Testimonials
What a few clients and community partners have to say…
It is a privilege for our agency to be connected to Koala Place. The intrinsic concept of “helping” is self-evident the minute you walk in the door both aesthetically, philosophically and more importantly in practice. The dominant focus of reducing system induced trauma for child and youth victims of crime is paramount on their journey through a very difficult process. Our community is fortunate to have Koala Place among those agencies who passionately embrace the need to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth.
Dan O’RourkeExecutive Director - Laurencrest Youth Services Inc.
The Children’s Aid Society of Stormont Dundas & Glengarry is proud to be a partner of Koala Place. We are so fortunate to have many community partners working together on making Koala Place a welcoming safe place for families, children and youth.
Rachel DaigneaultExecutive Director - The Children’s Aid Society of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
La place Koala répond très bien aux besoins des enfants, adolescents et familles de la communauté de S.D.& G. Koala est reconnue pour répondre à leurs objectifs dans le domaine de la communication, sécurité, protection et confidentialité. J’atteste vivre un partenariat professionnel avec l’équipe de Koala.
Lise DurocherDétective Constable
The Koala Place has been our family’s safe space along our healing path. From our first visit with the detectives to our monthly check- ins while awaiting trial, our family has felt heard, safe, and comfortable. Koala place has a cute comfortable homey feeling, with friendly helpful staff. Without them I would be lost.
As a mom, I felt cared for as well; when I was lost and not knowing who to get information from, I always thought of the Case Manager at the Koala Place. With a quick text, they would guide me any way possible.
With all of the emotions from dealing with this trauma, the Koala Place took care of all our needs.
The one stop shop.
I could not imagine having taken my child to a police station to be forensically interviewed on multiple occasions. The location would not have been ideal, but Koala Place was situated in an area where we did not worry about seeing the accused.
Thank you Koala Place for making our family’s traumatic experience a more comfortable one.
Big hugs xo
As a mom, I felt cared for as well; when I was lost and not knowing who to get information from, I always thought of the Case Manager at the Koala Place. With a quick text, they would guide me any way possible.
With all of the emotions from dealing with this trauma, the Koala Place took care of all our needs.
The one stop shop.
I could not imagine having taken my child to a police station to be forensically interviewed on multiple occasions. The location would not have been ideal, but Koala Place was situated in an area where we did not worry about seeing the accused.
Thank you Koala Place for making our family’s traumatic experience a more comfortable one.
Big hugs xo
Anonymous
When my child went to the Koala Place Centre to give their statement to the police regarding their incident, they went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable and safe; the police station can be an intimidating place for a child especially, one who has special needs.
The staff there did more in a short amount of time for us than any other service we've used in the past. We are used to being brushed off due to my child’s disability, but Koala Place and the staff are amazing, and their help was invaluable. I would love to see them continue to service Cornwall and its locals with their deeply caring approach for many years to come.
The staff even kept up with us while the trial date is in limbo, offering all of us support the best they can. Koala Place provides a judgement free, safe environment that I have never seen duplicated in my lifetime.
The staff there did more in a short amount of time for us than any other service we've used in the past. We are used to being brushed off due to my child’s disability, but Koala Place and the staff are amazing, and their help was invaluable. I would love to see them continue to service Cornwall and its locals with their deeply caring approach for many years to come.
The staff even kept up with us while the trial date is in limbo, offering all of us support the best they can. Koala Place provides a judgement free, safe environment that I have never seen duplicated in my lifetime.
Anonymous
Dear Executive Director of Koala Place Cornwall,
Let me first start by expressing my gratitude for your tireless efforts in advocating for victims and their families. Access to a neutral, confidential, safe, and supportive environment during times of trauma is crucial and essential. Your one door access to community partnerships alleviates much of the burden on children, youth, and families during these times of distress.
