commit to Kids and Kids in the Know programs. We also provide training for businesses and community organizations on Neighbours, Friends and Families, Make it Our Business (Domestic Violence in the Workplace), and It’s Not Right! (Elder Abuse).
Our Team
Our Team

Jerusha Mack
Team Lead, Public Education
Since graduating, she has taught in England, and with the Halton and Peel District School Boards. She has also spearheaded several youth-based community initiatives and fundraisers.

Husayn Symonds
Husayn is a writer, leader, and public speaker with over 10 years of experience creating and developing ideas to advance cultural knowledge, policies, and communications standards in organizations across 3 continents. Born in Bermuda, he considers himself a world citizen. Husayn completed his undergraduate in Film from Brock University, but it was his period spent volunteering in Haifa, Israel that lit a fire for justice and inspired him to study law. He graduated with an LLB from the University of Kent, before entering the field of social justice, previously working for Next Gen Men.
Husayn wants to create opportunities for discovery. It is his goal to help broaden the vision of those he works with and it is an honor to take that journey with others. Men play a crucial role in reducing and eventually eliminating gender based violence, and Husayn strives to help more men join him to work towards making that our reality.
He is a father of wondrous twin girls. They give him life and strength, and he uses it to try and create a better world for them.

Andrea Beebe
Andrea is a graduate at the University of Toronto, where she completed a double major in Women Studies and Geography. Her dedication to the anti- violence against women movement helped pave the way for her to complete her Master’s at the University of Leeds in Global Development.
As the previous Public Education Coordinator with SAVIS of Halton, Andrea has been able to raise awareness on the prevention of gender-based violence to thousands of participants within the Halton Region. Additionally, as the past Community Development Advisor for Youth with the Town of Milton, Andrea is passionate about creating accessible and equitable spaces for young people in Halton.
Everyone should have the right to access healthy relationship education. Together, we can make this a reality and ensure no child is left behind!
You have options:
IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE
- Call our 24 hour Crisis, Information and Support Line to speak with a trained Crisis Intervention Counsellor;
- The Crisis Intervention Counsellor will explore your options with you and support you to create a Safety Plan, along with creating an Emergency Escape Plan
- If you have pets, you can explore safe options with the Crisis Intervention Counsellor.
If you do choose to come to Halton Women’s Place, you and your child(ren) may stay for up to 12 weeks. Our Crisis Intervention Counsellors will work alongside you on your personal goals, which may include:
- Accessing community support;
- Accessing counselling;
- Obtaining housing;
- Accessing financial supports;
- Exploring legal supports;
- Any other individual goals.
Emergency transportation is available to help you get to the shelter.
IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO LEAVE
- Call the Halton Women’s Place 24-hour Crisis, Information and Support Line.
- Our Crisis Intervention Counsellors will offer support, counselling, resources and information. They will also explore your options.
- Crisis Intervention Counsellors will also offer to support you to create a safety plan for you, and your children, if applicable
- Crisis support is available on the phone or in person at either shelter. No appointment is necessary.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE SHELTER
- Safe shelter with staff available 24 hours a day;
- Clean and welcoming bedrooms;
- Laundry facilities;
- Children’s Services, including parenting support, therapeutic groups, children’s activities, playroom;
- Court support for interim custody and restraining orders;
- Supportive counselling;
- Advocacy for you and your children;
- Support in accessing community services;
- Support groups;
- On-Going Safety Planning;
- Planning for departure from shelter

NEED HELP NOW?
CALL OUR 24-HOUR CRISIS LINES
BURLINGTON & OAKVILLE: 905-332-7892
MILTON & HALTON HILLS: 905-878-8555

©2023 Halton Women’s Place. All Right’s Reserved | Registered Charity Number-10746 2558 RR0001