Community
CAWES: Shifting to Trauma Informed, Low-Barrier-to-Entry Services
Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) has worked for many years to support women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Many hundreds of women and children have been helped—and continue to be helped— through our shelter and outreach programs.
In January 2017, we started an important transformation when we joined a national initiative spearheaded by the YWCA Canada and BC Transition Housing. This “Open Doors” initiative has two objectives: to encourage trauma informed and low-barrier-to-entry services in organizations that help women who have experienced violence. Our commitment to Open Doors, and to provincial efforts to improve services provided by women’s shelters, means that change is underway at CAWES.
We always tried to deliver services that were client-centered and evidence-based. However, as we learned about the need to address trauma we have had to re-examine every aspect of our services to ensure we are not inadvertently re-traumatizing clients in an attempt to help. We have also had to recognize that limiting our services to only women who experience domestic violence was not fair or justifiable: women can experience violence in many settings.
We learned we could, and need, to do more.
Now, among other changes, we are working with women in a way that minimizes re-traumatization. We are opening our doors to women who, in the past, we turned away or referred to other services. We are learning about, implementing, and encouraging our residents and outreach clients to consider harm-reduction strategies.
Our clients are sharing stories about how these changes are helping them. One client recently told us:
“I am just writing because I wanted to update you on my Journey so far… I just got the news on Friday that I am transitioning into a Second Stage house… I will be in life skills 5 days a week and all kinds of groups for mental health, addiction, trauma, budgeting, academics… one-on-one counselling… I learned so far that I need 2 let go a bit, give myself more credit, and be in the moment… Without the help of ya’ll I wouldn’t be where I am right now… Thanks 2 CAWES staff I made the decision 2 ask for help as u supported me 2 get here”
Client’s unsolicited testimonial about CAWES’ new approach to programing.
This is the kind of feedback we would love to hear from all clients who have used our shelter and outreach services.
CAWES’ Board, management team and staff are committed to providing trauma informed, low- barrier-to-entry services to women in Central Alberta. We are collecting data on client outcomes, referrals, safety, and staff satisfaction, and we look forward to sharing our findings. We are committed to working with funders, partners, and the broader community to help everyone understand the changes we are pursuing, why they are needed, and how we can support each other as we continue our transformation.
L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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