Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS)
600 - 10310 Jasper Ave NW T5J2W4 Edmonton, AB, Canada

"We now have family violence included in a national piece of legislation that must be considered when parents are separating that alone is huge... It unifies and it connects the country, by having this consistent, unified approach for considering violence in divorce matters."

Shelter staff are essential workers. They are on the front-lines, serving women, their children, and seniors who are escaping domestic violence. In Shelter Superstars, we will be highlighting some of these hard-working staff members, from communities across Alberta, and sharing stories of their dedication and service. This week, our shelter superstar is Adrienne! She has worked at Eagle's Nest Stoney Family Shelter for 3 years. Adrienne cares for all who come into shelter, and can always be counted on. She takes initative in her work and her coworkers say she is dependable and respectful. Thank you, Adrienne, for being a shelter superstar!

As Black History Month comes to a close, the provincial government has announced that the Federal Building Plaza in Edmonton has been renamed the Violet King Henry Plaza in honour of the first Black female lawyer in Canada. Read more about hee here: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca//article/violet-king

The Leading Change Expansion Pack is still available! Order yours today and level up your knowledge of gender-based violence and sexism. Go to leadingchangepack.ca to order yours today! #leadchange

"Women were impacted in a transformational way by being here. They regained the ability to trust, and they were able to connect with what the program at WINGS provides and with other women at WINGS who relate to their story. Something wonderful is happening. After coming to WINGS, they saw things differently. They had hope., says Karen Kingdom, Program Manager at WINGS" https://rdnewsnow.com//project-highlights-experiences-out/

"I wish that her life wasn't defined by this awful death," Moores said. "Every time I think of Nichole, I think of her beautiful brown eyes. She always had a smile and an infectious laugh."

The safety of women, children, and seniors facing abuse, as well as the safety of shelter workers, are our top priorities. We are in daily communications with the Government of Alberta and are working with our members to support their preparations to align with the latest recommendations from Alberta Health Services. Shelters are working diligently to meet the challenge of meeting the safety needs of the women, children, and seniors who rely on the continued operations of the...se services, and they are doing this against the backdrop of working to keep their shelters and staff healthy. We know that in times of natural disasters, there can be an increase in demand for shelter services as increased anxiety and external stressors accelerate and exacerbate domestic violence situations. Evidence from previous environmental disasters and pandemics suggests that domestic violence will increase during and following this health emergency. We are working with shelters to prepare to meet this need. We encourage anyone facing immediate danger to call 911. If you suspect that someone’s life may be in danger, please call 911. To speak to someone at a shelter near you, call our toll-free 24/7 line, 1-866-331-3933. As much as many of us are isolating for public health directives, there are as many reasons to pay attention to the wellbeing of those in your community and offer to help. https://acws.ca/covid-19-update

November is Family Violence Prevention Month. ACWS' Breakfast with the Guys is November 26th is for the majority of men who are not violent and want to end violence in their communities. Register today! https://tinyurl.com/y22rtq8a

Trans Day of Remembrance is a day to honour the memory of trans folks lives lost over the past year. Ending gender-based violence includes ending transphobic violence. https://www.glaad.org/tdor

Alberta Shopper Drug Mart stores, led by their Pharmacist owners and Store Teams, continue their support of women's shelters through their Growing Women's Health campaign. Community stores supported local shelters in over 27 communities collectively raising $270,113! #ThankYou

This year's Breakfast with the Guys Nov 26th is all about individual transformation -- how do you lead from where you stand? Register for the event to join the conversation online https://tinyurl.com/y22rtq8a

Today we mark International Men's Day. Men play an important role in ending violence against women and girls. Wondering how you can contribute? Check out the Leading Change Expansion Pack, plan to attend our virtual Breakfast event, and learn more about how men can help contribute to a world free of violence. Go to leadingchangepack.ca to order the Expansion Pack!

The first batch of the Leading Change Expansion Pack are out in the mail now! If you haven't ordered yours yet, head to leadingchangepack.ca and sign up for your free box!