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Safety, food, clothing, and shelter are basic needs and rights for all humans. The programs and services of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society focus on providing basic needs and dignity on the journey for those fleeing and healing from family violence.
Sarah* is a young mom who came to us the day after police responded to a family violence call in her home. With her 9-month-old daughter and mother at her side, Sarah told the worker about the most recent incident where she had been holding the baby during a disagreement with her partner and he had punched her. She continued sharing her story, talking about the historical abuse from her partner whom she’d been with since she was a teenager, and how the physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse got to the point where it felt “normal.”
At this point Sarah’s mom interjected and talked about the many years of abuse she had endured at the hands of Sarah’s father, and how as a child she had watched her own mother get beaten by different men.
It was like a light switched on as they discussed this unwanted legacy of abuse that stretched through three generations. The client picked up her 9-month-old daughter and, through tears, said “The chain breaks here! I will do the work, so it all stops here.”
Every day we hear stories like Sarah’s. Every day we provide
basic human needs to victims of family violence.
You can help us with our mission by giving today to our capital campaign.
While our current facilities have served us well, the demand for our services has never been greater. 2023 finds us with 30 beds within the same footprint of that built in 1999 to accommodate 11 beds.
We are now embarking on a capital project that is not just about modifying a physical structure; it represents an investment in the future of the individuals and families we serve. By enhancing our emergency shelter, we can create a more secure and dignified environment, and ensure our facility is accessible for all our clients for years to come.
Please donate today to help us continue this important work. You are
growing hope in our community.
