In the Community

Community Enrichment
Verity is committed to helping women meet their potential. One of the most significant ways Verity does this is by providing opportunities for our Members to interact, network and learn from each other.

Verity has extended this commitment into the community by partnering with the Salvation Army’s 614 Regent Park Corps. to provide enriching experiences and support to women and girls from Regent Park who face special challenges.

Through their networks, Verity and the Salvation Army bring together women and girls and provide opportunities to learn from each other. Though these women’s lives operate in different spheres, the partnership allows their worlds to intersect.

Like Verity, 614 Regent Park is invested in the power of relationships: “We send people to people—not places” emphasizes Sandra Ryan, 614’s leader. For 614 Regent Park this means an emphasis on community members helping one another rather than a reliance on “top-down” social service programs.

Because of the hands-on nature of the partnership, Verity’s Members have been inspired by the tenacity, vitality and resilience of the women and girls they’ve mentored. Funds raised for the Verity Women’s Club Trust are used to support various programs throughout the year:

Verity Girls’ Club
We are very proud of our group of 8-12 year old girls who come to Verity on a weekly basis for mentoring by Verity Members to gain confidence and guidance that will help them pursue their dreams and map their careers.

In addition to weekly meetings, the Verity Women’s Club Trust enables the girls to experience other enriching activities such as attending summer camp and visiting cultural destinations.


100 Friends at Christmas
Each year on Christmas Day, Verity opens its doors to disadvantaged single mothers and their children from Regent Park and provides a traditional holiday meal, caroling, Santa and presents for everyone. Gifts are specially selected for each child. Over 145 guests and 30 volunteers comprised of Verity Members and staff, participate in this amazing and inspiring day.


Monthly Spa Night
Each month a group of women identified by the Salvation Army as having achieved personal growth or overcome special challenges come to our spa sweetgrass for a well deserved day of pampering and a lovely meal from George Restaurant. Staff from sweetgrassspa volunteer their services and Verity Members volunteer to mentor and offer advice and support.


Verity Dance Class for Teens
There are very few opportunities for youth in high risk neighbourhoods to receive serious training in the arts. Verity has committed to hosting classes for young women from Regent Park who show potential in dance. Led by a trained dance instructor from York University, classes are held weekly on Saturday evenings for promising young women.


Clothing Drives
Verity Members donate clothing and books to the Salvation Army throughout the year.