Community Support Services
Help can come to you
Our goal for our Community Support Program is simple: “To help women help themselves by providing support, tools, and encouragement.”
This 1:1 support program is open to all women who have already left or are still struggling within 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.
- Women can and should be empowered to lead healthy, independent lives.
- Every woman has more potential and strength than she realizes.
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 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 every Monday from 6pm-8pm and Wednesday 12:30pm-2:30pm, excluding holidays. We also host a Self Esteem Group every Thursday from 6pm-8pm. 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.
Upcoming Support Groups
Abuse Support Group: Defense Mechanisms
Parenting Through Domestic Violence Group
Abuse Support Group: Shame and Guilt
Self Esteem Group: Letting Go (paint night)
Abuse Support Group – CANCELLED (Stat holiday)
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.
- How do I sign up? 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.)
- What if I decide after my initial meeting that I do not want to be a part of 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.