From Social Connection to Crisis Support: The Story Behind CWCS
The Chestermere Women’s Group began in 2014 with a simple goal: to create a welcoming space where women could connect, build friendships, laugh, and feel a sense of belonging. Through organized events and gatherings, the group quickly became a vibrant and trusted part of the Chestermere community.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic — and everything changed.
Eight women from our group reached out. But not to socialize. They needed help.
“I can’t afford school supplies for my child.”
“We don’t have enough food.”
“I don’t feel safe at home.”
With nowhere else to turn, they came to the community they trusted. In that moment, it became clear — the need was far greater than we had realized.
That was the spark that ignited the Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society (CWCS).
A small group of us came together — five board members, no volunteers, just a shared commitment and $100 each out of our own pockets. While juggling full-time jobs, we gave up to 20 hours a week to build the foundation of what CWCS is today.
After two years of listening, learning, planning, and perseverance, CWCS was born — a grassroots crisis support service built by women, for women.
Today, as we near our third anniversary, our impact has grown more than 300%. We’ve supported hundreds of women and families, and we’ve proudly hired our first employee — a milestone that signals the start of our next chapter.
What began as a social group rooted in connection has evolved into a vital crisis support service for women and families in Chestermere. The heart of CWCS is still the same — women supporting women — but now, that support runs deeper, reaches farther, and truly changes lives.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we know there’s still so much more to do. Thank you for standing with us.
With heartfelt thanks to:
The Chestermere Women’s Group, the City of Chestermere, Gifts of Kindness, True North, Big Hill Haven, Chestermere Food Bank, Chestermere Rotary Club, Synergy, Bluebird Storage, United Cloud, Chestermere Law, and many more. We could not have done this without your support.
A special shout-out to our major sponsors:
Faiza Solomon Cooperators, Mawer Investment Managment, International Petroleum Corp, Beauty in the Burbs Spa, Chestermere Tim Hortons, 100 Women Who Care, United Way, FCSS, The City of Chestermere and the many generous private donors and volunteers who helped bring CWCS to life.
