A Safe Place To Choose Your Direction

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Family Violence Crisis Line: +1 (780) 743-1190
Sexual Trauma Support Line: +1 (780) 791-6708

Holiday Greetings from Our Executive Director

As we come to the close of another year, my heart is filled with gratitude for the strength of our community. Together, we have helped survivors find safety, healing, and hope—especially during a season that can be difficult for so many impacted by domestic and sexual violence.

To our supporters, partners, volunteers, and staff: thank you for standing with us. Your compassion ensures that no survivor has to face their journey alone.

May this holiday season bring peace, warmth, and connection to you and those you hold dear. We look forward to continuing this life-changing work with you in the year ahead.

With gratitude,
Michele Taylor Executive Director Waypoints Community Services Association

Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter

In October, we received donations from Real Canadian Superstore and Spirit Halloween, which allowed the shelter to provide pumpkin carving and costumes for families to enjoy trick-or-treating, creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

In November, our Outreach Services department hosted several activities for Unity House in accordance with Family Violence Prevention Month, including Zumba, a crochet workshop, and other skill-building sessions.

Staff have been busy preparing holiday gifts and sponsorships to bring extra cheer to the families we support. Nistawoyou Friendship Centre donated gingerbread teepees and cookies, and Unity House hosted a cookie decorating activity to engage residents festively. Shelter staff and families have been working together to create holiday magic with a gift selection and wrapping station, using the toy donations given to us by our incredible community.

A very large donation of craft supplies from Lisa Evans will allow us to regularly offer arts and crafts, as well as other creative projects for residents.

Staff development also remains a priority. Our shelter manager attended the Global Network of Women’s Shelters conference in Australia, participating in seminars on emerging issues such as technology-facilitated abuse and artificial intelligence, as well as reviewing policies and practices from shelters around the world.

Due to various funding cuts, support services across our community have decreased. This means that donations make even more of an impact, as we struggle to ensure the emergency shelter services continue.

We are currently accepting new toy donations for birthdays.
Looking to donate? Visit our Amazon Wish List!

Individuals seeking urgent family and/or domestic violence support can contact our confidential 24/7 Family Violence Crisis Line at +1(780) 743-1190.

Second Stage Women’s Shelter

Fall brought momentum, learning, and moments of celebration in our Second Stage Shelter. On October 2nd, staff participated in the Taking Action Against Elder Abuse training hosted by Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council, building confidence and shared capacity to respond with care and intention.

October also created space to slow down and connect. A harvest dinner featured items grown in our Second Stage Shelter garden with the help of Syncrude Emergency Services, bringing homegrown ingredients to the table for a shared and welcoming meal. Seasonal programming continued with Halloween activities, including a pumpkin-carving lunch supported by a taco kit donation from Barburrito and pumpkins generously provided by Real Canadian Superstore Fort McMurray. The celebration continued with a Halloween pizza party, supplied by Little Caesars Thickwood, complete with complimentary coupons and treats, followed by a cookie decorating event that encouraged creativity and holiday spirit.

Community engagement remained a priority through October and November as our Second Stage Child Development participated in information booths for Child Abuse Prevention Month and Family Violence Prevention Month, creating space for conversation, learning, and outreach across the region.

Professional development stayed front and center in November when staff attended the annual Diverse Voices Family Violence Conference 2025 on November 6th and 7th, bringing back up-to-date research and proven approaches to help attendees engage more effectively with individuals affected by family violence.

December wrapped the season with warmth and celebration. On the 4th, clients gathered for a holiday party featuring a shared supper provided by SanRillo Services Incorporated, lively games with prizes, and individual gifts, including gingerbread kits that added a festive touch to the evening.

Outreach Services

November was Family Violence Prevention Month, officially proclaimed by Mayor Sandy Bowman, and our Outreach Services team led a range of activities across the region to raise awareness on domestic and family violence.

Key highlights include:

• Hosting our Family Violence Prevention Month Kickoff Breakfast at the Best Western Sawridge Suites to launch the month’s events

• Purple ribbon campaigns

• Fundraising efforts from organizations like Evermore Kookie’s customized sugar cookies, and a $150 donation from The Children’s Centre, supporting Waypoints’ programs and services throughout November

• Toolbox Talks with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, engaging employees on awareness and prevention

• Community awareness and information booths at locations including, but not limited to, Real Canadian Superstore in Fort McMurray, Keyano College, and recreation centers in Anzac, Janvier, Conklin, and Fort McKay

• Workshops, shelter, and interactive sessions, including “I Reclaim My Power,” Paint-by-Numbers, Self Care, and a Hip Hop Dance workshop

• Take Back The Night, and SPCA ASH Program awareness walks

• Purple lighting displays at Northstar Ford Lincoln, Saline Creek Bridge, Shell Place Canopy, and participating local businesses

Through community engagement, workshops, and fundraising initiatives, our Outreach Services team worked to increase awareness, foster safety, and support survivors throughout the region.

