Women In Need Growing Stronger Dove Tales Christmas 2018 Season’s Greetings from the Director

I want to thank all WINGS’ friends who believe in the vital and life transforming work we do at WINGS to keep women and children safe. The support programs and safe affordable housing could not be accomplished without a caring community. Every day the Board of Directors and staff are committed to find, fund, create and deliver the most effective programs to help women and children achieve a life defined by safety and independence.

As we move forward we are committed to our values: SAFETY- Nothing else matters if we are not safe. INSPIRE EVERYDAY- We’re here to inspire everyone that crosses our path-clients, staff, supporters and friends. EXCELLENCE and INTEGRITY IN ACTION-Excellence and integrity are at the forefront of every thought, decision, and action. RESPECT for all. We serve with kindness and without judgement. BELIEVE in the POSSIBLE. We believe that the future will always be better. Better is possible.

The issue of domestic violence is complex as it is heart wrenching. Our holistic approach to support women and children creates the best possible chance for families to permanently flee a life defined by domestic violence. Together we can make a difference.

This holiday season I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am looking forward to 2019 and what we can accomplish as there is still work to do to end family violence.

Patricia Garrett Executive Director Christmas Prayers

The women are looking forward to Christmas. Each apartment has a tree, lights and decorations. They already know of the parties and special activities that they can participate in with their children. Everyone is excited! Yet they can still feel guilty, confused and frightened as they challenge the ghosts of Christmas past. They need support and hope to continue to do the difficult work of change and of taking risks. They want this Christmas to be different from last Christmas. They want their children to enjoy Christmas and to feel free and safe to be themselves. They were asked what difference WINGS makes for them.

One Mom wrote: I’ve changed how I see myself. How I take care of myself. My focus is on myself and my children. I am given time to re-learn what I want and need in my life. I feel safe to feel my feelings. I feel supported and validated from my experience.

Another Mom said: At WINGS we attend group. We learn about different topics. We learn from each other. We have counse- lors and we meet each week. In order to change and heal, we have to go through the grieving process. Being at WINGS, I feel more confident. I can think clearly. It still isn’t easy, but we have time.

One day at group we were talking about what they see themselves doing in the next year of their life. These are some of their responses;  I see myself in my own home, waking up, leaving for work; supporting and loving my children  A healthy family for myself and my children  I would love for a happiness to live in me that has never been felt before  I want to have more freedom in my choices for myself and my children. To have a safe and stable home.  To be happy and content and financially independent. To have my own place and to learn to drive.

Well next year starts with today! With your help we can continue to help our women and children feel safe and be inspired to risk new heights and dreams. Your support throughout the year and over Christmas lets them know they have value; that they are in fact worthy of their dreams. That they count. They are not invisible because people in the community care about them and share in their dreams.

We have a child here who, each night, prays for everyone at WINGS, families and staff. Those are the purest and most powerful of prayers. I know many others pray too. Thank you for your love, your support and your prayers. It’s working!

Take care and God Bless

Karen Kingdom Program Coordinator

2 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Thank you to everyone who donated our 13th Annual Online Auction. It was a huge success!  Alberta Blue Cross  Double Diamond Electronics  Nancy McClelland  Alberta Job Corps  Dr. Cynthia Zutter  Normand’s Bistro  Andrea Roy  Edible Arrangements Sherwood  Ope Opolony, Ope’s Custom  Andrew Kay at TD Waterhouse Park Automotive  Be Watcha Wanna Bee Quilting  Edmonton International Raceway  Paintball Action Games Group  Edmonton Opera  Pat Garrett  Belay advisory  Ellie Merrick  PCI Supply  Betty McCollough  Escape City  Raymond Caron  Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes  Esther van Herk  Red Arrow Motor Coach  Boston Pizza  Fabulous Balloons  Rob Hislop Photography  Caitlin Stratton  Fran Weekes  Running Room  Caron Services Ltd.  GraniteWorx  Salisbury Greenhouse  Cathy Jo Kickham  Grower Direct Capilano  Sawmill Capilano  Chateau Lacombe Hotel  Isabel Werner  Shandi Schwartz, STRUT Footwear  Christina Gray – MLA, Edmonton-  Jim & Carole Barker & Apparel Millwoods  Karen Taillefer  Shoppers Drug Mart  Cineplex South Common  Karl & Carol Janzen  SIF – Superior Industrial Frictions  City Ford Edmonton  Katie Clackson Ltd.  City of Edmonton, Citizen Services  KDesign Silverware Jewelry  Sister Rita Schiller Department  Kentucky Bluegrass  Stantec Consulting Ltd.  Clementine  KPMG  Starbucks South Common  Connexxions Café  Liberty Security  Steven Parks, DOCAP  Cora’s Sherwood Park  Limak Investments Inc.  Sue McDonald  Cordell Allers, Canadian Dry Air  Linda Churchill  TELUS World of Science Desiccant Systems Inc.  Little Plant Shop  The Art of Cake  Craft Beer Market  Lyle Thomas  The Highlevel Diner  Dairy Queen – Beverly  Marie Desrochers  The IT Crowd  Dan Chivers  MH Vicars School of Massage  The Merrick Family  Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Therapy  The Rec Room Centre Suites  Milestones Grill + Bar South  Tzin Wine and Tapas  Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton Common  Upper Crust Café South Conference Centre  Miller Crossing Dental  Wheaton Honda As well as the members of WINGS Board of Directors and Special Events Committee who tirelessly sought out items for the auction. We could not have done it without you!

