About us

Our Story

The Sexual Health Options, Resources & Education – SHORE Centre was founded in 1972 and originally named Planned Parenthood Kitchener-Waterloo, followed by Planned Parenthood Waterloo Region. The Centre grew out of the Birth Control Centre at the University of Waterloo in order to provide all residents of our community with sexual health information and support. SHORE Centre’s founders included a librarian, a social worker, a doctor and nurse, Catherine “Kitty” Francis. Watch the video below to hear Kitty Francis tell our founding story.

Our Vision

SHORE Centre imagines a community that values sexual health and reproductive freedom as essential for people to live their best lives.

Our Mission

SHORE Centre offers exceptional and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services in our community that uphold the dignity of everyone.

Our Values

Accessible: We strive to make our programs and services welcoming to all and barrier-free.

Inclusive: We celebrate diversity and respect the unique lived experiences of every person in our community. We are sex positive and value sexual and gender diversity.

Accurate: Our programs and services are modeled on scientific evidence and best-practices as well as the lived experience of the people we work with.

Courageous: We fearlessly advocate for the human right of bodily autonomy and boldly defend choice as we adapt to policy and system changes.

SHORE Centre is affiliated to the International Planned Parenthood Federation through our membership with Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and are members of the National Abortion Federation. For more information about SHORE Centre’s work, please review our Annual Report, Strategic Plan, and Audited Financial Statements.

Our office is barrier-free and interpretation is available upon request. Our programs, services and policies are inclusive of all genders, orientations, abilities, ages and cultures.