Sexual Trauma
Support Services

Throughout October, our Sexual Trauma Support Services Team led Child Abuse Prevention Month efforts in partnership with our Child & Youth Advocacy Centre and participated in two professional development sessions throughout the last quarter.

The first, hosted by Ottawa Victim Services, focused on understanding and responding to sibling sexual abuse while engaging parents, caregivers, and the wider community.

The second, offered by Kindex, the Research and Knowledge Centre of Canadian Child and Youth Advocacy Centres, explored effective monitoring of forensic interviews, enhancing our ability to support children and youth impacted by sexual abuse using trauma-informed approaches.

These trainings provided valuable insights and enhanced our understanding of the complex dynamics influencing our clients’ circumstances.

We are proud to share that our two staff members, Dorcas and Monique, have recently completed their Masters’ degrees and are now full-time Trauma Counsellors within the program.

Individuals seeking urgent sexual trauma support can contact our 24/7 Sexual Trauma Support Line at +1(780) 791-6708. For counselling and support services, please contact intake@waypointswb.ca or call +1(780) 750-8650.

Child & Youth
Advocacy Centre

October highlighted Child Abuse Prevention Month, officially recognized with a proclamation by Mayor Sandy Bowman. Through our multiple partnerships, the Saline Creek Bridge was lit in blue, and information booths were set up throughout the community, including at Real Canadian Superstore, Keyano College, and MacDonald Island Park.

Additionally, our Child & Youth Advocacy Centre partnered with the Wood Buffalo Regional Library and Keyano College Library to feature a special book display highlighting resources on child safety, healthy relationships, and information about abuse. The display included age-appropriate books, educational materials, and information for caregivers, helping to raise awareness and provide practical guidance to families and the community. Waypoints also collaborated Alberta wide with Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, Chinook Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Sanare Centre, The Bison Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Caribou Child & Youth Centre, Luna Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, and Little Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre to share and amplify each other’s messages on social media in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Waypoints created a custom #GoBlue pin and distributed blue ribbons to community members. Our CYAC also worked with members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, comprised of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta, Wood Buffalo Victim Services, Child and Family Services, ATC - Athabasca Tribal Council, and Waypoints’ Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, to record a video supporting the month’s initiatives.

Please note that our Child and Youth Advocacy Centre operates by appointment only and cannot accommodate drop-ins. All visits must be scheduled in advance through a referral from the multidisciplinary team.

Opportunities For Change

Opportunities for Change is evolving with the integration of a new case management system, supported by Counselling Alberta. To align with this transition, staff adjustments were made earlier this year, and the referral process is now fully centralized.

Intake now includes one-on-one assessments, allowing staff to guide clients in preparing them for success in our weekly group psycho-educational sessions. Currently, the program runs four times per week for both male and female participants. The program continues to manage a high volume of referrals, reflecting growing community need and engagement.

Staff remain actively involved with other agencies offering similar services by attending town hall meetings hosted by Counselling Alberta, ensuring collaboration and shared learning across the sector within the province.

With repairs nearly complete at our centennial location, the space will provide additional office capacity for intake assessments and enhanced client support.

Please note that this is a court-mandated program, and referrals must be made to the Family Violence Prevention Treatment Program.

Compass Affordable Housing

The Compass currently has rental openings for those seeking safe, affordable living in a supportive community setting.

Available units: one 3-bedroom and two 2-bedroom

Rental rates effective April 2025:
Bachelor: $949.00
One-bedroom: $1,149.00
Two-bedroom: $1,419.00
Three-bedroom: $1,669.00

The Compass provides comfortable homes designed with both affordability and quality in mind. For enquiries about unit rentals, please contact Compass Affordable Housing.

We are now in the process of transforming one of our boardrooms into a fitness center to offer residents a dedicated space for physical activity and wellness.

Donations of fitness equipment are welcome and will be carefully integrated to support an active and health-focused environment for residents.

