Community Support Services
Help can come to you
Our goal for our Community Support Program is simple: “To help individuals help themselves by providing support, tools, and encouragement.”
This 1:1 support program is open to all everyone, including gender-diverse individuals and men who have already left or are still struggling with an unhealthy or abusive relationship. We’re here to provide them with safety and healing and to walk alongside them as they go about rebuilding their lives. We believe:
- Everyone deserves a life free from abuse, without exceptions.
- Everyone can and should be empowered to lead healthy, independent lives.
- Everyone has potential and strength.
We have outreach staff available for 1:1 meetings both in office or in the community. They can help with: understanding healthy relationships, safety planning, parenting struggles, boundary setting, addictions, legal issues, financial independence, self-care and assertiveness. They provide emotional support, advocacy and referrals.
Support Groups
People experience violence in different degrees, and process it in different ways. Staying at a shelter isn’t always an option, or a need. Sometimes women just need someone to listen without judgment, to stand by them in the face of confrontation, and/or to give them a safe place to cry and heal.
Violence takes a toll. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, hopeless, confused, or simply worn out. Just know one thing: you don’t have to go through this alone. Our staff shares the belief that we’re here to support women making choices in their lives. We can listen, inform, and encourage you. The choice of what you do with that support is always yours.
We host an Abuse Information Group for women every Monday from 6 pm-8 pm and Wednesday 12:30 pm-2:30 pm, excluding holidays. We also host a Self Esteem Group for women every Thursday from 6 pm-8 pm. Groups are open to all women, regardless of whether they’ve stayed at the shelter. You can come for your current situation, for your past wounds, or on behalf of a loved one. This is a safe and confidential place to share, learn, heal, and grow. Childcare is provided at no cost. No pre-registration for the group itself is needed. However, if possible, please pre-register for the childcare by email at childcare@odysseyhouse.ca or by calling 1-780-538-1332 x 106 the day of group.
Upcoming Support Groups
Please check out the Odyssey House Calendar for more information on upcoming support groups and events!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I be a participant in the Community Support Program? A woman can remain in the program as long as she and the Community Support Worker feel there is still a need.
- This would be my first time attending; how do I find out more information about the groups and location ? Call the Community Support Manager at (780) 538-1332 ext. 108 or email outreach@odysseyhouse.ca. (If you need special safety precautions, please leave detailed instructions about the safest way to reach you.) Groups do not need sign-up, although you can reach out to us beforehand if you have questions or need directions.
- What if I decide after my initial meeting that I do not want to be a part of the program? We believe that any support program must be a good fit for the user to be effective. If you feel that we are not suitable for you, all you have to do is send an email or leave a message via phone stating that you have decided to opt out of the program. No reason required.