Submitted by At Heart Home Network by The Brenda Strafford Foundation
November is Family Violence Prevention Month. A time to shine a light on the reality of domestic abuse and the resources available to help survivors rebuild their lives. One of those resources is a hidden gem in the Calgary community.
Heart Home Network – the largest second-stage shelter in Alberta – is making a life-changing difference every day in the lives of women and children affected by domestic violence, supporting them on their journey to living stable lives free of abuse in the community.
At Heart Home Network by The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we provide safe housing combined with comprehensive support services designed to help our residents heal and break the cycle of abuse. More than just immediate safety for women and their children who have experienced domestic violence, we offer hope for long-term stability, in a place where healing can truly begin.
What Is a Second-Stage Shelter?
Second-stage shelters serve as the next step for women and children fleeing domestic violence often after a short-term stay in an emergency shelter.
There is often a waitlist of families coming from places like emergency shelters, seeking longer-term safety and support in a second-stage shelter or transitional housing environment like Heart Home Network.
Families can typically stay for up to one to two years at Heart Home Network in secure and affordable housing, while also receiving essential supports including: trauma-informed counselling; skill-building and job training; developmental programming for children and youth; community connections and advocacy; and help accessing housing in the community.
This extended time and care helps survivors of domestic violence to break the cycle of abuse and rebuild strong, independent lives free from violence.
A Quiet but Powerful Impact
Over this past year alone, Heart Home Network has supported over 100 families, offering not only shelter, but a chance at a new beginning. We see the courage daily that it takes to leave an abusive relationship and start over, often with children in tow, and little more than the clothes on their backs.
Why Family Violence Prevention Month Matters
Family violence affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes. Raising awareness this November helps reduce stigma, encourages survivors to seek help, and reminds families, individuals and the community of the warning signs and resources available to help.
Survivors need long-term support to break the cycle of abuse and second-stage shelters like Heart Home Network rely on community involvement to sustain our services.
How Can You Help
There are many ways you can take action to be part of the solution!
Donate: Your contribution helps fund safe housing and essential resources and programs for the families that call our shelter home.
Volunteer: Share your time, skills, or professional expertise.
Spread the word: Talk openly to create awareness about domestic violence and the available supports.
Recognize the signs: People affected by family violence may cope differently but there are some common warning signs of abuse you can look for.
Get help: If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, find out ways to get help 24/7.
Advocate: Encourage policies that protect and empower survivors.
Learn more at: alberta.ca/recognize-family-violence
To find helpful resources, donate, or other ways to get involved visit us at: hearthomenetwork.ca
Or contact Jaimee Tompkins, Philanthropy Officer, by email: philanthropy@thebsf.ca or phone: 587-391-3500 (ext 5120).
Let’s use Family Violence Prevention Month as a call to action to create a safe and supportive community. Together, we can strengthen our community and continue building a brighter future!