RightPlace: Turning a Digital Search Into Connection to Care

In November 2025, Yorktown Family Services launched RightPlace, a new digital-to- human support initiative designed to reach people who may be trying to make sense of harmful or troubling behaviour in a relationship before they know what kind of support they need or where to turn.

A private online search can be the place where someone first asks: Is this normal? Is this abuse? How do I help someone I care about? Is my own behaviour causing harm? They may not yet be ready to contact a shelter, helpline or counselling service — or even know which type of service is right for them.

RightPlace is designed to meet people at that point of uncertainty. Developed in partnership with Moonshot, with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, RightPlace uses targeted digital outreach on platforms including Google, Reddit and YouTube to reach people who are already searching online for information or help.

From a RightPlace campaign website, someone can access information or connect directly with a Yorktown Care Navigator by text, live chat, email or phone. The Care Navigator helps the person talk through what is happening, consider their needs, safety and options, and connect with the services and supports that fit their circumstances.

Hawi Kassie, RightPlace Care Navigator, sees that first connection as critical. “For many people, this is the first time they have ever spoken to a support worker. Many report feeling alone. Taking the time to listen to their concerns builds the trust that helps them take the next step and allows me to connect them with resources that best match what they need.”

Connecting at this stage matters. It gives someone an opportunity to better understand what they are experiencing, consider their options and reach appropriate support without having to navigate those questions alone.

For some people, RightPlace may be their first step toward support. For others, it can provide something that previous attempts to find help did not: a warm, supported connection to the right service.

Sarah* had experienced intimate partner abuse and had previously tried reaching out for support, but those experiences left her feeling rushed and unheard. When she connected with RightPlace, she had little confidence that trying again would be different. However, instead of giving Sarah another list of services to contact, the Care Navigator listened to understand her experience and made a warm connection to specialized counselling. Sarah ultimately connected with specialized counselling and felt ready to engage with therapeutic support.

Sarah’s experience demonstrates that access is not only about whether a service exists. Sometimes the barrier is finding the right support and having someone help make that connection in a way that feels manageable.

Maria* reached out because she was worried about her sister Sofia*, who was living in an abusive relationship with young children. Maria wanted to help but feared that intervening in the wrong way could make things more difficult or dangerous for her sister. She also had concerns about confidentiality and her family’s immigration situation. The Care Navigator addressed those concerns, helped Maria think through how she could support Sofia safely and connected Sofia to emergency shelter intake. Sofia later left the relationship and entered shelter with her children.

RightPlace was designed to reach three audiences: survivors of violence and abuse; family members, friends and others concerned about someone they know; and people who are concerned that their own behaviour may be causing harm. RightPlace is free and confidential. Through Safe Pathway, survivors and bystanders can seek information and support. Through Steps Forward, people concerned about their own behaviour can seek help and accountability.

RightPlace does not replace shelters, counselling, helplines or other specialized services. What it does do is create another pathway to these services — connecting a private digital search with human support and helping people take the next step toward the care that is right for them.

For someone uncertain about what they are experiencing, worried about someone they love, concerned about their own behaviour, or hesitant to try asking for help again, connection can begin with a search — and lead to care.

*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.

Moonshot reaches people online and brings them to RightPlace. Yorktown’s Care Navigators connect them with the support they need.