To view or apply for available rental units in The Compass, please click here.

Celebrating Our Board President: Mavis Ure Recognized Among Fort McMurray’s Top 50 Under 50

We are proud to celebrate Mavis Ure, our board president and Vice President of Upgrading Operations at Syncrude, for being named as Fort McMurray’s Top 50 Under 50 Class of 2025. With more than two decades of leadership in Canada’s energy sector, Mavis brings expertise, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community.

Her work with Waypoints reflects her belief that leadership is about empowering others and building a stronger, more inclusive community. Mavis credits her family and support network for helping her balance professional, volunteer, and personal commitments, making a lasting impact across Fort McMurray.

We congratulate Mavis on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her inspiring leadership.

Recognizing Those
Who Make a Difference

We extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose support allows Waypoints to continue delivering programs and services to our community this quarter.

• To all the businesses, organizations and community members involved with Family Violence Prevention Month including but not limited to Avenue Eatery & Cafe, Canadian Mental Health Association, Evermore Kookie, Fort McMurray SPCA, Francophonie Canadienne Plurielle Région du Wood Buffalo (FRAP), Frontline BJJ Fort McMurray, Hillcrest Montessori Elementary School, Keyano College, Klorious Kids Childcare Centre, Northland School Division, Northstar Ford Lincoln, Real Canadian Superstore, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Regional Recreation Corporate of Wood Buffalo, Rings and Tings, Rise & Set Boutique, Starbucks Downtown Fort McMurray, The Black Onyx Boutique, The Canadian Brewhouse, The Children’s Centre, Velenzia, and Wood Buffalo Regional Library. 

• Little Caesars Thickwood for thoughtfully donating discounted pizzas, coupons, and Halloween treats for our Shelter Halloween Pizza Party and Cookie Decorating/Movie Night

• Supertest Speedway for contributions from the Laps for the Ladies event in September

• Jordan Sullivan for a lovely donation of bedsheets, pots and pans, diapers, cleaning supplies, and hygiene essentials

• Lisa Evans for the large donation of craft supplies

• Linda Loveless for donating Lysol wipes, underwear, bedsheets, and pregnancy tests for those we serve

• La Vie En Rose for donating a fantastic abundance of pyjamas for women in the shelter

• RCMP for toiletries, outdoor clothing, blankets, toys, and everyday essentials

• Ashley and family for providing beautiful, cozy items, treats, self-care products, and toys for children to brighten the season.

• Spirit Halloween Fort McMurray for donating over $800 worth of costumes for children in the shelter, just in time for our Halloween Party

• Real Canadian Superstore for gifting pumpkins for carving and toiletries, tumblers, skincare, and self-care items through their Shoebox Project “Spark Kindness and WatchHer Shine” initiative

• Barburrito for supporting our pumpkin carving lunch with a taco kit donation

• RGB Tax and More for gifts and gift cards for every child in our Second Stage Shelter

  Idle Hands RC for an amazing donation of turkey meal hampers for home-cooked holiday meals

• SanRillo Services Incorporated for preparing a festive holiday meal for families at Second Stage Shelter

• Pinkney Financial Services and Acera Insurance for sponsoring families this season

• Acera Insurance for their generous family sponsorship.

• Chris Dell’Agnes and Suncor employees for helping support a family during the holidays.

• Syncrude Emergency Services for graciously contributing a family sponsorship.

• Finning Oilsands for sponsoring a family and adding joy to their holiday season.

• Inter Pipeline for an incredible $5,000 donation supporting programs like our Outreach Services, which provides counseling in rural communities across the Wood Buffalo region

• Renu Fitness Club for their thoughtful donation of hygiene and self-care items, blankets, bathrobes, Renu Fitness Club t-shirts and socks, and holiday presents for women staying in our shelter.

• Nistawoyou Friendship Centre for delivering gingerbread teepees for families to decorate.

• Northern Professional Contracting for the donation of 6 scrumptious turkey holiday meal hampers

Your contributions strengthen our community and aid Waypoints to continue providing safe spaces, programs, and resources for those who need them most. During the holiday season, every partnership and donation brings support and comfort to the families we serve across Wood Buffalo.

Waypoints Word Builder

The letters below form words that reflect the spirit of our work across Waypoints. Build as many words as you can and enjoy a brief reset in your day.

Thanks for staying connected.

We’ll be back with our next edition soon as we share more updates, impact stories, and opportunities to get involved.