Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter (CWES) was established in Calgary in 1974. CWES started as part of a grassroots movement to assist abused women. CWES is now a full domestic violence service agency with programs that address crisis treatment, intervention and the prevention of domestic violence. The mission of CWES is to end abuse and violence in the lives of women and their families through empowerment, intervention, advocacy, education, and the mobilization of community resources.

Each year, counselors respond to thousands of calls, more than 400 women and their children seeking shelter, and hundreds of other women, children, and men needing support through other services offered by the agency.

CWES is funded in part by Calgary and Area CFSA [1], the United Way of Canada, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) [2], the city of Calgary, and Alberta Mental Health Board [3]. CWES also receives funding from individual and corporate donors. Money is distributed to cover educational costs, counseling, and extra-curricular activities.

[edit] History

1973 The "Oasis" - a concept becomes a reality.
1974 The Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter becomes a registered charity and moves to a new building.
1978 Appeal for private funds. Services for children developed
1980 Need for second stage shelter established. Discovery House opens
1983 Need for second crisis shelter established. Sheriff King Home opens.
1986 The Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter moves to a new facility.
1987 Funding crisis and threat to close Shelter beds.
1990 Mayor's Task Force on Family and Community Violence. Outreach Services begin.
1991 Beginning of Men's Crisis Services.
1993 Start of Prevention Project in schools: Non Abusive Futures project.
1994 Shelter faces further funding cuts. First Turning Points Dinner.
1997 Shelter burns to the ground.
1998 Community shows support. New shelter opens its doors.
2000 Collaborative Community Crisis Program increases staff.
2001 Pilot the first dedicated 24 Hour Domestic Violence HelpLine.
2002 Provincial Governments increases shelter funding.
2003 Shelter increases bed spaces from 35 to 40.