Thank you to all of our friends who supported WINGS’ 13th Annual Make Believe Ball & Online Auction! You raised $17,400 for WINGS!

Beautiful, brand new Christmas Our grey cup raffle toys for the ticket sellers did a children from great job again this Lindsay and year. Thank you for friends at Novo all your hard work! Nordisk.

There are so many wonderful people to thank in our community for helping to make a difference in the lives of the women and children at WINGS. We have a deep respect and humble gratitude to those who support our events and donate their time, talent and treasures to help us do our work. Our ability to keep things running smoothly depends on the dedica- tion of so many different people and groups who are interested in helping WINGS families.

September, October, and November were filled with events which made a great difference: WINGS’ 13th Annual Make Believe Ball & Online auction, the ‘Shower WINGS with Love and Community’ Event, The Shoppers Drug Mart Growing Women’s Health Campaign, the ‘Women’s Night Out’ with Cea Sunrise Person, Grey Cup raffle, the Monat Global Family Christmas event, and our official Grand Opening of the Home Next Door Youth Room - Kristie’s Room. It is difficult to express just how grateful we are to our amazing volunteers, whose countless hours of hard work and passion for WINGS made these events possible (and hugely successful!)

THANK YOU to our amazing Board members, Special Events committee members, and volunteers for your incredible love for WINGS and the families who reside here. Also, thank you to Jackie Tupper, Carole Noland and Committee for organizing the Community Shower event, as well as Jill MacLean and committee for their great work on the Women’s Night Out at the Derrick Club. As well, we can’t forget to thank the generous sponsors for both of these events!

A special thank you goes out to Connie Lloyd and her legion of talented and dedicated Christmas Angels who organize the annual resident Christmas party!

As I reflect on 2018 the best memories are meeting with our many supporters who each make a difference in their own way. I invite you all to visit me for a tour of WINGS and the Home Next Door at any time, so you can see firsthand the positive difference that you are making.

The best gift that WINGS families will receive this holiday season is knowing that the community cares about them – and supports the women and their decision to break the cycle of family violence for themselves and their children. We will continue to meet new people and tell them about the life saving work done at WINGS. Nonprofit organizations such as WINGS rely heavily on the generosity of those who have been successful to give back to those who need a hand up in life. Please think of WINGS’ families as you make your holiday plans. We know that the community’s spirit of love and of generosity, will shine this holiday season, as it does the whole year through. From the fund development desk, thank you and Merry Christmas!

Rhonda Janzen Mgr, Resources & Development 4 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Child Care Chatter

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Child Care! Yes, the tree is up along with the decorations transforming our room into a very festive place.

After our sun-filled summer we had a fabulous Fall observing and discovering the changes in our little world around us. The changing of the colours, falling of the leaves and the crispness in the air. Mixing fall colours, exploring a fall sensory bin, looking at a variety of leaves and seeds, learning to recognize the letters of our name and the numbers that represent our age, filled our mornings for quite some time this fall.

Singing “Hello Mr. Turkey” for our Moms and joining them for a yummy snack of apple and pumpkin pie was pretty special for our Thanksgiving celebration. Excitement and laughter could be heard as our children together with their Moms decorated and carved pumpkins for Halloween. And it wouldn’t be a party without chocolate and Halloween cupcakes!

