Built on Solid Ground: The Partner Shelters Who Helped Shape CWCS
At Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society (CWCS), we know that real change doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a community. From our earliest days, partnerships with other women’s shelters and support organizations have been foundational to our work. These organizations not only extended a helping hand but opened doors, offered guidance, and stood beside us as we built our vision.
Their trust and collaboration helped shape CWCS into what it is today: a trusted, responsive resource for women and families experiencing crisis. We are incredibly proud to stand alongside these dedicated teams in our shared mission to ensure safety, dignity, and empowerment for all.
Our Partner Shelters and Organizations
True North – Strathmore
One of our closest allies is True North in Strathmore. True North provides transitional housing, trauma-informed care, and outreach support for women and children leaving abusive situations. Their work in Strathmore complements ours in Chestermere by ensuring regional access to life-saving services and housing options for survivors.
Their trauma-informed approach aligns with our own values, and through regular collaboration, we’re able to help clients navigate housing options, safety planning, and community reintegration with care and compassion.
Rowan House Society – High River
Another vital partner is the Rowan House Society in High River. Rowan House offers emergency shelter and prevention services to rural communities across southern Alberta. Their commitment to outreach and education initiatives are critical in building early awareness and creating long-term solutions to domestic violence.
Together, we work to ensure that clients in Chestermere and the Foothills region have safe pathways forward.
Big Hill Haven – Cochrane
Big Hill Haven empowers women and children in the Cochrane area with shelter, support, and safety planning. We frequently collaborate with their team to ensure our clients have access to secure resources and advocacy, especially when transitioning between communities.
Big Hill Haven shares our passion for empowering women and focuses on breaking the cycle of abuse through advocacy and awareness. By partnering with them, we ensure that families have access to supports close to home and reduce the barriers rural and suburban clients often face in finding safe shelter.
Fear Is Not Love – Calgary Region
We are also proud to work alongside Fear Is Not Love (formerly Calgary Domestic Violence Collective), whose programs tackle violence at every level—from prevention to recovery. Formerly known as the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective, Fear Is Not Love focuses on education, prevention, and intervention. Their community-wide approach helps address the root causes of abuse, and we’re proud to join them in awareness campaigns and shared referrals.
Their emphasis on changing the narrative around abuse and addressing the root causes complements our direct support services. Together, we advocate for systemic change and increased public awareness.
Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter (CWES)
Of course, collaboration would not be complete without the powerhouse that is the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. CWES has been a cornerstone of domestic violence support in Calgary for over 40 years. Their 24/7 crisis support and emergency housing services are often a first line of defense for individuals in immediate danger. We rely on their expertise and capacity for urgent referrals.
Stronger, Together
To our partners: thank you for standing with us. To our community: thank you for supporting a collaborative approach to ending domestic violence. Together, we are building a safer, more compassionate future.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact us or reach out to one of our incredible partners listed above.
More Than Partners—Our Foundation
These shelters didn’t just support CWCS—they shaped us. They modeled best practices, shared wisdom, and reminded us that building safety for women and families takes more than heart—it takes community.
Every time a woman calls our intake line, she’s not just connecting with CWCS. She’s reaching into a broader, deeply committed network of professionals and advocates across Alberta who are working in unison to help her reclaim safety and hope.
Thank You
To our partner shelters: thank you for your trust, mentorship, and unwavering collaboration. You’ve been instrumental in our foundation, and we are honoured to walk alongside you.
To our community: thank you for believing in the power of working together. Your support allows us to strengthen these partnerships and ensure no one faces violence or crisis alone.
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. Support is never far away—thanks to the network that makes it possible.