www.luranashelter.com
KEEPING
in
TOUCH
Volume 7, Issue 1
A Trail of Tears
February 2015
~ Sister Lucinda May Patterson, Chair, Board of Directors
Dates to Remember
I am sure you were as shocked as I was to learn that what is Edmonton’s
worst mass murder in the city’s history and among the worst in Canadian
history has been attributed to domestic violence.
2015 Avenue of Hope Gala
A reporter recently asked me what questions immediately came to mind
when I learned about the mass murder and, while I didn’t share my
questions with that reporter, I want to share them with you. Questions such
as “What were the last thoughts of the victims?” “How awful it must have
been seeing others killed before being killed?” “Are the first responders
able to cope with each day after finding the victims?” “Could any of the
programs offered by Lurana Shelter Society have prevented this tragedy?”
and, the one question everyone is asking, “Why?”
Of one thing there is no doubt...domestic violence exists. That is a simple
disturbing fact. It is imperative to face this problem, acknowledge its
existence and do our best to aid those who are exposed to it. How many
times must we hear people say, “They were good neighbors. We never
heard them.” Or even worse, “The guy seemed nice. We would have never
thought that he would kill his family.” These kinds of statements show
us that domestic violence can be found in any home and that it can easily
shock anyone who hasn’t been paying attention.
I wish I could tell you I have answers, but I don’t. We do know there are
many barriers which prevent women from calling for help including, in
some cultures, shame on the entire family not just one person. Women of
these cultures would never consider calling for help. Are there resources
or tools that we could be providing for individuals who will never seek
shelter? This and many other questions will be discussed and ideas for
future programming will be visited.
For now, the only response I have is tears. Tears for all who were killed.
Tears for the perpetrator who took his own life. Tears for surviving family
members. Tears that domestic violence still thrives in Edmonton.
Saturday, April 18
This memorable evening brings together
old friends and new for a night of fun,
laughter and inspiration. For information
about sponsorship and to purchase
tickets, contact 780 422-7263.
Edmonton Spring Woman’s Show
Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19
Drop by the show for an exciting and
entertaining experience while celebrating
the special uniqueness - yet undeniable
similarities - that all women share.
National Garage Sale for Shelter
- Royal LePage Gateway Realty
Saturday, May 9
Great deals for a great cause! Donations
of gently used items gladly accepted.
Contact Stacey at 780 986-8407 or
[email protected].
Tiara Golf Classic & Auction
Monday, June 22
Christmas in June! An exciting day
of golfing, non-stop fun, dinner, silent
auction and amazing prizes! For more
information or to volunteer, contact
Rashelle at rashelle.babij@sunmedia.
ca or 780 464-6245.
Annual General Meeting
Thursday, June 25
Hear about our year! Everyone is
welcome.
Exploring alternatives with victims of family violence
Honorary Chairs, J’lyn Nye & James Nahrebeski extend an
invitation to the 2015 Avenue of Hope Gala...an inspiring evening
dedicated to providing emergency shelter and programming
for women and children fleeing family violence.
YOU can help make HOPE happen! Guests will enjoy a fabulous 4-course seated
dinner, something for everyone live & silent auctions, the ever popular Heads or Tails game
and live entertainment. Tickets only $100/person or $800/table of 8.
Your attendance on Saturday, April 18, 2015 will make a
tremendous difference to the women and children who seek our services.
Get your tickets today by contacting Gail Spenst at 422-7263.
Visit our website at www.luranashelter.com for a ticket order form and
information about our amazing sponsorship opportunities!
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015
What Happens Here Doesn’t Stay Here
~ Liza Sunley, Executive Director
We’ve all heard the saying, “what happens in Vegas, stays
in Vegas!” or some version thereof. Thinking about that
topic got me to thinking about the shelter. Certainly there
are aspects of shelter life where it could be said, “What
happens at Lurana Shelter stays at Lurana Shelter!” More
importantly though, so much of what happens at Lurana
Shelter does NOT stay here.
It can be difficult and even scary but residents of Lurana
Shelter learn many important things that help them move
through their journey of HOPE. Many individuals leave
the shelter remembering that they can do whatever they
want with this life. They are empowered to control their
own future.
While studies show that children who witness violence
in the home are 6 times more likely to attempt suicide,
26 times more likely to commit sexual assault, 57 times
more likely to abuse drugs, and 74 times more likely to
commit crimes against others - it doesn’t have to be that
way.
These statistics don’t say those children WILL go out
and do those things. It only says they have an increased
likelihood. Prevention is key. What are we doing to help
prevent this from happening? At Lurana Shelter Society,
we are the positive influence that encourages individuals
to want better for their own life and we show them how
they can make living a violence free life a reality.
Children attend the Innovative Child Care program,
with supports designed specifically for them. They also
attend support groups and develop their own safety plan.
Countless hours are spent with staff who may be that
one influence to make a difference. What they learn can
change their lives if it goes out the door with them.
Clients describe our most helpful services:
• “Counseling; day-to-day living and stress management;
provision of basic needs, food, and shelter; staff
members were extremely helpful and informative.”
• “Talking to the ladies and them giving me lots of advice.
I am so thankful for all the support from every woman
in this building.”
• “I found the groups very helpful. I also found the
childcare helpful.”
But what kind of difference are we making? We measure
the impact we are having using a client feedback survey.