November was Family Violence Prevention month and our theme was “Hands Are NOT For Hitting”. Discussions around what hands are good for was our focus with the children. What a wonderful tool to use to remind the children during their everyday play time in Child Care.

Our Fire Safety Week was met with great interest and enthusiasm. We are privileged to use a program made especially for 3-5 year olds to learn everything they need to know about fire safety. This program compliments our monthly fire drills and helps ease the fears for the children when the alarm goes off!

As Christmas draws near, we are filled with the excitement and anticipation of the season. It is our hope and prayer that this Christmas will be a wonderful, magical and peaceful experience for our little ones. I have heard that “The Christmas heart is a giving heart that thinks of others first”. That describes your generous, “giving hearts” and we cannot thank you enough for the many blessings our families receive from your “thinking of others first”!

May each of you have a very Blessed Christmas Season!

Jane Kooistra Child Care Supervisor

We’re looking for Childcare volunteers for Monday and Tuesday mornings (9:00am to 11:30am) starting in the New Year. If you’re interested, please contact Rhonda at WINGS! 780-426-4985 Shower WINGS with Love and Community Event—thank you to Committee and Sponsors!

Alanna, Delanee, and Robyn from Build Together - Women of the 3 Girls Swim & Wear raised $608 Alberta Building Trades gifted each woman at WINGS with a BELAY Advisory donated an Apple for WINGS through a beautiful necklace designed by Hillberg & Berk. Watch to this year’s Auction! Thank consignment pop up sale in you Simone Marshall (left) for September. Thanks Ladies! dropping it off!

WINGS’ Women’s Night Out on Nov. 1 The women at WINGS created some WINGS’ staff were a little spoiled in November was a huge success. Thank you to all beautiful Holiday inspired Zen Gardens with chair massages from these three lovely the ladies who planned the event AND during their group with our on-site ladies! Thank you Kerri Wagensfeld, Laura to Cea Sunrise Person for sharing her nurse, Patti. Finley, & Crystal Wall for being so kind to story with all of us! WINGS!

6 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 An honour to welcome Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sarah Hoffman, MLA Rod Loyola - Edmonton-Ellerslie, and on the right, Minister of Labour and Democratic Renewal, Edmonton- Millwoods - Christina Gray for a tour of our facilities and the Home Next Door Youth Room - 'Kristie's Room'. WINGS’ Executive Director, Pat Garrett, was recognized in chamber at the Legislature by MLA Rod Loyola for her amazing work to end Family Vio- lence. Congratulations Pat!

WINGS’ Executive Director, Pat, and former Board Member, Moira Walker, The RCAF Women of Alberta purchased 6 32” flat enjoying Cea Sunrise Person speaking at Screen Tv’s plus Christmas gifts for the families – Women’s Night Out. amazing!

Thank you Seanna Collins for host- ing the Women’s Night Out event in November!

The lovely ladies at MONAT threw a fantastic Christmas Party for the residents at the Home Next Door! There were crafts, hot chocolate, delicious food from Boar’s Nest Food Truck, and a visit from a very special someone! Thank you for making such a special day for the families at our Home Next Door! Everyone had tons of fun!

Nothing like puppy love. Our four-legged friend Ladybug gives special attention to a child at WINGS.

Messages from Mom

Being at WINGS has been one of the best experiences I ever had. Even though my kids and I were in emotional chaos when we arrived, WINGS staff members received us with a warm smile. We came with broken heart and they restored them slowly, with all the healing groups and the circle groups we have every day.

At WINGS we feel not only protected but also welcomed with wings of affection and hope of each member. Each day was a new learning, a new vision, and a new beginning. It is true that the box of Kleenex became a necessary element to which I even take affection at the end, but I learned that the wounds of the heart are washed and cleaned from within. My children and I are happy and fortunate to have been able to experience this beautiful experience.

My time at WINGS helped me to become more mature, set goals and boundaries. I have been working short term in construction to save money for when I return to school in ESL then in August I will be taking health care aid course. I am very excited about my new career. Nothing can be the same without the empathy of my social worker / counsellor. My kids and I have also enjoyed all the activities while we were here such as the Youth Group, Doggy Group, camps, the BIMBO Party / BBQ, Donations and gifts. As well as the photo shoot we were chosen to receive. This was the first time we had a family picture with no sad / negative memories attached. All I can see in the picture is authentic happiness. As if God was giving us this gift.

