A Safe Place To Choose Your Direction

Q2 NEWSLETTER

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our newsletter, and thank you for taking the time to connect with us. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just learning about our work, we are truly grateful for your presence.

At the core of our mission is a shared belief in compassion, dignity, personal agency, and community. Each story we share and every update we provide reflect the meaningful steps we’re taking together to build a safer, stronger, and more hopeful future for those we serve.

This newsletter is one of the ways we stay connected with you, to celebrate progress, highlight opportunities, share donation and volunteer initiatives, and remind you that your engagement matters.

Thank you for walking alongside us.

With appreciation,
Michele Taylor
Executive Director
Waypoints Community Services Association

Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter

Amid significant funding reductions affecting community supports, shelter staff are navigating increased challenges in assisting residents with their transition to stable housing. Many of the community programs previously accessed by shelter residents have been scaled back or centralized, resulting in longer wait times and additional barriers for individuals seeking support.

As housing needs and systems continue to evolve, our Next Steps Support Workers have been vital in navigating these complexities, providing essential guidance and advocacy to help residents overcome obstacles and secure stable housing.

Unity House’s Amazon Wishlist continues to play an important role in helping us meet immediate needs such as bedding, towels, and personal care items for those accessing our shelter.
You can explore our current wishlist by clicking here and see how even small contributions can provide comfort and dignity to those we serve, right from the comfort of your own home!

Second Stage Women’s Shelter

Waypoints extends congratulations to two staff members within this department receiving their 10-year service awards at the Annual General Meeting, a testament to their unwavering dedication.

Through June, our Second Stage team proudly hosted a Master of Social Work practicum student, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting future professionals in the field while enriching our trauma-informed environment.

Exciting summer programming is underway, including our Second Stage gardening harvests, cooking classes, and trips to Gregoire Lake and the Oil Sands Discovery Centre, thanks to generous passes from Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS).

Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters – Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Response Course
This July, staff from across our programs, including our Second Stage Shelter, Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter, the Outreach Team, and the Sexual Trauma Support Services Team, will engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen responses to intimate partner sexual violence.

Details about ACWS’s pilot program launch and their available training opportunities can be found on their website by clicking here.

Outreach Services

After a year of rebuilding the program and fine-tuning our schedules, our Outreach Services Team now consistently supports rural communities, including Anzac, Conklin, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Fort McMurray #468 First Nation, and Janvier. The team has cultivated strong, trust-based relationships across these areas, enhancing access to services and community wellness.

Our Outreach Services team includes a Sexual Trauma Level One Counsellor, a Domestic Violence Level One Counsellor, a Domestic Violence Support Worker, a Child Trauma Level One Counsellor, and a Public Awareness and Training Facilitator..

First responder training is scheduled in Fort Chipewyan, reflecting our commitment to collaborative safety efforts.

Client testimonials highlight the profound impact of Outreach, with individuals crediting Waypoints for life-changing support and skills learned through programs like “Creating Your Direction”.

Outreach Public Awareness & Training
Did you know Outreach Services offers a variety of presentations and workshops throughout the Region on topics such as domestic and family violence, relationship conflicts, and anti-human trafficking.

These sessions can be tailored to fit the needs and timeframes of different audiences. Typical participants include schools, youth groups, businesses, service providers, and community members.

If you are interested in a customized program to meet your specific requirements, please contact our Outreach Manager at +1(780) 750-8618 or via email at outreach.manager@waypointswb.ca.

For more information about our Outreach Services or rural community visits, please contact our Outreach Services team at +1(780) 750-8618 or view our rural community visit calendar by clicking here. If you need immediate crisis support, please contact our 24/7 Family Violence Crisis Line at +1(780) 743-1190.

Sexual Trauma
Support Services

Our Sexual Trauma Support Services team includes a Trauma Counsellor, a Level One Trauma Counsellor, a Sexual Trauma Support Worker, a System Navigator, and two Public Awareness and Training Facilitators. Recruitment is currently underway to further expand client support.

Waypoints’ Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM) campaign in May achieved significant outreach, fostering numerous partnerships and increasing public awareness across the Region.

We are grateful to Elder Lorraine Albert, who has generously supported us at past events, for leading a smudging ceremony and sharing teachings rooted in Indigenous traditions as we began the event.

Staff and leadership are engaging in antiracism training to strengthen awareness of bias and enhance culturally responsive approaches across our services.

Looking to book a presentation?
Our Sexual Trauma Support Services Team offers tailored presentations and workshops through our Public Awareness and Training Facilitation team. These sessions are available for schools, community groups, and agencies and address a range of topics related to sexual violence, trauma, and responding to disclosures.

To request a presentation or discuss specific topic needs, contact a Public Awareness and Training Facilitator at +1(780) 743-4691 ext. 337 or 339, or email sap.educator2@waypointswb.ca.

