Richmond Hill’s Joyce Davis became involved with the York Region Abuse Program (YRAP) eight years ago through the parent of one of her child’s classmates. She never imagined that a simple volunteering initiative would lead to a huge passion in her life. But despite her years of work co-ordinating and chairing the program’s annual galas, Davis keeps the focus off herself — it’s all about the program, she says.

“The work that they do is incredible,” said Davis. “The people who work there are amazing, with the dedication that they have. When Alison [Peck, YRAP executive director] speaks at the galas, there is not a sound, and afterward there is not a dry eye in the house.”

The program offers free therapy services to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and is the only agency specializing in childhood sexual abuse in York Region. The stigma that childhood abuse can carry well into adulthood should be more widely addressed, according to Davis, and so should the good work being done at YRAP.

“It’s an organization that needs to get its name out there more often, and more people need to know about it,” she said.

After several years of general volunteering with the gala, Davis stepped up as a co-chair and has proceeded to do so for the last year. This past year, Davis chose to move into other areas of YRAP, to expand its fundraising opportunities.

“I’m working with Alison on brainstorming for some more fundraising ideas and looking at other ways to do it,” said Davis. “It’s been a very wonderful time for me. I could never leave the organization. It will always be in my heart.”