Taber Safe Haven supports women fleeing domestic violence

Times Photo by Meg Noguchi. WALK FOR AWARENESS: Taber Safe Haven held its Family Violence Prevention Walk on Nov. 6 during lunch time at the Taber Community Centre with a luncheon following.

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Michelle Higginson, Executive Director of the Taber Safe Haven Women’s Shelter, says that the shelter has been ‘a vital part of the Taber community’ for over 20 years.

“It was established to meet the growing need for safe refuge and supportive services for women and children fleeing domestic violence,” said Higginson. 

According to thier website, Taber Safe Haven was originally named Taber & District  Family Crisis Intervention Society (TDFCIS), which was incorporated in 1996, and later changed its name to Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society. The shelter, Higginson says, has expanded its programs and resources over the years, adapting to the needs of the community and becoming a trusted resource in the region.

“Taber Safe Haven provides emergency shelter, essential support services, and resources to individuals and families in crisis,” said Higginson. “The shelter offers a safe space, along with services such as access to counselling, advocacy, case management, and referrals to housing, legal, and employment resources. By helping clients address their immediate needs and supporting them in building long-term stability, Taber Safe Haven plays a key role in helping individuals rebuild their lives after trauma.”

Taber Safe Haven, Higginson says, runs a variety of programs to assist individuals in need of help rebuilding their lives, including emergency shelter services, children’s support programs, educational workshops, and outreach initiatives focused on family violence prevention. 

Taber Safe Haven, Higginson says, also, collaborates with several local and regional organizations to strengthen its support network. 

“Partnerships with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and social service agencies allow the shelter to connect clients with a broader range of resources and create a stronger safety net for those affected by violence,” said Higginson.

Volunteers, Higginson says, are also an integral part of the work at Safe Haven. 

“In addition to the dedicated paid staff, volunteers assist with helping at events,” said Higginson. “Many volunteers have been with the organization for years, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening the community.”

Funding for the programs offered by Safe Haven, Higginson says, is sourced from a combination of government grants, donations from the community, and fundraising efforts. Higginson emphasizes that Taber Safe Haven relies on a mix of government grants and community fundraising efforts, and the shelter also organizes fundraising events throughout the year to engage community members and supplement its funding. 

“This support helps ensure that the shelter can continue to provide essential services and respond to the evolving needs of the community,” said Higginson. “The Taber community and surrounding areas have shown tremendous support for Taber Safe Haven. Community members often express gratitude for having a resource like Taber Safe Haven nearby and recognize the importance of the shelter’s work in providing safety and stability. Additionally, local businesses and residents frequently contribute through donations and partnerships, reinforcing the shelter’s role as a respected and valued institution.”

Higginson says that Taber Safe Haven primarily serves Taber and its surrounding areas, including smaller rural communities throughout Southern Alberta. 

“The shelter’s clients are often local community members, but it also extends services to those in neighboring communities, ensuring that people from rural areas have access to safety and support,” said Higginson. “Taber Safe Haven is deeply committed to its mission of ending the cycle of abuse and supporting individuals and families in their journey to safety and stability. The organization values its role in the community and takes pride in offering non-judgmental, inclusive support. The shelter’s staff and volunteers are passionate about creating a positive impact and remain dedicated to empowering survivors and fostering a safer community. Taber Safe Haven continues to explore new ways to serve the community, including expanding accessible facilities and developing additional programs for prevention and outreach. With ongoing community support and collaboration, Safe Haven looks forward to extending its impact, reaching more individuals in need, and advancing its mission to end the cycle of abuse in the region.”