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One Stage. One Night. For CAWES. For the first time ever , the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) is turning up the volume with an electrifying new fundraiser — Battle of the Bands: Voices for Change . This inaugural event brings live music, community, and competition together for one unforgettable night, all in support of a vital cause. It’s more than a show — it’s a moment you’ll want to be part of. Battle of the Bands: Voices for Change July 11, 2026, Bo’s Bar and Stage Get ready for high-energy performances as selected bands battle it out on one stage for a guaranteed $1,000 cash prize , performing in front of a live audience and a panel of judges — including a celebrity guest judge. Plus, the winning band will have their name etched into history on the official CAWES Battle of the Bands trophy. Does your band have what it takes? Entry Fee:  $100 per band (100% goes toward the prize pool and supporting CAWES) Cause:  Fundraiser supporting the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter This is your chance to showcase your music, grow your fanbase, and compete for an epic prize — all while helping make a real difference in our community. Apply now to claim your spot on stage. Applications close May 15, 2026. Limited spots available. Questions? Contact our team at fundraising@cawes.com or 403-346-5643 ext. 4, or 403-373-8510. Stay tuned for our official ticket release date! Interested in sponsoring? Contact us here .

On January 8, CAWES gathered with community members, partners, and supporters to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the completion of our new emergency shelter and housing facility. The evening, aptly titled Hope Takes Flight: A CAWES Celebration , was filled with gratitude, reflection, and excitement for what this new space means for women and families across Central Alberta. CAWES Executive Director, Stacy Waddell This moment has been years in the making. What was once a 40-bed emergency shelter has now grown into a 60,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the urgent and evolving needs of our community. The new building includes a 50-bed emergency shelter, 17 transitional housing apartments, and 23 affordable housing units—dramatically expanding our capacity to provide safety, stability, and a pathway forward for women and children fleeing domestic violence. More than bricks and mortar, this building represents hope. CAWES Executive Director Stacy Waddell shared heartfelt thanks with those gathered, acknowledging the collective effort that made this vision a reality. “This building—and the lives it will impact—exists because of partnership, generosity, and a shared belief in what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Waddell. Daniel Johnston was the lead architect on the project. The celebration also featured remarks from Daniel Johnston of Stantec, the project’s lead architect, along with former CAWES Executive Director Ian Wheeliker and former Board Chair Jerri Taylor. Each spoke to the deep collaboration, commitment, and care that carried this project from idea to reality—through challenges, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the mission of CAWES. This new facility is an important step forward for CAWES. It expands our capacity and gives us the spaces we need to better support families in crisis—thoughtfully, respectfully, and together with our community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed time, resources, expertise, and trust. This achievement reflects your support and strengthens our ability to serve when it matters most. Former CAWES Director Ian Wheeliker presented former Board Chair Jerri Taylor with an award for her years of dedication to the organization and project.

Inboxes are inundated, social media is bursting at the seams, and even a few mailboxes may be hiding something special inside. Giving Tuesday is officially here.  You’ve likely heard the news by now, but the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter wanted to send a gentle reminder:  today is Giving Tuesday  — a day to celebrate the power of generosity.  What is Giving Tuesday?  It’s an annual global movement where people everywhere come together to support the causes that matter most. It’s a day when donors like you make a difference for charities like ours — helping women and children find safety, healing, and hope.  Your gift today provides more than shelter — it offers safety, compassion, and a fresh start for families escaping violence.  Change a life today Thank you for standing with us and showing what generosity can do.

Families staying at the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) have taken the next step toward healing by moving into newly opened transitional housing. November 1 marked a significant milestone for CAWES as the organization expanded its services to include transitional housing — and soon, affordable housing. “The future for CAWES, and for the families who come into our care, is filled with hope,” said Interim Executive Director Stacy Waddell. “These are more than suites — they are promises of safety and stability after completing their 28-day emergency stay. For a family escaping violence, that means everything.” The timing is especially meaningful, as November is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Welcoming a family into our transitional housing feels like the perfect way to recognize this month — it’s a tangible step toward safety, stability, and hope,” said Waddell. The transitional suites, located within the emergency shelter, provide secure, independent living while ensuring continued access to trauma-informed care, outreach services, childcare, and programming. Seventeen suites have been designated for transitional housing, allowing families to stay for up to 18 months as they plan their next steps. “That next step might be moving into our new affordable housing, which is set to open this spring, or finding a home of their own,” Waddell added. “Whatever path they choose, CAWES will be there to support them along the way.” With construction of the expanded facility now complete, CAWES is turning its focus to fundraising efforts to sustain its growing programs and housing supports. “Our building has tripled in size, and with that comes additional costs,” Waddell said. “We’re actively fundraising to ensure we can continue providing the essential supports that women and children in our community depend on.”