When children feel safe, they have the freedom to take risks to do really, hard things; to trust that others are going to listen to them, believe them, and protect them. Having accessed Koala Place Cornwall many more times than I would have ever wished for myself and my children, our experience has been a source of comfort. The warm, inviting, child centered environment allows everyone to breathe a little easier. The kids gravitate to the snacks, the drinks, the toys and make themselves right at home. Joy, the therapy dog, also plays an integral role in reducing anxiety and is always a hit. The sense of calm in the center provides us with non-threatening and non-intimidating experiences. Personally, it left me feeling validated, supported, and empowered. My children have come home with teddy bears and blankets or fidgets every single time, leaving them with positive memories.
Conversely, I have been on the other side of the spectrum. I have been subjected to interviews in the police station where I was riddled with anxiety. I felt cold, numb, and judged…not a great space for someone experiencing yet another traumatic event. I could not imagine having to bring my two young children into that maze of uniforms over and over again. That would be traumatic itself.
Koala Place allowed my children to be both scared and courageous; anxious and brave; vulnerable and resilient; victims and survivors. Although it has never been easy for them, they are learning that their voice matters.
“Shame dies when stories are told in safe places.” - Ann Voskamp
To the staff, I hold your unwavering kindness, empathy, and compassion, close always. Without your continuity of service, we would feel like our story ended between those walls. Trauma does not work that way. You are gracious in all that you do, and it has not gone unnoticed. Navigating the system on your own is a daunting task. We are beyond fortunate to have access to such a facility in our community. Koala Place is an asset well worth investing in. Thank you!
I leave you with this image created by my daughter at our last visit. They say: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” When a child who suffers from debilitating impairment due to anxiety can leave your center feeling this sense of peace, you have no choice but to believe that you are impacting every single, brave soul that walks through your door. Thank you for gifting us this safe haven where our voices are heard, our needs are met, and our hearts are healed one beat at a time.
Let me first start by expressing my gratitude for your tireless efforts in advocating for victims and their families. Access to a neutral, confidential, safe, and supportive environment during times of trauma is crucial and essential. Your one door access to community partnerships alleviates much of the burden on children, youth, and families during these times of distress.
When children feel safe, they have the freedom to take risks to do really, hard things; to trust that others are going to listen to them, believe them, and protect them. Having accessed Koala Place Cornwall many more times than I would have ever wished for myself and my children, our experience has been a source of comfort. The warm, inviting, child centered environment allows everyone to breathe a little easier. The kids gravitate to the snacks, the drinks, the toys and make themselves right at home. Joy, the therapy dog, also plays an integral role in reducing anxiety and is always a hit. The sense of calm in the center provides us with non-threatening and non-intimidating experiences. Personally, it left me feeling validated, supported, and empowered. My children have come home with teddy bears and blankets or fidgets every single time, leaving them with positive memories.
Conversely, I have been on the other side of the spectrum. I have been subjected to interviews in the police station where I was riddled with anxiety. I felt cold, numb, and judged…not a great space for someone experiencing yet another traumatic event. I could not imagine having to bring my two young children into that maze of uniforms over and over again. That would be traumatic itself.
Koala Place allowed my children to be both scared and courageous; anxious and brave; vulnerable and resilient; victims and survivors. Although it has never been easy for them, they are learning that their voice matters.
“Shame dies when stories are told in safe places.” - Ann Voskamp
To the staff, I hold your unwavering kindness, empathy, and compassion, close always. Without your continuity of service, we would feel like our story ended between those walls. Trauma does not work that way. You are gracious in all that you do, and it has not gone unnoticed. Navigating the system on your own is a daunting task. We are beyond fortunate to have access to such a facility in our community. Koala Place is an asset well worth investing in. Thank you!
I leave you with this image created by my daughter at our last visit. They say: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” When a child who suffers from debilitating impairment due to anxiety can leave your center feeling this sense of peace, you have no choice but to believe that you are impacting every single, brave soul that walks through your door. Thank you for gifting us this safe haven where our voices are heard, our needs are met, and our hearts are healed one beat at a time.
Three Grateful Hearts
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