Safe Haven providing solutions in the local region

Times Photo by Nicole Shelstad. COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Safe Haven Women’s Shelter has been in Taber since 2001.

By Nicole Shelstad
Taber Times

Safety, community, and supporting those experiencing hardship are at the heart of a local organization’s mandate. Safe Haven Women’s Shelter has been in Taber since the construction of its building in 2001, though its roots go back even further. In 1996, Taber identified a need for a program to address family violence and abuse in the area. This led to the formation of TDFCIS (Taber & District Family Crisis Intervention Society). It eventually warranted its own facility, and the Town of Taber donated the land on which Safe Haven currently resides. The building sat without the means to staff it until 2003, when Safe Haven received a grant from Wild Rose.

In 2006, the Taber and District Family Crisis Intervention Society changed its name to Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society. Since then, they have been slowly but surely expanding their services and outreach programs. With each year, differing funding has meant new ventures for this organization. Today, Safe Haven offers a variety of supports—some well-established, and some entirely new frontiers for our community.

Aleah Weiss sat down to speak about new, old, and prospective supports for Safe Haven and its associated programs. Weiss has been the Outreach Supervisor at Safe Haven for the past year. She serves the community with knowledge and empathy, while keeping current abilities and available resources in mind.

Safe Haven has a shelter with 21 beds to support women and children, as well as multiple crisis intervention workers who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are the ones who answer the phone if you call the main line. Safe Haven also has an outreach team that includes one adult outreach worker, one children’s outreach worker, and one SFITT (Safe Families Intervention Team Taber) coordinator.

Safe Haven handles a wide array of tasks—from legal assistance to resource access and even free summer camp programs. Their summer camp is free for kids and a valuable resource for families during the summer. Weiss commented on the large service area they are responsible for:

 “We know there are a lot of places and homes we have not reached yet, but to reach them is our goal as we move forward,” remarked Weiss.

Gretchen Bourassa is Safe Haven’s Child and Youth Outreach Worker. Her passion is helping kids form healthy relationships and providing support through various life events. Bourassa worked with children in rural areas before her career at Safe Haven, and this position has allowed her to grow as a professional in the industry. Writing grants, planning camps and group activities, and leading local outreach are some of the undertakings Bourassa has taken on during her time at Safe Haven.

Angela Hughes is the Adult Outreach Worker—determined and seasoned. Her responsibilities include complex adult cases and “shaking the right government trees” to get resources in place for Safe Haven’s clients. Hughes regards her work as “getting out of it, what you put into it.” The time and effort it takes to build relationships and see people succeed depend on how hard you are willing to try with the people you encounter. 

When asked about the challenges they face, Bourassa said, “The most difficult part is finding the correct resources for kids in the area. A lot of resources that are available are only offered within the nearby cities.”

Due to the nature of their work, financial insecurities are prevalent. This is a common issue that crosses their desks. Bourassa expanded on this:

 “Trying to get these kids to the resources they need is difficult due to the financial insecurities they may be facing. They can’t get to the cities by themselves, and there isn’t currently a support to get them there.”

Weiss contemplated her answer and stated,

 “I think one of the most difficult parts would be funding—I think all non-profits struggle with funding somewhat. Outside of that, the barriers that exist for Safe Haven clientele are an issue we face every day. If we are just looking at Taber, there is a transportation barrier, and there is a lack of services. But we always hope we are helping to bridge that gap and do our best w hen problems arise.”

When asked what the best part of their job is, each worker had a resounding happiness in their answers.

Bourassa gleefully stated,

 “Seeing kids succeed! Growing their confidence, building healthy relationships, and witnessing those skills come into practice is an amazing thing to see.”

Weiss interjected immediately following the question to say,

 “We get to help people! Unfortunately, we usually are meeting people on their worst days, but setting them up with tools and resources and helping them make it out is definitely the best part of the job.”

“This kind of job requires kindness and empathy, but when you’re in this position, those traits just skyrocket,” theorized Weiss.

This is reinforced across their facilities with kind posters, supportive systems, and thoughtful resources. Every employee has a different area of expertise, and their offices usually reflect that.

Bourassa’s office is decorated with children’s art and hip references. Weiss’s office has local resources and events, important reminders, and motivational quotes across the walls. Angela’s office is lush with foliage, Indigenous art, and written works from other professionals in the industry.

All of the employees at Safe Haven want the community to know that they are here for them. Calling is never an issue—they want to help. They encourage anyone needing support to reach out and see what Safe Haven can do.

If you want to help support this valuable local resource, Safe Haven is being sponsored by the Rogers Birdies for Kids Golf Tournament in Calgary from August 11th to 17th. All donations to Safe Haven will be matched up to 50 per cent by Birdies for Kids.

Safe Haven is also hosting a raffle to raise funds for their outreach program. They are selling tickets for $10 each, and every ticket is a chance to win two free round-trip flights to anywhere WestJet regularly flies. They only have 2000 tickets printed so tickets are limited. All you need to enter is valid Canadian citizenship, be 18 years or older, currently live in Alberta, and have a raffle ticket from Safe Haven. The draw will take place on August 25.