Change a Life Today As the Christmas season approaches, we are reminded of what makes this time of year so special—moments of warmth, safety, and belonging shared with the people we love. At the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES), we work every day to ensure women and children fleeing domestic violence can experience that same sense of safety, comfort, and hope. In the past year alone, more than 550 women and children found refuge and support through CAWES . Each one is someone’s mother, daughter, sister, brother, or grandchild— someone who found safety in our shelter when they needed it most. "The support I received helped me rediscover my voice and begin to trust in myself once again." - Survivor This year has been especially meaningful. Not only did we open 17 transitional housing units, but we also celebrated the completion of Phase 2 of our new facility this October. Soon, families will be able to move with us on their journey— from emergency shelter through to independence. Our Christmas wish this year is simple yet vital: to continue covering the daily essentials that make CAWES a true home —food on the table, warmth and light in every room, secure doors, and the programs that guide families on their healing journey.  Your generosity can make all the difference. Whether through a one-time gift, a monthly contribution, leaving a legacy, or volunteering, your support will ensure that every woman and child who walks through our doors experiences not just safety, but dignity, compassion, and hope for a brighter future. From all of us at CAWES, thank you for standing with us in this season of giving. Together, we can help more families rediscover peace, joy, and love this Christmas—and the promise of brighter days ahead. With heartfelt gratitude,  Stacy Waddell (Interim) Executive Director

🍂 Fall is a season of reflection, gratitude, and growth — and at CAWES, hope continues to flourish. 🍁 As the leaves change and we look back on a season of progress, we’re thrilled to share the latest updates in the Fall edition of Seasons of Hope. From new developments in our construction project to inspiring stories from the people who bring our mission to life, this issue is filled with stories and updates that remind us what’s possible when our community comes together. Here’s a look at what’s inside: 🏗️ Phase 2 progress: building a stronger future 💬 Celebrating the compassion of our volunteers 🧣 Updated fall and winter urgent needs 👩‍🍳 Introducing Chef’s Corner: nourishing bodies and spirits through food You can read all about it here . Thank you for being part of our community — your support keeps hope alive through every season . With gratitude, The CAWES Team

The holiday season is one of the most important times of year for CAWES — a time when our community’s generosity helps women and children find safety, healing, and hope.  Each year, gifts made during the holidays account for the majority of our annual donations. These contributions ensure that we can continue providing safe shelter, emotional support, and the essentials families need as they rebuild their lives free from violence.  With the ongoing Canada Post strike , we understand that some mailed donations may experience delays. To ensure your gift reaches women and children as quickly as possible, here are a few alternative ways to give this holiday season:   Interac E-transfer   Send your donation to donations@cawes.com .  Please include your email and mailing address  in the notes so we can issue a tax receipt.  Online Giving  Visit our secure donation page at www.cawes.com/donate  to give through CanadaHelps and make an immediate impact.  In-Person Donations  Donations can be dropped off at our shelter. To arrange a time, please call 403-346-5643 .  Every dollar makes a difference. Your support helps ensure women and children in our community have access to a safe place, compassionate care, and the opportunity to start again.  Thank you for standing with CAWES this holiday season — your kindness brings hope home.  If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at fundraising@cawes.com  or 403-346-5643 .

“Domestic violence does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of one’s level of education, or socioeconomic status. Abusers, and those they victimize come from all walks of life. And abuse can take many forms and wear many masks. It is an issue that affects and matters to all of us.” - Cheralee, Survivor and Former CAWES Client Cheralee’s powerful words remind us that domestic violence can happen to anyone. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and share information about abuse. At the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES), we see firsthand the devastating impact of family violence. Every day, women come to our doors in the middle of the night, sometimes with nothing but their child in their arms, seeking safety. We open our doors and provide: Secure, emergency housing Risk assessments to determine safety levels Support and planning to navigate next steps Stability and hope for a brighter future You can help make a difference this October: Share information on social media Forward this email to a friend Offer a listening ear to someone in need Make a donation to support women and children in your community Stand with us. Together, we can stop the violence. 💜

Summer is a season of strength, sunshine, and new beginnings — and at CAWES, hope is thriving.  ☀️ We’re excited to share everything that’s been happening this season in the Summer edition of Seasons of Hope . From major milestones in Phase 2 of our construction project to powerful stories from the people who make our work possible, this newsletter is filled with reasons to feel proud and inspired. Here’s a look at what’s inside: 🏗️ Exciting progress on Phase 2 of our construction project 💬 Heartwarming stories from dedicated volunteers 🌻 New ways to get involved and support survivors 🎒 Support a strong start to the school year by Sponsoring a Student You can read all about it here . Thank you for standing with us. Your support helps make every season a little brighter — and every story a little stronger.

We’re proud to share our 2024 Annual Report — a look back at a year of growth, impact, and community. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another year of standing with women and children and building a stronger, more supportive community together.

Spring Has Sprung — So Has Our Latest Newsletter! Our Spring Newsletter is here, packed with fresh updates: Phase 2 of our construction project is moving forward, new volunteer opportunities are just around the corner, and there’s plenty more to explore. Don’t miss a thing — check it out!

Help Us Support Women and Children in Our Community   The CAWES Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about supporting women and children fleeing domestic violence. Grounded in community values, our Board works collaboratively to uphold the shelter’s goal of creating a safer, healthier future for families in the Red Deer region and beyond through our mission to “support and empower women and children to live free from domestic violence.”  As a governing body, the Board provides leadership and policy direction, entrusts daily operations to the Executive Director, and plays a vital role in defining CAWES’ mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Board members are also responsible for evaluating programs and services, managing financial resources, enhancing the organization’s public presence, and recruiting new directors to sustain strong governance.  More About the Role   Expectations:  Serve a three-year term  Attend and participate in approximately 6-9 board meetings and 6-9 committee meetings per year  Be a community ambassador and promote our organization  As a Board Member, you will:   Gain experience on a governance board  Be part of exciting changes at CAWES as we expand our facilities and services  Contribute to the safety of women and children in central Alberta who are fleeing domestic violence  How to Apply   Do you bring experience in finance, marketing, human resources, or human services? We’d love to hear from you. For more information or to apply, contact our Executive Director, Danica Hoffart, via email executive.director@cawes.com   or call   403-346-5643, ext. 9.