Who is Leah?

Aunt Leah’s Founder, Gale Stewart, was the first grandchild born on a hundred-acre farm in southern Ontario. With that position came the good fortune of being the special granddaughter to Leah, her paternal grandmother. From a very early age, Gale developed a keen sense of love, loyalty and passion for this influential person.

In 1988, when Gale and other founding members began discussing and writing the vision and mandate for their new organization, Leah came quickly to mind. Leah represented what the organization would attempt to be for children and youth that needed an alternate caregiver. Over the years, Leah became Aunt Leah, and the organization has become a tribute to Gale’s memories of her. In return, Leah, in some strange and magical way has imparted to the organization a warm, vital and creative energy that allows it to support the many children and youth who come in need of our programs. Many of these young people have suffered the loss of family and community. We attempt to become that strong alternate caregiver that Leah represents.

Aunt Leah’s Founder, Gale Stewart

Gale Stewart is the Founder and Executive Director of Aunt Leah’s Place.  Gale has demonstrated a commitment to her community, particularly marginalized youth, for over 30 years. Having been a foster parent herself, Gale knows where the gaps in service are and has worked on programs and services designed to fill these deficiencies.

Gale founded Aunt Leah’s House – a licensed residential home for pregnant and parenting teens in 1988. Her caring and understanding of issues are the essence of the many groundbreaking programs and facilities for youth she has established, linking communities and forming connections.

Gale is a social change agent, who believes in justice and in changing the thinking of those who misunderstand the issues of youth and women. Great initiative enables her to pursue her vision:  keeping Aunt Leah’s a viable social service by creating business ventures to sustain the work of the society.