History of The Teresa Group

Penelope Holeton – Founder

1989

November, 1989
Penelope Holeton starts The Teresa Group to provide previously unavailable services for families affected by HIV and AIDS. “What about the children?” Penelope asked, “what about the diagnosis and the affect it has on an entire family?“

1990

November 16, 1990
The Teresa Group receives charitable status!

1990

December 19, 1990
The Teresa Group and The Hospital for Sick Children start a relationship that continues today.
Learn More →

1992

November 19, 1992
After running The Teresa Group out of her basement for 2 years with the help of volunteers, Penelope hires her first employee and they move operations to a one bedroom apartment. Working with 10 families, they work to fill the gap between hospital services and the help that families needed.

1996

August 4, 1996
The Teresa Group spearheads the distribution of free infant formula for new mothers living with HIV to prevent transmission through breastmilk. The Formula Program is ultimately funded by the AIDS Bureau and administered province wide by TTG as the first program of its kind in Canada.
Link to Infant Formula Program →

1996

November 19, 1996
The Teresa Group pioneers “Leading the Way” therapeutic groups to address the emotional impact of HIV on children. “Leading the Way” continues to be a central program at TTG, using arts-based programming that aims to address social isolation, develop peer support networks, build confidence and provide a safe space for children and youth to connect.
Link to Therapeutic Art Archives →

1997

November 19, 1997
The Teresa Group holds it’s first fundraising event, The Mane Event. Started and championed by Toronto stylist Steve Roy, the Mane Event has raised critical funds in support of TTG for 23 years.

1999

November 19, 1999
The Teresa Group produces the booklet “How do I tell my kids?”, a tool for parents going through the process of disclosing to their children. The booklet was updated in 2009 and again in 2018 to reflect the changes of the past 2 decades.
Link to Resources →

2002


Teresa Group publishes "Bye, bye Secrets", Canada’s first educational book written by HIV infected/affected children about the impact of HIV/AIDS in children's lives.

2003

November 19, 2003
The Teresa Group establishes New Moms and Babies groups, and a specialized Prenatal Group for pregnant women living with HIV. These groups still run today, and with the addition of a Parent’s Club, they provide a safe space for parents to build their own networks of support and friendship.
Link to Groups Page →

2004

The Teresa Group organizes and hosts Let's Talk—Children, Youth, Families and HIV/AIDS, Canada's first national skills building conference on children, youth, families and HIV/AIDS. Nearly 200 delegates participate.

2004

November 19, 2004
Championed by volunteer Don Cameron and his daughter Chrissie, the first Toy Industry fundraising dinner is held. for 14 years he ran an annual event raising critical funds and holiday gifts for TTG and its’ families. After Chrissie passed away in 2011, the event was renamed in her honour.

2005

The Teresa Group wins prestigious Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award for excellence in its work with at-risk HIV affected children.

2005

The Teresa Group wins 10th Anniversary Raptors Foundation Award in recognition of programming that has a lasting impact on the development of children and youth.

2005

The Teresa Group with support from Ronald McDonald House Charities publishes "Hopes, Wishes and Dreams" a beautifully illustrated book of artwork and writing by HIV infected and affected children.

2006

November 19, 2006
The Teresa Group co-founds the Global Coalition for Children Affected by AIDS, advocating for the best policies, research and programs for overlooked and vulnerable children. TTG and the Coalition would go on to found and host a bi-annual international symposium advocating for children.
Link to Coalition Website →

2006

The Teresa Group awarded grant from the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health to evaluate nine years of data from its innovative Leading the Way Program. 

The Teresa Group in partnership with Sick Kids Hospital organizes Envisioning the Future, an international symposium on children affected by HIV/AIDS. 

The Teresa Group selected as one of a handful of Canadian organizations accredited to participate in the United Nations General Assembly High Level Review on progress towards the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. 

The Teresa Group invited to participate in a 2-year international training exchange program in the Ukraine sponsored by Canadian Society for International Health.

2007

The Teresa Group's Director of Counselling, Simone Shindler receives Clarins Award for most Dynamic Woman of the Year for excellence in children’s programming.

The Teresa Group invited to participate in HIV/AIDS Think Tank at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Teresa Group establishes Canada's first Tutoring Program providing specialized educational support to school-aged children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Teresa Group’s evaluation abstract of Leading the Way Program accepted for presentation at the international AIDS Impact Conference in Marseilles, France.

2008


The Teresa Group organizes Children and HIV/AIDS: Action Now, Action How, a two-day international symposium in partnership with CCABA and Casa de la Sal in Mexico City.

2009

Month, 01, Year
Teresa Group co-hosts and presents at Family Front and Centre, a one-day conference involving the OHTN and American Psychological Association. 

Teresa Group invited to present as part of the AIDS Action Think Tank at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Belfast. 

Teresa Group initiates Canada's first Scholarship program for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

2010

Teresa Group organizes third international symposium in Vienna—Children and HIV: Family Support First in partnership with CCABA and World Vision. 

Teresa Group counselors invited to lead psycho-educational support groups for HIV infected children and youth at Sick Kids Hospital, a first in Canada. 

Teresa Group article "Beneath the Mask: A Group Therapy Model Supporting Children Infected With and Affected by HIV/AIDS" published in international social work journal. 

Abstract about Leading the Way evaluation presented at international Social Work with Groups conference.

2011-2012

Teresa Group evaluation of Prenatal Program completed and presented at AGM. 

Teresa Group invited to present as part of the AIDS Action Think Tank at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Hawaii.

2013

November 19, 2013
Summer Camp is added to TTG programming. Giving kids the chance to get away and form strong friendships within their community, Summer Camp is looked forward to every year by staff and kids alike. Older campers are offered leadership opportunities through a CIT program, with many returning as counsellors once they are over 18.
Link to Camp Page →

2020

November 19, 2020
The Teresa Group celebrates 30 years, with the TTG’s Family Support Team continuing the legacy Penelope started from her basement.

The Teresa Group

355 Church Street, 2nd Fl

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5B 0B2

Charitable business number: 136999959RR0001

Phone: 416-596-7703

Fax: 416-596-7910

[email protected]

Office Hours:

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Drop in to see how we can help!

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