We recently worked with Haven Kids’ House to raise some awareness and funds for their organization. Here’s an interview wwe did with Dionne Miazdyck-Shield at Haven to learn more about them! 

Thanks for taking the time to meet with is Dionne. Tell us about Haven Kids’ House!

Haven Family Connections has been operating since 1976. Our original work included preventing corporal punishment and promoting children’s rights. We have always been a prevention agency, offering supports to help parents who are at risk be successful. Haven Kids’ House (formerly Saskatoon Crisis Nursery) has been open for FORTY years this April and has provided care for children age 0-12 when their family is facing a crisis. Families bring kids to us when they are facing homelessness, a mental health crisis, a physical health crisis, domestic violence, personal struggles, loss of a family member and post partum issues. We are family to the parents who do not have a safe option for their kids. We also offer an in-home family support mentorship program and Indigenous Family Wellness programming, all to support family success.

How has the need for your services changed in the last five years? How was this affected by the pandemic? 

During COVID-19, we saw an increase in violence-related admissions and poverty-related admissions.

Tell us about funding. What financial needs does Haven Kids' House have that aren't being met? 

Haven Kids’ House has always relied on the community to keep our doors open. 30% of our operating funding, to pay staff and to pay for all the kids’ needs, comes from generous donors. We rely on the community donations to help families be successful and provide a safe space for kids. 

Can you talk about one of your greatest success stories (however you define success). 

Success is when we know that our intervention has made a difference for a family. One mom recently, a new immigrant with no support, fleeing violence in her country of origin, used Haven Kids’ House for her older kids while she was hospitalized for pregnancy complications. We were family for her in this new country.

In addition to financial contribution, how can folks help Haven? Volunteering, donating clothing or formula, or something else?

We rely on gently used clothing donations and shoes from the community. Donations can be dropped off outside of the building. We also take formula, diapers and dry goods.

Thank you so much for keeping kids safe and supporting families in our community.