Property at 5519 Ontario Ave., Niagara Falls to be named Tilling’s Safe Landing for Youth; FACS Foundation launches $1M campaign for needed improvements
NIAGARA FALLS, ON (April 30, 2026) — Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara has acquired the former Nightlight Shelter from BGC Niagara (formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara) to continue its legacy of serving young people in the region. The property, a duplex located at 5519 Ontario Avenue in Niagara Falls, will become a home for youth living with complex needs in the care of FACS. The agency took possession of the property on April 1.
“The need for residential placements continues to increase, particularly for young people requiring more intensive supports,” said Anna Bozza, CEO of FACS Niagara. “Purchasing this property is an important step in enhancing the services we provide to children and youth in our care. Tilling’s Safe Landing for Youth will offer a nurturing home and the right supports for youth to grow and stay connected to our community.”
“At BGC Niagara, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and hopeful about their future. As the needs of youth continue to evolve, what remains constant is the importance of strong community supports that help young people overcome barriers and provide the stability they need to thrive. We are encouraged to see the property continue to play a role in supporting youth in Niagara,” said Joe Macoretta, Interim CEO, BGC Niagara.
The purchase of the home was made possible through the influence and involvement of The Canadian Tilling Foundation. A portion of the purchase price was donated by their founder and the remainder was financed by Tilling in the form of a low stress loan. In honour of this act of philanthropy, the building is being named “Tilling’s Safe Landing for Youth.”
The goal of The Canadian Tilling Foundation is to make impactful donations with a focus on improving human welfare, health, mental wellness, education, poverty, and homelessness alleviation. Funding is directed towards improving individual and community lives, here and now. “We are grateful to the Canadian Tilling Foundation for its generosity and sharing our vision of a community where young people can thrive. By supporting this project, Tilling is further enabling FACS to make a meaningful improvement in the lives of young people with complex mental health, behavioural, and developmental needs,” said Brett Sweeney, FACS Niagara’s Director of Communications and Community Engagement.
To finance the costs of opening the building, including needed renovations and repairs, the Foundation for FACS Niagara is launching a $1 million fundraising campaign. Needed upgrades to the home include a new roof and skylights, electrical work, fire safety measures, HVAC and drywall repairs. The building will also require furnishings, accessibility and cosmetic improvements, and technology to truly make it a home for the youth being supported.
The kickoff to the fundraising campaign will take place at FACS Niagara’s annual gala being held at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. Davids on May 8. “Niagara has always generously supported the needs of young people in our region, and we look forward to partnering with our community on this important initiative to enhance the safety and stability of our most vulnerable children and youth,” says Rhianon Burkholder, Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors.
The escalating cost of caring for children and youth is one of the biggest challenges placing financial pressure on children’s aid societies (CAS). While the overall number of children in care in Ontario is declining, more young people are coming to CASs with complex medical, mental health, developmental, and behavioural needs requiring specialized supports. Tilling’s Safe Landing for Youth will allow FACS Niagara to provide high-quality residential care to these young people at competitive rates relative to the private sector.
The home is expected to serve approximately 20 youth each year, with the final number determined following conversations with FACS Niagara’s partners at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Ministry is responsible for licensing group homes in Ontario.
FACS is engaged in discussions with a number of trusted community partners about providing specialized support and programming to youth with developmental needs.
Donations to support the opening of Tilling’s Safe Landing can be made by calling the Foundation office at 905-937-7731. Visit http://www.facsniagarafoundation.org for more information about making donations.
At a Glance:
- What: FACS Niagara will convert the former Nightlight Shelter into a home for youth in care with complex needs
- Where: 5519 Ontario Ave., Niagara Falls
- Name: Tilling’s Safe Landing for Youth
- Funding: The Canadian Tilling Foundation contributed a donation and financed the remaining purchase price
- Next: The Foundation for FACS Niagara launches a $1 million campaign to fund necessary improvements to open the home. Campaign kickoff to take place at the FACS gala, May 8 at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in St. Davids
About FACS Niagara
Family and Children’s Services Niagara is a multiservice organization dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of children, youth, and families in the region. Through an extensive portfolio of programming, including child protection, fostering and adoption, counselling, and daycare services, FACS Niagara supports the safety of children, strengthens families, and helps children, youth and adults achieve their full potential.
About the Canadian Tilling Foundation
The Canadian Tilling Foundation is a CRA registered foundation that provides impactful financial donations to small Canadian charities. Its focus is on improving human welfare for those most in need, while strengthening existing charities and community services. Tilling is inclusive and works with like minded organizations.
