COLD LAKE - After years of planning, advocacy, and community support, Stepping Stones Crisis Society is on the brink of the completion of its new four-storey facility in Cold Lake.
“We're sitting at about 95 per cent complete,” confirmed Melissa Francis, CEO of Stepping Stones. “We are set to receive keys and have completion as of the last day of July. And Stepping Stones will take possession come August the 1st.”
The facility is designed to provide expanded shelter services and community-facing programs. The first two floors will open in August, with the rest of the building expected to be operational in the fall.
The new building will increase shelter capacity from 27 to 63 beds, with six of those beds and units being barrier-free and accessible. The new facility also means new services, including a preschool, an in-house salon, and a job-readiness program called Empower Her, which prepares women for interviews with makeovers and mentorship.
Francis said Stepping Stones is also exploring partnerships with Portage College and Assumption Jr./Sr. High School to offer student practicums in the salon. Other planned programs include community kitchen initiatives, a legal navigator, and mental health services.
While Stepping Stones does not currently have a program exclusively focused on sexual violence, the organization plays a critical role in supporting individuals experiencing this type of trauma, particularly when it's connected to domestic or family violence.
Sexual violence and prevention
“Oftentimes what we know to be true with women that are experiencing domestic and or family violence, there is often an aspect of sexual violence that occurs,” said Francis.
Francis explained that many of the organization's programs, including Love Hurts, which is based on a book, incorporates education and support for survivors of sexual violence when it occurs as part of an abusive domestic dynamic.
“If they can identify that, then we will oftentimes talk to them about that family violence that is occurring and that domestic violence and then try to get them into our outreach services to address it.”
Stepping Stones also partners closely with the Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre in Bonnyville, which specializes in sexual assault services.
In situations where sexual assault is reported at the shelter, they would help connect people with the Dragonfly Centre.
Partnerships with other organizations are also crucial to support people access Stepping Stones.
“Let's welcome the community and let's do more for our community,” said Francis. “Let’s partner with FCSS, Lakeland FASD, the Friendship Centre, let’s partner with Dragonfly and Bonnyville and really come together to pull our resources to provide the best services for our community.”
