Community Matters

Established in 1982, this founding member of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters is a United Way member agency that receives funding from Alberta Human Services, Alberta Health Services and the United Way, along with strong support from local businesses, organizations and residents in our community. The Society services families and individuals in the Wood Buffalo Region suffering from interpersonal violence, abuse and/or sexual assault and abuse, and is run by a staff of 36 people, together with more than 100 volunteers each year.

In addition to the programs and services offered by the Society, they also organize a number of public awareness and fundraising events throughout the year, and deliver presentations and education throughout our community to increase the prevention of violence, assault and abuse.

By late 2014, The Compass, an affordable housing building which is currently under construction, will be opening its doors to tenants with a variety of bachelor, 1-bed, 2-bed, and 3-bed apartments on Prospect Drive in Timberlea.

In addition to this 78-unit affordable housing apartment building, the Society is working on a new emergency women and children’s shelter, which will see an increased number of beds offered, and increased privacy for healing, along with additional space for programs.

Although the project goal is $35-million, the good news is they’ve almost reached their goal.

“We have almost reached the finish line in terms of fundraising,” shares Michele Taylor, the society’s executive director. “These facilities will ensure we can provide wrap-around services for decades to come for those community members trying to achieve a quality of life, free from violence and abuse.”

To help the Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society raise the final $2-million required to reach their goal, please contact Tim O’Rourke, Director of Communications and Fund Development, at (780) 750-5617 or email: fcs.tim@shaw.ca.