Results show:
• 99% of women said they felt safe in the shelter
• 98% of women reported our services helped them better
understand the choices available to them
• 100% of women said our services helped them better
understand the danger to themselves
• 98% of women said our services helped them better
understand the dangers to their children
Lives are changed, every day at the shelter. Whether an
individual or family stays just one day or 21 days, they
do not leave the same person they were when they came
in. So it’s true, what happens at the shelter doesn’t stay
at the shelter. For that, I am truly grateful.
New Year, New Life
As we begin another new year, Lurana Shelter will open its
doors to many abused women and children who are trying
to find a new life. What they find inside our doors is a result
of your generosity – your gifts of warmth in the middle of a
cold winter.
We extend a huge thank you to Global
Edmonton and members of the community
for supporting us through the Give Me
Shelter
campaign.
The generosity of
our community never
ceases to amaze us
and all the items
received will go a long way in meeting the needs
of families taking refuge at Lurana Shelter.
Heartfelt thanks to Mavie’s Mitten Tree and
the very talented group of volunteers at the Westend Seniors Activity
Centre for gifting us with hand-crafted knitted scarves, hats, mittens
and blankets to keep our residents cozy warm this winter!
Special thanks to Northstar Drill Stem
Testers for helping us with our goal to
upgrade the teen gathering space with
a donation of a television and Best Buy
gift cards.
Thanks so much to St. Thomas More
Parish for inspiring gifts of much needed items through the annual
Giving Tree. These gifts truly make a difference in the lives of women
and children we serve and we are grateful for your support.
Sincere appreciation to the Knights of Columbus - Archbishop O’leary
Council #4570; St. Nicholas Council #8314; St. Peter Council #7070;
Our Lady of Fatima Council #4530 and St. Peter’s Columbus Club
for your commitment to making a difference in our community. We
are grateful for your continued partnership and thank you for your
generous gifts.
To each of our donors...words cannot
describe how your caring support
makes a huge difference in the lives of
women and children fleeing violence.
Thank you for keeping Lurana Shelter
Society in your hearts during this past
holiday season. On behalf of all of us,
we wish you much joy for 2015!
LURANA SHELTER SOCIETY
Society and Board
Lurana Shelter Society
President:
Sister Nancy Conboy
Vice President:
Sister Mary Patricia Galvin
Secretary/Treasurer:
Sister Denise Robillard
Sister Paul Marie Gouthro
Sister Mary Kelly
Board of Directors
Chair - Sister Lucinda Patterson
Vice Chair - Bonnie Gilroy
Secretary - Sherry Hardin
Members
Rhonda Breitkreuz
Sister Joanne Macaulay
Klaus Reinich
Nancy Ternowsky
Gwen Villebrun
Programs
Sylvia Fleury
Innovative Child Care
Gail Spenst
Fund Development
Liza Sunley
Lurana Shelter & Outreach
Suzanne Vautour
Volunteers
Irene Veitch
In-Kind Donations
Box 99540, Cromdale PO
Edmonton AB T5B 0E1
Administration
Tel: 780 422-7263
Fax: 780 428-1966
24-Hour Crisis Line
780 424-5875
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.luranashelter.com
Twitter: @luranashelter
Charitable #85962 6384 RR0001
MISSION:
Exploring alternatives with victims of
family violence.
We need your help. Your donation will help fund
programs that support children who have been
traumatized by violence, to help them heal and prevent
them from becoming victims or abusers themselves.
To make an immediate donation by credit card, please contact
us at 780 422-7263.
At Lurana Shelter Society we have many projects that are
on the go. We also have many dreams that we are striving
towards. These dreams can be met not only in a financial
way but also with donations of goods and services.
____ Enclosed is my gift of:
$50
$75
$100
Other $________
____ I would like to join the Monthly Giving Program. Please deduct:
$
each month beginning ___/___/___ (m/d/y)
Name: Postal Code: Phone: Method of Payment:
Cheque
Creative Kitchen
Electric Range
Convert Wiring
• Alarm clock radios
• Body wash
• Cosmetics
• Journal Books
• Outdoor Extension Cords
Please note: due to limited storage space as well as health
& safety reasons, it is our policy to accept new, unused
and unopened items only.
E-mail: Projects
• Diapers (size 5 and 6)
• Twin sized linens and blankets
• Towels & Facecloths
• Children’s running shoes
• Women’s shoes
• Children’s toothpaste
• Bibs
• Baby wipes
Address: City/Prov. Immediate Needs
VISA
Mastercard
AMEX
Card Number: To arrange for a delivery time, contact the donations
coordinator at 780 293-9516, Tues-Thurs.
If your mailing information has changed, you
no longer wish to receive our newsletter or
you would like to receive our newsletter by
e-mail, please contact us at 780 422-7263
or [email protected].
Expiry Date: Name on Card: Signature: Additional Instructions: Thank you!
This year, Lurana Shelter is planning to raise $500,000 through various fundraising campaigns at a cost of about $60,000
These funds help to sustain unique programming such as Child Care, Outreach, psychologist, nursing support, etc.
For further information, contact 780 422-7263 or our business office: 11035 92 Street, Edmonton AB T5H 1W5
Lurana Shelter Society
Box 99540, Cromdale PO s Edmonton AB T5B 0E1
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses: c/o Box 99540 Cromdale PO, Edmonton AB T5B 0E1
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #41814038
Exploring alternatives with victims of family violence
www.luranashelter.com