Individuals seeking urgent Sexual Trauma support can contact our 24/7 Sexual Trauma Support Line at +1(780) 791-6708. To speak with our System Navigator about additional programming and services, please email system.navigator@waypointswb.ca or call +1(780) 750-8650.
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Child & Youth
Advocacy Centre

We are pleased to share that the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre space is now more widely accessible to our multidisciplinary team members, allowing for a broader range of counselling and support services. This expanded use fosters a more collaborative and supportive environment, tailored to the unique needs of the children and youth we serve.

By maximizing the Centre’s potential, we continue to enhance trauma-informed care and provide meaningful, coordinated support within our community.

The multidisciplinary team consists of a partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Wood Buffalo Victim Services, Athabasca Tribal Council, Fort McMurray Child & Family Services, and Waypoints.

Please note that our Child & Youth Advocacy Centre operates by scheduled appointments only and is not able to accommodate drop-ins. All visits must be scheduled in advance by contacting the multidisciplinary team directly for a referral.

Opportunities For Change

As of April 1st, our Opportunities For Change Program is funded by Calgary Counselling and continues its court-mandated Provincial Family Violence Prevention Treatment Program.

Recently, staff from Opportunities for Change completed intensive training in Tod Augusta-Scott’s Safety and Repair model, a trauma-informed approach that centres on accountability and healing for men who have used abuse in their relationships.

This model supports meaningful change by prioritizing safety, responsibility, and the potential for repair within a respectful, structured framework.

Barb, a Waypoints group facilitator, notes, “This training deepened our understanding of supporting men in taking responsibility while holding space for their humanity. It’s a model for real change and healing.”

View more information about this three-phase approach to addressing gender-based violence by clicking here.

Compass Affordable Housing

The Compass Affordable Housing currently has rental units available. Eligible households may qualify for a rental subsidy of 10 to 20 percent, based on household income range.
* Proof of income is required for consideration.*

In July, The Compass will host a private resident event focused on building connection and community among tenants, one of several events held throughout the year.

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

Committees

Team Building Committee

For the fourth consecutive year, our Waypoints is participating in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Adopt-A-Trail program, dedicating efforts to enhance the trail section near the pond and playground between Paulson Street and Plamondon Drive.

Through this partnership, we aim to contribute to a cleaner and more welcoming environment for families and individuals accessing our services. By engaging in this program, we not only demonstrate our dedication to community wellbeing but also encourage others to join in preserving the beauty of our shared spaces.

For more information on the Adopt-A-Trail program and how you can get involved, please visit the RMWB's official page by clicking here.

Hues for Humanity 5K Colour Run
Our Team Building Committee proudly organized Waypoints’ participation in this year’s Hues for Humanity 5K Colour Run, held on June 7th along the Birchwood Trails. Staff came together for a vibrant morning of colour tosses, costumes, and community, all while supporting Real Humanitarian’s education and health programs for children in developing nations.

Trauma-Informed Committee

At Waypoints, trauma-and-violence-informed care is more than a practice; it is the cornerstone of our mission and the lens through which we engage with every individual and community we serve. Our organization’s commitment to ongoing learning and continuously adapting our approaches to honour the unique experiences of those who turn to us, especially those historically marginalized. Every interaction is grounded in safety, respect, and empowerment.

In alignment with our mission to educate and raise awareness, we recently made our trauma-informed values visible within our facility. This welcoming display serves as a clear guide for visitors and clients, illustrating what trauma-informed care looks like in action. It reflects our dedication to transparency, trust, and openness.

By openly sharing these values, we aim to inspire other organizations and businesses within our community to adopt trauma-informed principles. Through education and leadership, we strive to cultivate a culture of compassion and understanding that resonates well beyond our doors, building stronger, more resilient communities for all.

For more information about best practices on being trauma-informed, please visit the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute’s website by clicking here.

In-House Highlights

Waypoints is proud to introduce two specially crafted activity journals, inspired by staff and designed to support the well-being of those we serve, whether they are accessing shelter or outreach programs.

Our Daily Motivation Journal is a thoughtfully created companion, filled with uplifting messages, calendars, journal entry sections, and practical self-care activities. It offers moments of calm, reflection, and encouragement to support individuals as they navigate their path forward.

Complementing this is our Activities Booklet for Children, designed to be approachable and comforting. Whether completed independently or alongside a trusted caregiver or friend, this booklet gently guides young minds through themes of safety, emotional regulation, and overall well-being, all presented in a trauma-informed, child-friendly manner.

These journals are more than just pages; they are tools of empowerment and resilience, crafted to nurture strength and healing at every age.

Community Awareness & Special Events

Stay informed with Waypoints by visiting our Community Awareness and Special Events page, where we list important awareness dates and upcoming events.

For trusted insights and resources, explore our Community Resources and Accessible Information page. Presented in a blog-style format, it features articles, updates, and carefully curated external links focused on safety, well-being, and trauma-informed practices. Each post is designed to help individuals, families, and professionals navigate complex issues with confidence.

