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M aria Crawford - Executive Director, Eva’s Initiatives. A graduate of York University’s Non Profit Management and Leadership Program, Maria also has a B.A. in Sociology, and an Honours degree in Social Work. She has extensive experience in the shelter sector in Ontario, having worked for over twenty four years in the Assaulted Women’s Shelter system, and the youth shelter sector where she currently applies her expertise and passion.
Maria was instrumental in the development and construction of the 1st second stage housing project for women and children living in abusive relationships and was a founding member of the Women We Honour Action Committee. Her research on Intimate Femicide has been used internationally in court cases as well as for university curriculums. Maria’s research has been incorporated into the practice frameworks of numerous professionals including Coroners, Police Officers, Crown Attorneys, Therapists, Judges and various service providers.
For the past 12 years, she has been the Executive Director of Eva’s Initiatives. Eva’s operates three unique and award winning shelters in the GTA, and has lead the growth and development of that organization from a single shelter to the current three sites, with an expanded portfolio of specialized services for homeless youth, as well as a National Initiative that assists other communities across Canada to develop effective service delivery models for homeless youth. Eva’s Initiatives has become known for its dynamic approach and its focus on long term solutions, as well as the development of unique and innovative programs dedicated to helping Toronto’s homeless and at risk youth lead independent, self-sufficient, and productive lives in the community.
Under her leadership, Eva’s Initiatives has developed and piloted several innovative service delivery models not found elsewhere in the country. The organization has achieved a large measure of success in meeting the diverse and distinct needs of homeless youth struggling with issues of drug and alcohol use, family breakdown and reconciliation as well as independent living, award winning employment programs, and a very successful Social Enterprise – the Eva’s Phoenix print shop. The organization has received many accolades, citations and awards over the past five years, most recently including the Harry Jerome award for excellence in community service, (2005) a “City Livability” award from the Canadian Urban Institute (2005), and were recently named a “Promising Approach” organization by the National Secretariat on Homelessness.
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