No family expects to face a crisis, but when they do, having a safe place to turn can mean everything. Haven Family Connections ensures that support is never out of reach. For parents facing unimaginable challenges, whether it’s homelessness, illness, mental health struggles or the unexpected loss of a loved one, having a trusted support system can make all the difference. That’s exactly what Haven Family Connections does: provide safety for families.
This isn’t even the first time we’ve highlighted their incredible work.
A lifeline for families in crisis
Based in Saskatoon, Haven Family Connections (formerly Crisis Nursery) has been a pillar of support for families in need for over four decades. At the heart of their mission is Haven Kids’ House, a 24/7 emergency home that provides a safe space for children while parents work through difficult circumstances. Last year alone, they supported nearly 950 children, offering not just shelter, but stability, care and hope.
When a family is in crisis, the Haven team steps in immediately, ensuring children feel secure and cared for while their parents receive the support they need. From de-escalating stress to providing emotional and physical care, their work is about more than temporary relief — it’s about setting families on a path to long-term stability.
The power of community support
Organizations like Haven Family Connections don’t just happen — they exist because of the community that believes in their mission. Yardi Canada is proud to stand with Haven, providing financial support to ensure their services remain free and accessible to families in need.
“Haven Kids’ House has offered safety and support for kids during a family crisis for over 42 years. We are a critical service that needs to stay open, and we’re proud that part of the way we stay open is through community support. Yardi’s contribution has helped make this safe space possible for kids and ensures families are supported during emergencies,” said Dionne Miazdyck-Shield, executive director at Haven Family Connections.
“We’re not just focusing on one issue. Families come to us facing everything from mental health crises to domestic violence, homelessness or medical emergencies. Our role is to provide a place where kids feel safe, and parents have time to find solutions,” added Lisa Walter-Mills, Program Director at Haven Family Connections.
While financial contributions help sustain these critical services, it’s the real-life stories that truly illustrate Haven’s impact. These contributions help provide food, staff, crisis response and case management resources that directly impact the lives of families in Saskatoon.
Real stories, real change
More than just an emergency shelter, Haven Family Connections serves as a beacon of hope for families navigating hardship. Their work touches the lives of parents and children in countless ways, from giving a grieving father time to process an unimaginable loss to helping a young mother learn how to care for her newborn.
“One of my most memorable cases is of a young mom who came to us with a baby who wouldn’t stop crying,” recalled Miazdyck-Shield. “She was exhausted, had no support and didn’t know what to do. Our staff quickly recognized the baby had reflux, helped get the right medication and taught the mother how to use a baby carrier to provide comfort. She left feeling supported and empowered to care for her child.”
Lisa Walter-Mills shared another powerful moment: “We had a mom call us in absolute distress — her baby had tragically passed away, and she couldn’t even speak. Emergency responders had to communicate for her. We took her other children in immediately, giving her the space she needed to process and grieve while knowing her kids were in a safe place. In times of crisis, we don’t just help families — we hold them together.”
From crisis to confidence
While Haven Family Connections provides immediate crisis support, the scope of crises they address is vast. Families come to them in moments of severe distress. They have supported parents in crisis by caring for children while the parents sought medical treatment, arranged emergency shelter for children after tragic family events and provided a space where overwhelmed single parents could take a much-needed respite. Though these interventions address immediate needs, they often serve as a turning point for long-term stability and healing.
The organization is implementing a new case management database, launching this year, to better track outcomes and tailor their services.
“We’re working to be even more intentional about measuring the difference we make,” Miazdyck-Shield shared. “For us, success is about helping families navigate their challenges with dignity and ensuring kids are safe — not just today, but in the long run.”
How you can help
Haven Family Connections welcomes community involvement. Volunteers can contribute through seasonal yard clean-ups, maintenance projects and in the future, potential tech training to help the organization grow its digital capabilities. Your support — through volunteering, donating or spreading awareness — helps keep Haven’s doors open for families who need them most.
Yardi is honored to continue supporting Haven Family Connections in their mission to provide a safe, supportive space for children and families facing crisis. Because when families have a place to turn, entire communities grow stronger.
Learn more about Yardi’s philanthropic efforts.
