“Equality”, A young mom and her child had recently transitioned into Serenity Place after a somewhat lengthy stay in the emergency shelter. Several complexities existed that made securing stable permanent housing in Grande Prairie impossible, one of which being that she had literally zero income and wouldn’t have income in the future as she was unable to work in Canada due to immigration issues.
The Holiday Christmas Season was filled with joyous events for residents & staff both in and out of the Shelter.
“Equality” came to us with many visible bruises on her face and arms. She came late at night and only wanted to sleep as she was completely exhausted from the experience she had gone through.
“Equality” came to us with her 2 teenage children. She shared with staff how shocking it was to actually be in this place. She shared that her and her husband had owned a successful business in the area but had lost it due to the economic downturn. As a result, they lost everything and things only continued to spiral down shill from there.
“Equality” was a young mother fleeing domestic violence. While working with her family support worker, she identified three goal attainment paths: 1. Women’s safety 2. Housing/Accommodations 3. Community Supports & Social Networks.
Family Violence Prevention Month started in 1986 as a local initiative in the town of Hinton where four remarkable Albertan’s, Katherine Kennedy, Sonja Bennett, Faye Wheeler and Glenda Carter, formed The Hinton Society for the Prevention of Family Violence and launched Alberta’s very first family violence education and prevention campaign.
The Society’s goals were to draw public attention to the issue and to evoke positive change in their community. This led to expanding local supports and services for individuals and families in the areas of prevention, protection and rehabilitation.
The generosity of the Grande Prairie Community supported gifts and a holiday meal to 26 single mother families in Grande Prairie and area. An estimated $13,469.00 worth of gifts went to 79 individual mothers and children. The process is simple: receive your adopt a families holiday wish list, make some holiday magic, and bring your gifts into Odyssey House.
“Equality” first arrived at Odyssey House in the fall of 2014. She did not have any children with her. ‘Equality’ has suffered severe PTSD as a result of abuse endured over many years.
Early on a Tuesday Morning the 10th Annual Breakfast with the Guys took place at the Grande Prairie Regional College. This event is host each year in November in support of Family Violence Prevention Month (Alberta).
The Prevention of Family Violence Network in Grande Prairie, held a meeting at Odyssey House in late October with the goal of preparing for November. November is National “Family Violence Prevention Month” in order to support and recognize the month the Network worked together to offer awareness events to public throughout November of 2018.
24 Hour Crisis Line: 780-532-2672
Office: 780-538-1332
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Do you suspect someone you care about experiencing abuse? Are you unsure of how to help, these misconceptions are common when trying to help someone who may be experiencing domestic violence.
Want more information on how to help ? Contact education@odysseyhouse.ca or outreach@odysseyhouse.ca
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#genderbasedviolenceawareness #equalityandempowerment #womensupportwomen #womensshelter #womenandchildrensshelter #communitysupport #domesticviolenceawareness #domesticviolencesurvivor
@ Grande Prairie, Alberta
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