“When families are safe, they can build stronger futures together. Supporting this project is about making sure that no one in Niagara has to live in fear, and that children and parents can continue to feel connected during the most difficult times.”
News from Birchway Niagara, a community organization dedicated to protecting and empowering women, children, and youth impacted by abuse
Posted September 23rd, 2025 on Niagara At Large
NIAGARA FALLS, ON – Birchway Niagara is proud to announce a transformational gift of $750,000 from long-time Niagara philanthropists Jana and Michael Katz in support of the agency’s Creating Safe Spaces capital campaign.
Their contribution will help bring Birchway Niagara’s 45-bed domestic violence shelter on McLeod Road closer to a vital expansion, which will include pet-friendly rooms, a community space, and other enhancements designed to reduce barriers to service and improve the experience of women and children seeking safety from abuse.
With this gift, a remarkable $3.8 million of the $5.5 million capital fundraising goal has been raised, thanks to both the Katz family and anonymous supporters. The Katz family expressed their hope that their contribution will motivate others to join in helping this vital project cross the finish line.
“Family means everything to us,” said Jana Katz. “When families are safe, they can build stronger futures together. Supporting this project is about making sure that no one in Niagara has to live in fear, and that children and parents can continue to feel connected during the most difficult times.”
“For us, helping build spaces where families can gather—whether to celebrate milestones like birthdays or simply spend time together—is deeply meaningful. We know that family is not only people, but also the beloved pets who give comfort and unconditional love, so helping a project that also keeps cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals safe alongside survivors feels especially close to our hearts. We hope our gift inspires others to contribute, so that together, we can bring this vision to life.”
Architectural rendering of a new community entrance, which is part of Birchway Niagara’s proposed expansion. (Source: Chapman Murray Associates Architects, Inc.)
Residents of Niagara Falls, Jana and Michael Katz are well known for their generous support of many charitable causes across the region. They believe strongly in the power of philanthropy to create lasting change and have been passionate about strengthening the Niagara community for many years.
Birchway Niagara’s Executive Director, Jennifer Gauthier, expressed immense gratitude for the Katz family’s leadership:
“This extraordinary gift from the Katz family is a testament to their love for this community and their compassion for families in need. By stepping forward in such a generous way, they are helping to ensure safety, dignity, and connection for survivors of abuse and their families for generations to come.”
The Creating Safe Spaces campaign will allow Birchway Niagara to expand critical services, build pet-friendly shelter rooms, and add a welcoming community room where families can come together for support and connection. The project will strengthen safety and healing for survivors, while ensuring that pets—the companions who provide comfort during crisis—remain safely by their side.
With $1.7 million left to raise, Birchway Niagara calls on the community to help bring this essential project to completion. Anyone interested in supporting the campaign is encouraged to contact Amanda Braet, Director of Development and Stewardship, at 905-356-3933 ext. 240 or amandab@birchway.ca
About Birchway Niagara – Birchway Niagara is a trusted community organization dedicated to protecting and empowering women, children, and youth impacted by abuse. The agency operates a 45-bed shelter in Niagara Falls and offers a 24-hour phone and text support line, outreach offices in Welland, Fort Erie, and Port Colborne, as well as public education and prevention programs. Birchway Niagara provides confidential support, safety planning, counselling, housing and advocacy to individuals in South Niagara experiencing domestic and gender-based violence. Birchway Niagara envisions a community without abuse and engages individuals and organizations to become allies against abuse to break the cycle of violence for all individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or economic status.
For more information, visit www.birchway.ca<http://www.birchway.ca/>.
*Note- Attached to this release is a photo for media use. Caption – Architectural rendering of a new community entrance, which is part of Birchway Niagara’s proposed expansion. (Source: Chapman Murray Associates Architects, Inc.)
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