Canadian Mental Health Association is a non-profit organization promoting community wellness and supporting people with mental illness, brain injury, and addictions. Based on community needs, staff and volunteers accomplish this through recovery focused support, education, and advocacy.

• How you can volunteer If you are interested in volunteering at CMHA Alberta Central Region, there are a variety of ways to get involved. You may volunteer to help set up community programs and special events, fundraise, or perhaps serve on our Board of Directors.

Central Alberta Victim and Witness Support provides services to the people of Blackfalds, Clive, Joffre, Springbrook, the Summer Village of Gull Lake, a large portion of Lacombe County, and a large portion of Red Deer County. Victim Support can be provided at the request of a police officer, a referral from another agency, detachment walk-in or phone inquiries.  Trained Victim Support Advocates come to the immediate aid of those whose lives have been shattered by crime or tragedy. This may include someone who has been sexually assaulted, harassed, beaten, robbed, involved in a motor vehicle accident,  who has experienced the sudden death of a loved one or whom has been the victim of a break in. The advocates provide immediate and direct support, compassion, a listening ear, and direction on obtaining support related services. All services are free and confidential. Advocates can provide court preparation and accompany victims to court, as well as track criminal proceedings for the victim, should it be required.

•  How you can volunteer: There are many ways to get involved. Volunteer advocates who are the first responders, available to provide support during the first few critical hours after an incident. Second, they are looking for individuals to sit on their board who are committed to the operations and success of the organization. Lastly, they are seeking volunteer committee members who can help with events. Applications are required along with a criminal record check.

Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter offers safe refuge, personal counseling, and community support for families experiencing family violence.

• How you can volunteer: They are looking for mature, responsible, and FUN individuals to help with their Child Care team in-house, in addition to volunteeers to help out volunteer at their events in any number of capacities.

Women’s Outreach Centre works to end family violence and poverty by supporting people in their pursuit of a safer, healthier more secure life. Their mandate is to Help people address domestic abuse and overcome the effects of poverty through the development of effective partnership, relationship, education and programs.

• How you can volunteer: The Centre continually hosts events throughout the year. Stay tuned to their Facebook and our website for opportunities to help at their great events.

Family Services of Central Alberta provides preventive, supportive, and early intervention services throughout Central Alberta. They offer low barrier counselling services to individuals, couples and families.

• How you can volunteer: They’re always looking for passionate volunteers to help with their annual Children’s Festival in June, or to help out with their variety of services and programs.

Sylvan Lake Victim Services offers crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the goal of alleviating trauma and reducing the emotional impact of a crisis situation. We also act as a referral service, providing appropriate information and direction to service providers that victims of crime and tragedy may require.

• How you can volunteer: You can become a Volunteer Advocate, or joining their Board of Directors. Individuals who have been screened for suitability and obtain a RCMP enhanced security clearance. They receive specialized training in over 30 crisis support and intervention situations including: assault, hate crimes, property crimes, robbery, sexual assault, stalking and harassment, family violence, bereavement and sudden death. Advocates have three main goals: to provide assistance, support, information and referral to victims of crime or tragedy through crisis intervention and timely follow up. Advocates do not provide counselling.

Three Hills Victim Services provide victims of crime and tragedy with support, information, and appropriate referrals.

• How you can volunteer: Give your time as a Victim Services Advocate, helping those in need during a time of crisis and tragedy.

Vantage Community Services helps youth, adults, and families by providing counselling, transitional housing for youth, life skills training, and in-house treatment for mental illness.

Shalom Counselling Centre offers quality counselling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with emotional and relational concerns at subsidized rates.

• How you can volunteer: There are a few positions available from event planning, community engagement and a gardener!

Suicide Prevention Society offers information, education, support and referral services. We serve Red Deer and the communities of Central Alberta. We provide age appropriate educational programs to children, youth and interested adult groups, as well as referrals and resources to those in need.

• How you can volunteer: The Suicide Prevention Society is currently looking for individuals to help in their fundraising efforts.