The Ironwood Project is a not for profit organization based in Halton Hills. 

We are dedicated to improving the lives of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Support groups are offered at no cost to participants. 

Ironwood Highlights for November

Co-ed Support Group  Sunday nights at 7pm

Women's Support Group Monday nights at 7pm

Partners and Parents Support Group Thursday, November 28th at 7pm

For more detail please refer to our calendar (Agenda View) or reach out at info@theironwoodproject.ca.

What's Happening at Ironwood...

The Ironwood Project would like to thank our donors. Donations allow us to offer support groups, to educate groups and individuals in the community and to both prevent and heal the impact of sexual abuse on our community.

A special thank you to Sugar Estate Media, 100 Women Who Care Halton Hills and the private donors that make this possible.

OUR NEW HOME

The Ironwood community is happy to have a new home that is just for us.  We have a meeting room for the survivor peer support groups, a community room for hosting supporters groups and workshops as well as other Ironwood events. It's nice to be home.

Making a donation has never been easier

DONATE NOW

Your donation will help us continue to offer support groups to survivors of childhood sexual abuse, to educate groups and individuals in the community, and to both prevent and heal the impact of sexual abuse in our society.

What Past Participants Had To Say

"Ironwood has been a lighthouse in the storm of my life experiences. I was terrified to attend my first Ironwood session. I was equally terrified to say my name aloud, and to admit to strangers that I had been sexually abused as a child - but I did, and immediately felt a sense of shame, mixed with relief. I was slow to share, but every word spoken, every story I listen to, every head nod of understanding, I slowly realized that for once in my life, I was not alone in the storm. I no longer had to hide the truth of my experiences, which allowed me to work through some of the fear, shame, anger, and array of other motions which plagued me for decades, and for which I did not fully understand. Ironwood has been a lighthouse in the storm of my life - not the buoy which barely kept me afloat, not the ship that came to save me from drowning, but rather the shining light that provided a path and gave me courage to be my own saviour. I will forever be grateful for the immense and transformative impact and support this organization, it’s participants and hosts have brought to my life."

"Being here, I can breathe, I can set aside the armour for a bit, where other people “get it”, a place that I feel safe."

"Yes….It’s a safe space, they are your people, they have your back and will be there whenever and wherever you need them, this is a safe haven/ safe house. I highly recommend for anyone with sexual trauma."

"I am so proud of what I have been able to accomplish."

"This group has absolutely changed my life for the better. Being around people who 'get it' is so incredibly healing. Hearing people's stories helped me to better understand my own. I felt safe, seen, heard, and understood."

"I had so many breakthrough moments that have fundamentally changed my life."

"I always felt safe and heard and surrounded by people that understood and respected me. I looked forward to coming every week."

"I always felt completely safe."

The Ironwood Project is not about telling your secret.  It isn't about therapy or counselling.  It is simply a safe place for survivors to gather.  It is an opportunity to get together and talk about things that maybe you feel you can't talk about anywhere else.  It is an opportunity to share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.  It is a place to explore topics like isolation, fear and anger with people who are looking for some of the same answers you are.  It is a place to hear what has and what hasn't worked for your peers and to maybe start to figure out what would work for you.

Why Ironwood?

Ironwood is a common name for a large number of woods found all over the world. These woods have a reputation for strength, durability, and an incredibly beautiful wood grain. They are known to grow in both dry and wet conditions, mostly requiring sunlight and a stable environment.

This is us.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are very common, occurring in frighteningly large numbers all over the world. We are not separated by gender, race, religion, economic standing, social class or geographic location. We are everywhere.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are the strongest, most durable and heart-warmingly beautiful people I have ever had the privilege to meet. Each and every one of them.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse need light to thrive. For far too long we have been stuck in the shadows, shoved into dark corners and spoken about in furtive hushed tones. It is time for us to shine a light. It is time for us to speak in strong, unwavering voices.

It is time for The Ironwood Project.

The purpose of this website is to provide general information about us and our services only. Everyone has different life experiences that have brought him/her to this page.  We are not crisis counsellors or therapists.  If you are in crisis please contact a qualified medical professional to assist you. If you need a list of support resources, please go to our Information page.