Interested in learning about Waypoints up close?
For information about our programs and services, please contact our Community and Corporate Relations Manager, Evan Dizak, at +1 (780) 750-8560 or Evan.dizak@waypointswb.ca.

Spotlight: Fort McMurray Food Festival

The RE/MAX Connect Fort McMurray Food Festival returns from July 18th to August 31st, featuring a lineup of fundraising events in support of Waypoints. Businesses interested in sponsorship or volunteer involvement can learn more at fortmcmurrayfoodfestival.ca.

The festival kicks off with the YMM Patio Party presented by 20|20 Management on July 18th at the Heritage Shipyard, followed by the YMM Pub Crawl on July 26th. For the full schedule of events, visit their website by clicking here.

Get your YMM Patio Party tickets here and join the fun at the YMM Pub Crawl by purchasing tickets here.

Volunteer roles are now posted on the Fuse Social Wood Buffalo Volunteers website. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, please visit Fuse Social Wood Buffalo Volunteers.

Please note that all RE/MAX Connect Fort McMurray Food Festival event tickets are only available through Eventbrite.

Get Involved: Volunteering and Donations

We are currently in urgent need of back-to-school supplies for children and youth from kindergarten to high school, along with gift cards, pillows, towels, mattress protectors, bedsheets (twin to queen sizes), and non-perishable food in original packaging. These items directly support the comfort, independence, and stability of individuals and families accessing our shelters and related services.

Our Direct Ask Campaign Is Underway
Demand for Waypoints' services has surged to its highest levels in five years.

In the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, nearly 800 women and children found safety and support through Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter. Operating Unity House, which includes 45 bedrooms, daily meals, 24-hour support, and trauma-informed care, including our Outreach Services programs, requires approximately $2.4 million annually.

Projected funding for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year includes support from the Government of Alberta, along with contributions from other funding sources, totaling approximately $1.9 million.

Last year, we received a one-time allocation of $665,000 from the Government of Alberta to support 15 previously unfunded shelter beds for the 2024 to 2025 year; this funding has now ended.

This means 15 of our 45 shelter beds remain unfunded again this year.

Why Your Support Matters
Waypoints has served as a trusted resource in our region since before 1982, helping individuals and families impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence. The need for our services continues to grow, yet financial uncertainty threatens access to that support.

We invite you to take action.

Your donation helps preserve access to safety, shelter, and healing for those who need it most. Whether you contribute school supplies, essentials from our Unity House Amazon Wishlist, or make a financial donation, your action helps sustain these vital programs.

To donate, view our FAQs, or learn more about how your support makes an impact, please visit our website by clicking here.

Volunteer
Volunteering with us spans multiple departments, including donation sorting, event support, and corporate volunteer initiatives. We encourage businesses and teams to participate in impactful corporate volunteering experiences tailored to foster community engagement. To stay updated on the latest opportunities, we recommend visiting Fuse Social Wood Buffalo Volunteers, our primary platform for coordinating volunteer activities. For further information or to get involved directly, please email us at case@waypointswb.ca or visit our volunteer page by clicking here.

Share
You can help increase awareness by sharing information about Waypoints’ programs, services, and upcoming events within your networks.

Follow
Stay connected by following Waypoints on social media for updates, stories, and community initiatives. Find us on Facebook at Waypoints and on Instagram at @waypointswb.

Community Appreciation

Waypoints Community Services Association recognizes the generosity and commitment of individuals, businesses, and organizations who have recently contributed through donations, volunteer efforts, and partnerships this quarter. These contributions significantly support the well-being, comfort, and resources available to those accessing services.

The following acknowledgements highlight recent community involvement:

Little Caesars
Contributed to the Sexual Violence Awareness Month event with a special delivery of Crazy Bread gift cards for clients in the shelter.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month Partners
Supported Waypoints in a variety of ways throughout May, including sharing awareness materials, displaying posters and QR codes, distributing coffee sleeves, donating food and supplies, hosting information booths and gallery installations, creating themed book displays, collaborating on initiatives, encouraging important conversations, and attending our events. Our partners’ collective efforts played a large role in amplifying the message and strengthening community engagement and education during Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

Syncrude Emergency Services
Supported the Second Stage department by assisting with the annual garden project and hosting a shelter-residents’ BBQ. Additional food donations and spring holiday treats were also provided to the Second Stage pantry.

Miss Mireille and the Social Activism Club – École St. Paul
Organized a school bottle drive that raised $120, which funded the purchase of much-needed towels for shelter residents.

Royal LePage Benchmark
Made a generous financial donation of $13,370, supporting expanded access to essential resources.

FreshCo Fort McMurray
Provided a substantial donation of menstrual products to meet the important needs of those we serve.

Additional Resources:

For detailed shelter statistics and provincial reports, see the 2024 Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters report at

https://acws.ca/strength-in-numbers-2024/

Thanks for staying connected.

We’ll be back with our Q3 edition soon as we share more updates, impact stories, and opportunities to get involved.