Community
New Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter will more than double capacity!
Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter to Build New Facility
After years of operating beyond capacity, the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES), is proud to announce the creation of a new purpose-built facility designed to best serve those in Central Alberta as they flee domestic violence and start their healing journey.
Thousands of women and children turn to CAWES every year seeking a safe route to escape crisis. With demand for CAWES services already exceeding capacity, this timely intervention provides a considerable boost to the organization, its staff, clients, and the Red Deer Community.
The new 4455 sq m (47,940 sq ft) facility will include 50 emergency shelter beds and 40 secure transitional housing units (comprising 25 one-bed and 15 two-bed units). This is an increase of over 200% capacity from their current facility, and will allow for the addition of class-leading amenities to assist in the on-going support of clients as they rebuild their lives free from domestic violence.
The construction of the facility is the result of years of planning and advocacy work from the CAWES Board of Directors, and is made possible because of the financing received from the Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s National Co-Investment Fund (NHCF). The $29.87million award will be used to toward the costs for the design and construction of the new shelter facility. Design and construction support will be provided by local partners, Stantec and Chandos Construction.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why we are investing nearly $30 million to support women and children fleeing domestic violence in Red Deer. This investment will support the creation of a safe haven where women and their children can access critical support services as well as long-term affordable homes to build a new life. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
“Through the Women and Children Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative, our government is helping to create a safe home where a child is able to learn and grow in a stable environment. This is why our government is providing funding to build and operate this facility in Red Deer. This will be a sanctuary for women and their children who are escaping family violence, providing an opportunity to rebuild lives, and gain independence.” – George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview
Construction began mid-May 2023.
Starting in 2023, CAWES will also begin a campaign to raise the funds and resources required to equip the new facility for the building to become operational.
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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