Our Second Stage Program provides safe, affordable housing for women and families who have experienced gender-based violence as they transition toward long-term safety, stability, and independent living.
Recognizing that every family’s journey is different, the program is designed to support participants in identifying their own goals, navigating challenges, and building the confidence and skills needed for life beyond the Second Stage Program.
Grounded in trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) and survivor-centered principles, the program combines stable housing with structured housing support, goal planning, and streamlined access to Artemis Huron’s broader network of services and community resources. The program is designed to foster independence, as participants take an active role in shaping their own healing and housing journey.
Throughout their time in the program, participants work alongside Second Stage staff to develop, document, and regularly review their personal goals, celebrate progress, identify barriers, and access the supports that best meet their evolving needs. They are also supported by a Housing Navigator, who works alongside them specifically to build successful pathways into long-term housing.
Our Second Stage Program includes secure apartment units located in Goderich, Clinton, and Exeter, encouraging women and families to remain connected to their communities while building a future defined by safety, dignity, and independence.
Support Beyond Crisis
Leaving an abusive situation is often the beginning of a new chapter, but it can also bring new challenges. Women and families may still be managing safety concerns, finding stable housing, navigating financial stress, and healing from the impacts of violence and trauma while rebuilding their lives.
While emergency and crisis services provide essential support, healing and long-term stability take time. Our Second Stage Program helps bridge that gap by providing safe, stable housing together with structured housing support that empowers participants to build the confidence, connections, and skills needed for long-term independence.
While in this program, participants are supported to:
- Strengthen safety and stability
- Navigate housing and financial challenges
- Build confidence and independence
- Reconnect with supports and community
- Continue healing from the impacts of violence and trauma
- Work toward long-term well-being and stability
Without continued access to safe housing and supportive services, many individuals face ongoing barriers and may be at a greater risk of returning to unsafe situations.
How We Can Support You
Every participant’s needs, strengths, and goals are unique, which is why support is personalized and flexible. Throughout their time in the program, participants work alongside staff to identify priorities, develop goals, and access the Artemis Huron services and community resources that best support their journey.
Support may include:
- Counselling and Emotional Support: Access to trauma- and violence-informed counselling and therapeutic supports available through Artemis Huron to strengthen coping skills, build resilience, and support healing and emotional well-being.
- Safety Planning and Advocacy: Develop personalized safety plans, navigate systems and services, and work alongside staff to advocate for needs as new challenges arise.
- Housing and Financial Navigation: Work with a Housing Navigator to develop housing goals, prepare applications, strengthen housing opportunities, and prepare for a successful transition into long-term housing.
- Health and Wellness: Explore opportunities to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through healthy routines, wellness activities, and health and well-being coaching.
- Community Connections: Build meaningful connections with community programs, resources, and supports that strengthen independence, foster relationships, and reduce isolation.
- Support for Children and Youth: Children and youth impacted by gender-based violence can access counselling, advocacy, safety planning, group programming, and connections to community resources, while caregivers can access support that strengthens family well-being and increases understanding of the impacts of trauma.
A Participant’s Journey
Every participant’s journey is unique, and timelines may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. The Second Stage Program provides the stability, structure, and support participants need as they move toward independent living.
1. Getting Connected
The journey begins with an initial conversation where participants share their experiences, strengths, needs, and goals. Together, participants and staff explore whether the Second Stage Program is the right fit and identify what supports may be helpful throughout the journey.
2. Planning and Preparing
Once accepted into the program, participants prepare for their transition into Second Stage. This includes reviewing agreements, attending orientation, and beginning to develop a personalized housing plan and goals for success in the program.
3. Settling In and Building Stability
The first few months focus on settling into a new home, establishing routines, and building a sense of safety and security. Participants use program resources to guide regular meetings with Second Stage staff, review progress toward their goals, identify barriers, and plan next steps together.
4. Growing and Moving Forward
As participants become more settled, they continue leading their own healing and housing journey while accessing Artemis Huron services, community resources, group programming, wellness opportunities, and other supports that align with their individual goals. Throughout this stage, the focus remains on strengthening independence, building sustainable routines, and preparing for life beyond Second Stage.
5. Preparing for the Next Chapter
As participants approach the end of their stay in the program, they work with staff to prepare for their next chapter. This may include securing long-term housing, strengthening community connections, and creating a plan that supports continued stability and well-being. Optional follow-up support remains available after participants transition from the program.
Looking ahead
Our Second Stage Program is more than housing, it is a partnership that supports women and families as they build safe, stable, and independent futures after gender-based violence.
Grounded in the mission of Artemis Huron, the program combines safe housing, structured guidance, and meaningful access to supports while empowering participants to shape their own path toward healing, long-term stability, and a future defined by dignity, choice, hope, and independence.