About Us

Chestermere Women’s
Crisis Society

The Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society is a dedicated non-profit organization run entirely by a passionate team of Volunteers. Together, we are committed to providing essential support for individuals and families in our community facing crisis, from housing challenges to accessing vital resources. Our volunteers work tirelessly to create safe spaces, offer compassionate guidance, and advocate for those in need, helping them regain stability and build brighter futures. As a Volunteer-driven organization, every service we provide is made possible by the dedication of local individuals who believe in the power of community support. Through donations, volunteer efforts, and partnerships, we aim to be a lifeline for families, ensuring no one faces difficult times alone. Join us in our mission to uplift and empower – together, we can make a lasting difference.

Where We Started

The Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society (CWCS) began with a simple yet urgent realization: there was a critical gap in services for women and families facing crisis in our community. Chestermere is a growing city, but for far too long, women experiencing domestic violence, housing insecurity, and other emergencies had to travel outside the community to access support. This often meant long delays, increased isolation, and unnecessary barriers to safety and healing.

Founded by local survivors who turned their lived experience into action, CWCS was created to ensure that no woman in Chestermere would ever have to face crisis alone. What began as a grassroots movement quickly grew into a registered organization grounded in advocacy, compassion, and community connection.

With the help of dedicated volunteers, community partners, and donors, CWCS now provides critical services like emergency accommodations, legal advocacy, basic needs support, and direct access to life-saving resources. Our story is rooted in resilience and hope—and we’re just getting started.

Vision Statement

A future where every person experiencing crisis has access to immediate support, long-term solutions, and a compassionate community dedicated to their well-being.

Where We’re Going

At CWCS, we remain deeply committed to creating meaningful and lasting change in the lives of women and families in Chestermere. Guided by our mission to provide compassionate, accessible, and life-changing support, we continue to evolve in response to the growing and changing needs of our community.

Our approach is client-centered—shaped by real conversations, lived experiences, and the voices of those we serve. As demand for support increases, CWCS is actively working to expand our programming and services. Our long-term goals include securing a dedicated Crisis Centre, extending our outreach efforts, growing our team, and strengthening the impact of our programs.

We are also focused on building stronger partnerships across key sectors such as housing, legal aid, health care, and education—ensuring every woman who reaches out to us receives wraparound support. At CWCS, we believe every woman deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to build a better future. We are proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about where we’re headed.

Our Mission

Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society is a community-based non-profit society, organized to collaborate and liaise with existing resources to provide counseling services, legal resources, and clothing and food security to vulnerable women in the community who may be experiencing domestic abuse or require assistance with providing basic needs for themselves and their children.

Leadership Team

Morgan Matheson (President)

I have lived in Chestermere for over 12 years. Almost all of those years have been spent actively in the community, committed to giving back and helping others. Leveraging a diverse background encompassing entrepreneurship, 20+ years in the social profit sector, health care, and communications provide a deep understanding of community challenges and opportunities.

Why I got involved – This is near and dear to my heart. I grew up in and out of women’s shelters. As a kid it is the scariest thing to not know where you are going to sleep, what is going on, where your next meal will be, will you see your friends again. Being an adult with children of my own, I see this in an entirely different light. The stress and fear of a mother not knowing if you and your children are safe, where are you going to go, how will you pay bills, get food and the list goes on and on. I want to alleviate some of that burden; have CWCS be the wrap-around support. We are here to help.

Lisa Proctor (Vice-President)

My husband and I have been local to Chestermere for several years. Growing up in a small farming town in Northern Alberta, I learned from a young age what it meant to help your neighbour and to give back to your community. As the City of Chestermere has grown, so has its social needs and trends, prompting me to get involved; to support.

Why I got involved – I have always been passionate about social causes specifically women’s fundamental rights to safety & security. I feel empowered when I can help people understand and reach their full potential. I truly believe that value and impact is created when citizens are engaged to work and learn together on behalf of their community.

Joanne Lemna (Treasurer)

My family moved to Chestermere over 20 years ago. It was the quiet “community” feeling that brought us here. As we have grown to a City, volunteerism has been a driving force that keeps the community feeling alive. Finding time to volunteer was difficult while I worked full time and travelled extensively with my job. However, since retiring, I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to give back to my community. Something I learned during my career working for a global company, if its not me, then who, if not now, then when…

Why I got involved – One thing I have learned over the years, both personally and professionally is that not everyone wants to tell their story – and that’s ok. Not every situation is a crisis- but if feels that way for some. Not every person values their worth – every person has value. Nobody really knows what goes on behind closed doors. Being raised by a single mom, seeing the struggles she faced and the sacrifices she made to ensure my brother and I were safe and loved helps me empathize and understand the challenges families can have. The biggest hurdle is having the courage to ask for help. The simplest helping hand can make a significant impact on someone’s life. Being treated with respect while getting back on your feet and not being stigmatized by receiving help is so important. The adage “it takes a village to raise a family” is very true and I am so blessed to live in a community where residents are giving and kind to their neighbours. It is a privilege for me to work with CWCS.

Vaishali Kumar (Director at Large)

A dedicated and active community member, I have proudly called Chestermere home for the past 8 years. My journey has been one of self-growth and a pursuit of making a positive impact in my environment. My background in various industries and positions have allowed me to hone my skills in understanding complex issues and devising strategic solutions to developmental insufficiencies. But beyond that, Chestermere has taught me the importance of serving others and building healthy, sustainable communities. I believe that true leadership is not about titles, accolades, or qualifications – it is about empathy, integrity, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get things done.

Why I got involved – The reason I joined CWCS is because I have experienced firsthand how low life can get, how alone you can be, and how terrifying it is to be left to your own devices without any support system in place. I have worked really hard to get to the place I am at now, and all I can wish for others is that they are able to lift themselves too. I want to use my skills and experiences to help empower others, to help them realize their own capabilities, and to alleviate the burden of doing it all alone.”

Jennifer Lapierre (Director at Large)

I’ve lived in Chestermere for 8 years and have always believed in being actively involved in the community. I’m passionate about supporting others, creating connections, and helping build a place where everyone feels safe and seen.

With a background that blends leadership, community engagement, and real-life experience, I understand both the challenges families face and the importance of having strong support systems.

Why I got involved – I joined Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society because I believe in showing up for others—especially when life gets hard. Everyone deserves access to safety, dignity, and a fresh start, and I’m proud to be part of a team committed to making that possible. 

Sydney Wileman (Secretary)

Content coming soon!

Upcoming Events

10

September

 Fall Energizer Night

Energizer Night is all about connecting families with local programs, services, and opportunities. Think youth activities, sports and rec, child care, community support, seniors’ services, and health and wellness, all in one place.

Your generosity helps women and families

When you donate, CWCS is able to maximize our capacity to support our community programs and services.

Donation Options:

  • One-time and recurring giving
  • Corporate matching opportunities
  • Host a fundraiser
  • Gifts in Kind (services / expertise)

Secure donations via PayPal or send an eTransfer donation to info@cwcshelps.com