Our Stats
709
Women and Children admitted into our shelter between April 2023 and March 2024
2,088
Crisis Calls taken by staff
712
Women were turned away due to capacity issues
1,991
Requests for admittance
Land Acknowledgement
Local Alberta Treaties and Indigenous Nations
We honour and acknowledge the traditional lands of Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 upon which we are located. We honour and respect our neighbours the Cree peoples of the Sunchild, O’Chiese, Samson, Ermineskin, Louis Bull, and Montana First Nations, as well as the Metis peoples of Region 3 of the Metis Nation of Alberta. We recognize that all Albertans are Treaty people and have a responsibility to understand our history and the spirit and intent of Treaty 7 so that we can honour the past, be aware of the present, and build a just and caring future based on peace, friendship, and understanding.
Our History
May 1981
Concerned citizens, including some members of the Status of Women Action Committee, met to discuss the problem of battered women and their children in our region.
June 1981
As a result of their deep concern and the interest shown, a public meeting was held at the Dawe Center with 12 people in attendance.
October 1981
After much work, a $10,000 Federal Government Grant was awarded to be used for public education and family violence research in Central Alberta.
December 1982
CAWES finally had approval from both levels of government to proceed. Red Deer and District Family and Community Support Services, who provided CAWES with $10,000 in deficit funding, made this possible.
August 1983
The new Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter officially opened its doors. The Shelter was licensed for 16 beds and was mandated to provide services 24 hours per day, seven days per week. They had four full-time staff, one phone line, and an operating budget of $200,000.
2001
A group of dedicated community members recognized that it was necessary to expand and renovate the Shelter in order to provide safe refuge for the growing number of families affected by violence. This group of dynamic people formed a Building and Renovation Committee to raise the necessary funds, and a new dream was born. Thanks to a very generous community, a private donor, and the CMHC, the expansion was complete.
2002
The newly expanded CAWES was finished and open for clients. We outfitted the new space for Administration, a larger area for the Child Support Program, a commercial kitchen, a teen boy's bedroom, and a barrier-free bedroom, as well as six new bedrooms and four ensuites.
2010
We recognize that treatment for children who have experienced or witnessed family violence is a top priority. In response, we sought to create Canada's first in-shelter Children's Healing Centre. Incorporating the therapeutic benefits of SNOEZELEN, providing a bright, colourful play area, and group / individual counselling space, will help children to heal from the devastating effects of violence.
2013
CAWES has now become a recognized leader in its field. We currently have room for 38 women and children at one time, a province-wide toll-free number, over thirty staff, and an operating budget of over $2 million. The tremendous task of providing refuge and support for families affected by domestic violence is ongoing, and successfully continues as a result of the hard work of many dedicated staff, volunteers, and community supporters.
2023
CAWES broke ground on a new shelter. The federal investment, totaling just under $30 million, will facilitate the creation of a cutting-edge facility encompassing 50 emergency shelter beds and 40 secure transitional housing units.
October 2024
Staff and guests moved into Phase One of our new shelter.
Our Supporters
We are profoundly grateful for the support from organizations and individuals who share our commitment to providing safety, empowerment, and hope to those in need. Together, we form a community dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and fostering a future where every woman can rebuild her life. Explore the logos below to discover the incredible partners who stand with us in creating a world free from abuse. Your generosity is instrumental in making a lasting impact on the lives of those seeking refuge and healing.
Thank you for being a vital part of our journey!