Safer Spaces York Region
In collaboration,
CAYR Community Connections and Safer Spaces
... are delighted to announce a new partnership combining our collective expertise to amplify our impact and create even greater change for all women and gender diverse people in York Region. Get ready for easier access to even more robust:
- Professional Development Workshops designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to support women and gender diverse Individuals
- Online Self-Guided Modules to support learning and engagement with the content at a time and pace that works best for you
- Customized guidance to support organizations to implement more inclusive policies, documents, and procedures
for greater inclusion and equity for women, gender diverse individuals workplaces throughout York Region!
Together, we aim to empower organizations and individuals to cultivate environments where women and gender diverse individuals in workplaces have equality and can thrive.
CAYR Community Connections, formerly known as the AIDS Committee of York Region, is committed to creating safe, confidential, and inclusive spaces and services in York Region. CAYR's mission is to provide dignified support and facilitate self-determined pathways to well-being for individuals and communities, including those living with HIV/AIDS, people who use drugs, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
Safer Spaces is a capacity-building program that offers:
- professional development workshops
- organizational assessments
- consultation services
to create more inclusive services and workplaces for 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities.
Our services are designed to address the diverse needs of 2S-LGBTQIA+ people by addressing institutional barriers to inclusion. Our interactive workshops and learning modules offer a shared learning experience providing front line staff with concrete strategies for their work; while our consultation services guide management towards creating a more inclusive environment through institutional best practices.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Together, we can make even more meaningful strides toward fostering greater inclusion for women and gender diverse individuals and communities. Visit our website, explore our services, and partner with us in building safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.
Safer Spaces CAYR
Professional Development Training for Workplaces
in York Region
Self-Guided focusing on women and gender diverse inclusion and equality in the workplaces
Safer Spaces at CAYR is committed to creating inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplaces for women and gender-diverse individuals. Through workshops, resources, and support, the program helps organizations foster environments free from discrimination and bias. By advocating for policies that ensure safety and equal opportunities, Safer Spaces empowers all to thrive in their careers and contributes to more supportive, diverse workplaces.
Professional Development Training
for 2S-LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Expand your organizational awareness and community building capacity with Safer Spaces Professional Development Training for 2S-LGBTQ+ Inclusion!
- Reflect on the shared human experiences of sex, gender, expression, and orientation
- Explore barriers communities might experience to accessing your organization and services
- Experience new perspectives and understandings through critical consideration of language, practices, and history
- Identify strategies towards fostering greater 2S-LGBTQIA+ inclusion to implement moving forward
- Reflect and challenge the roots of both conscious and (unavoidable) unconscious biases
- Live workshops are designed for 20-60 people
- Hybrid models of self-guided on-line learning can be paired with a live debrief session
- Whether training is delivered live or completed through the self-guided online modules, the learning experience is interactive with opportunities for self-reflection, knowledge checks, and application to your unique workspace environment
Meet Our Team
Introducing our passionate team of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) trainers, facilitators, and professionals dedicated to fostering meaningful systemic change with a focus on serving women, gender diverse individuals, and 2S-LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Drawing from lived and living experiences, we provide tailored consultation services, professional development workshops, and engaging online learning opportunities to empower organizations and their team members to create inclusive environments where women, gender diverse and 2S-LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities can thrive. Together, we’re building more inclusive and welcoming safer spaces.
Kalipso Koras
(She/Her)
Safer Spaces Program Coordinator
for York Region
Hosted at CAYR Community Connections
Kalipso is a passionate and dedicated social services professional committed to supporting and empowering individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. As the Safer Spaces Program Coordinator for York Region, Kalipso is committed to fostering environments where all individuals, particularly women and gender-diverse people, feel safe, respected, and empowered. By prioritizing inclusive practices, Kalipso helps build communities and workplaces that are supportive, diverse, and equitable, ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender or background—has the opportunity to succeed.
Dani Chase
(She/They)
Safer Spaces Facilitator
Safer Spaces
Hosted at the Gilbert Centre
Dani is a passionate advocate for creating inclusive spaces for 2S-LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Joining the team as Safer Spaces Administrator in January 2024, Dani has since expanded their role to Safer Spaces Facilitator providing interactive workshop participants and self-guided online learners with concrete strategies toward fostering greater inclusion in their workplaces, while supporting management in creating a more inclusive environment through institutional best practices. Together, we are creating environments that are safe, welcoming, and truly inclusive for all people.
Marie Morton
(She/Her)
Executive Director
CAYR Community Connections
As Executive Director at CAYR, Marie Morton brought the expansion of Safer Spaces to York Region in 2024, in collaboration with the Gilbert Centre. Marie comes with 12 years experience as a non-profit Executive Director and a Master’s Degree in Anthropology, always focusing on meeting people where they are and centering the voices of marginalized communities.
Dale Boyle
(He/Him)
Executive Director
Gilbert Centre
Dale Boyle started with the Safer Spaces program in its 2015 launch. Dale comes with a background in Business Administration, specializing in human resources, marketing, and leadership, and 15 years of experience in building safer spaces for queer and trans communities.
Kate Oluwole
(She/Her)
Program Manager
2SLGBTQ Support Services
Kate has over twelve years of experience working with fast-paced nonprofit organizations and a proven record of accomplishment of successful programming for diverse marginalized and vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa and Canada. Kate is passionate about empowering vulnerable communities and enhancing their access to inclusive health and wellness services.
Connect with Us Today!
We'd love to respond to any questions you have.