Another good experience was getting to know the ladies who went through the same or similar journeys as me. Their stories touched my heart and also connected me with them. I made many good friends. We help each other with favors. This made me think that I’m not the only one.

The truth is that it was God who guided us to this path, where he knew that we would find refuge and affection. May God bless all those who put their work together for us. Every grain of sand is so important. Also, with all this wonderful staff that receives us as chicks and WINGS transforms us into Eagles. All these experiences have renewed my faith that God is giving us all we need when we put him first.

Dios los bendiga, muchas gracias!

~A mom at the Home Next Door

8 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001 Part of the beautiful Christmas mural the children at Drawn by a child at WINGS, Age 4 WINGS made this year!

Drawn by a woman at WINGS during a group counseling session SPONSOR A CHILD THIS CHRISTMAS! Cheques payable to: WINGS of Providence, or you can donate by credit card, or you can donate online at www.wingsofprovidence.ca

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____ I would like to support WINGS with a monthly contribution (tax receipt issued annually in December)

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VISA/MC/AMEX # ______Expiry Date (Month/Year) ______

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THANK YOU for your gift. Together we can make a difference

10 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001

Congratulations to the STAY INFORMED ON WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WINGS! Grey Cup Winners! Judy M. - $50 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM! Brent F. - $150 Judy D. - $100 Wings of Providence

Cliff F. - $400 @wingsofprov

wingsofprovidence Christmas Wish List  Grocery/Walmart Gift Cards

 Turkeys/Hams & Trimmings  Teen Gifts

 Mom Gifts

 Kids Gifts (all ages)  Winter Clothing/Boots/Coats for wom- Statistics From Apr. 1, 1987 to Nov. 30, 2018 en & children (all sizes) WINGS has accommodated 1244 families including 2825 children For a total of 4069 persons Please note that WINGS will not be accepting GENTLY USED items during A HUGE Thank you to the holiday season. Regular donation Naomi McQueen for hours will resume January 14, 2019. picking up soup each MERRY CHRISTMAS! month from Soup- Sisters.

Introducing our brand new Youth Room! Kristie’s Room BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF Gayle LaCasse, Security/Reception Cathy Jo Kickham, President Patricia Garrett, Executive Director Nikki Nicholson, Security/Reception Ellie Merrick, Vice President Rhonda Janzen, Mgr Resources/Develop Timothy Rauf, Security/Reception Tami Wetmore, Treasurer Karen Kingdom, Program Coordinator Sheena Cameron, Security/Reception Nicholas Leong, Secretary Chantal Hunter, Outreach Worker Amanda Strachan, Security/Reception Linda Churchill Loralee Scobie, Support Worker Joann Ross, Facility Cleaning/Hskp Dr. Cynthia Zutter Ashleigh Muchortow, Support Worker Lukasz Kosierb, Maintenance/Security Sr. Margarete St. John Rosemary Kuntz, Facility Coordinator Daniel Lower, Caretaker—HND Jonathan Kitteringham Jane Kooistra, Childcare Supervisor Heidi Watson Dianne Devereux, Childcare ROCKY FOREST DAYCARE & OUT OF Katie Clackson Cassandra Williams, Childcare SCHOOL CARE STAFF Sarah Doyle Sarah Filshie-Palmer, Fund Dev. Assist. Deepika Dixit, Program Coordinator Glenn Quinn Sharon Harding, Accounting Rekha Subedi, Asst. Program Coordinator Mark Thibeault Amirtha Santhiran, Accounting Carmen Lopez, Child Care Worker Lv.3 Debbie Gregg, Youth Worker Sophie Eslinger, Child Care Worker Lv.3 Trish Orizaga-Brocks, Transition Worker Gulnaz Nawaz, Child Care Worker Lv.3 Crystin Kilmarnock, Youth Worker HND Cynthia Chen, Child Care Worker Lv.3 Beth Chudy, Security/Reception Annie Yun Tsai, Child Care Worker Lv.3 Dionicio Barrales, Security/Reception Rita Panthi, Child Care Worker Lv.2

Thank you to all our supporters. Every gift large or small is important to the families living here.

Housing and Homeless Supports Community Services & Supports Division

12 WINGS of Providence, PO Box 32141, Edmonton AB T6K 4C2 Phone: (780) 426-4985 · Fax (780) 424-3625 · www.wingsofprovidence.ca · BN 119300549-RR0001