Featured Member: Radiance Family Society

Calgary's Radiance Family Society stands as a beacon of hope, providing essential programs to address the complex challenges posed by family violence. Their initiatives include safe transitional housing for women and children, specialized childcare and prevention-focused community counselling. Their ground-breaking Radiance Children’s Centre is the first licensed trauma-informed daycare in Canada, designed to cater to the unique needs of children, exposed to family violence.

Spike in family violence linked to Calgary’s housing crisis

Despite these efforts, Radiance Family Society faces critical challenges.

“Since COVID and its after-effects, 87 per cent of our clients were assessed in severe or extreme danger of death by their partner—a seven per cent increase from last year,” says communications specialist Jasmine Holmes. “And national reporting reveals a 27 per cent rise in femicide or death by partner, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Alberta has the third-highest rate of self-reported spousal violence in Canada.”

Calgary’s affordable housing crisis has contributed to a surge in violence against women. "One in five people are in need of charitable assistance to fulfil basic needs and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women," she says.

Forced to extend their 12-month transitional stays to 18 months due to the housing affordability crisis, Radiance Family Society grapples with a surge in demand, reflected in tripled waitlists.

The affordability crisis becomes particularly troubling for women unable to escape abusive partners, and adequate staffing has also been affected.

"Some of our own staff members have left recently because they couldn't afford to stay in Calgary,” says Jasmine, “but we're all working very hard to ensure the high standard of care, safety and dignity for women and children who are facing violence”.

 Family violence is not just a woman’s problem

Historically, interventions in domestic violence situations were lacking, viewed as solely a woman's problem. “This has been true for decades and no one really talks about the perpetrator,” she says. “It’s still something the community doesn’t address so, at Radiance, we’re stepping into programming for perpetrators. It’s a major challenge but we’re doing it.”

The question of why victims just don’t leave an abusive situation is complicated. Perpetrators, for instance, may use coercion techniques that involve children or pets, or control finances, monitor phones and isolate victims from family and friends.

So, how do victims escape abusive situations? It’s a process and it all starts with careful guidance through a Shared Intake Worker, accessed by phone or email.

“The one intake number is shared with two other transitional housing establishments in Calgary,” says Jasmine. "The three of us collaborate to ensure we help as many women and children as possible.”

Funds fuel freedom

Despite tripled waitlists, positive transformations occur regularly at Radiance. Jasmine shares success stories of women pursuing higher education, gaining full-time employment, and regaining custody of their children.

“In fact, 96 per cent of follow-up clients achieved their safety-enhancing goals, a testament to the effectiveness of Radiance’s programs.”

But Radiance needs more. The organization, overwhelmed by the current capacity demands, relies on donations to alleviate the strain, and that’s where community involvement plays a crucial role.

Financial donations and volunteers are welcomed, along with program opportunities to sponsor individuals or families. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of awareness and staying informed to spread the word against family violence.

The new Connections Centre

As part of Radiance’s November fundraising efforts, the new Connections Centre, a day space, will be added onto the first floor of Radiance, planned for next March. Jasmine expresses gratitude for community support but highlights the ongoing need for assistance, in order to prepare a welcoming safe space for mothers and children to relax and participate in various programs.

Established over 40 years ago by River Park Church, the former Sonshine Community Services is now called Radiance Family Society. Today, it operates under Executive Director Susan Herman and a dedicated Board of Directors, supported by 150 volunteers and a highly trained professional team.

For more information, visit Radiance Family Society. Immediate assistance is available at 403-860-9412.