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Being part of a community is about feeling like you belong to something bigger than yourself. It’s about showing up for one another, demonstrating care, and living out shared values. In a strong community, people come together to face challenges. In Orillia, the community shows a spirit of compassion every day. At The Lighthouse, we […]

Tears, laughter, and a deep sense of gratitude filled Connexus Church on Tuesday afternoon as friends, family, colleagues, and community partners came together to celebrate the legacy of Linda Goodall, outgoing executive director of The Lighthouse. The gathering was less a farewell and more a joyful reflection on nearly a decade of leadership that transformed

Homelessness is a visible and complex issue in our community. People encounter it regularly, whether on their way to work, while running errands, or simply walking through town. It can be unsettling to see people living outdoors or spending time in spaces not designed for shelter. Since people care deeply about their community, these moments

‘We’re not a solution, and we all know that. Homelessness is an issue, and it’s a community issue. So we want to work together,’ says Lighthouse offic The session was designed to give the public, and particularly downtown business owners, a better understanding of the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness, the work being done

The Lighthouse outreach team ‘acts as a connection between business owners and our unhoused population,’ says business owner and BIA chair These columns are written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday. Downtown Orillia reflects both ends of

Fundraiser taking place Sept. 19 at Hawk Ridge Golf Club The Lighthouse is proud to announce the return of its annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament, happening on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the stunning Hawk Ridge Golf Club. This community-loved event promises an unforgettable day of golf, food, fun, and philanthropy while raising vital funds

With smoked brisket, themed outfits, and a heart full of compassion, Annemarie Welch is proving that giving back can be both fun and fulfilling For Annemarie Welch, volunteering at The Lighthouse is more than just a way to give back. It’s a way to connect with her community. Welch, a retired nurse, has been volunteering

Linda Goodall, who led The Lighthouse through unprecedented growth and crisis response in Orillia, has announced her decision to step away from her role After nearly a decade of service, leadership, and unwavering compassion, Linda Goodall is preparing to step down as executive director of The Lighthouse, the organization she helped guide from a small

Lighthouse staff ‘told me they believed in me, and that gave me the strength to believe in myself,’ says formerly homeless man on the verge of becoming social service worke These columns are written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears

‘Poor sleep, constant discomfort and the daily stress of surviving in extreme heat can severely affect a person’s mental well-being,’ say Lighthouse officials. These columns are written by staff from The Lighthouse to help the community better understand people experiencing homelessness and those who support them. This column appears every other Monday. For many people, summer