A Strong Foundation, A Bold Future: 2024-25 Annual Impact Report
Celebrating 22 years of Leadership, Advocacy, and Transformation
It is with deep gratitude that I reflect on this past fiscal year at Luke’s Place, my final year as Executive Director.
This year, our team supported more women than ever before, helping them to navigate the complexities of the family law system with compassion, dignity, and expert legal guidance. Our team’s tireless efforts ensured that women subjected to intimate partner violence had access to the resources, information, and support they need to more safely navigate the family court process.
We saw continued growth in our in-person and virtual legal support, expanding access to services for women across Ontario. Of particular note is the expansion of limited scope legal services within our legal clinic, which offer critical support and enhance safety for women who would not otherwise have access to a lawyer.
We have enhanced training for lawyers, adding timely modules and resources to the online course. This past year, we took our flagship “After She Leaves” training program for women’s advocates back on the road, offering in-person sessions in five geographically diverse communities throughout Ontario. We also created new tools and resources to support women in family court, including a new guide to using CaseLines and the Justice Services Online portal.
As part of our advocacy work this year, we were honoured to have played a key role in driving the conversation around family law reform in Ontario and nationally, including our involvement in the Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia case at the Supreme Court of Canada. Additionally, we called for reforms to Ontario’s mandatory charging policies, advocated for legal representation for survivors in family court, and raised awareness about the importance of legal professionals receiving training and education on issues of intimate partner violence.
I leave this role with a full heart and deep appreciation for the remarkable people who make Luke’s Place what it is today. To our dedicated staff, volunteers, board, and supporters, thank you for your trust, passion, and tireless commitment to this work. It has been a true privilege to lead this organization, and I will always carry with me the strength, resilience, and community spirit that define Luke’s Place.
Carol Barkwell, Executive Director
Made possible by the generosity of our funders and donors, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the strength of our community, we are honoured to share our story in this year’s annual report:
A Strong Foundation, A Bold Future.
