The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre in Lethbridge is among the organizations receiving funding to combat gender-based violence in Alberta. (Photo: CSAC)

By David Opinko

Grants to empower victims of gender-based violence in southern Alberta

Oct 21, 2025 | 10:33 AM

Two local non-profits are receiving funding to assist the victims of gender-based violence.

The Alberta Government has announced a total of $1.36 million in grants through its Community Pathways to Justice Grant, which will go to 18 organizations across the province.

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, says the grants build on their 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence.

“The Community Pathways to Justice grant program will help survivors receive the critical, life-saving support they need, while ensuring that abusers are held accountable for their actions. These grants support Alberta’s 10-Year Strategy by amplifying survivors’ voices and supporting families on their healing journeys,” says Fir.

One of the recipients in southern Alberta is the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre (CSAC).

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CSAC CEO Kristine Cassie tells LNN that they will be receiving $75,000.

She says that the primary objective of the program is to reduce the incidence and impact of workplace sexual harassment among young workers by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify, prevent and respond to inappropriate behaviour.

“Recognizing that young workers are uniquely vulnerable due to inexperience, lack of awareness of their rights, and challenging power dynamics, this initiative seeks to foster safer, more respectful workplaces and to support employer compliance with legal and ethical standards,” says Cassie.

Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East, says the grant to the CSAS will help people of all ages who have been affected by sexual violence.

“We’re proud to support organizations that help victims of sexual assault in our communities,” says Neudorf. “They deserve the best possible care to feel empowered and supported every step of the way.”

The Taber Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society was also announced as a grant recipient. They are set to receive $34,044 over two years, or a little over $17,000 annually.

Executive Director Michelle Higginson says the Alberta Government has made significant cuts in funding to women’s shelters in recent years.

“This means $17K for two years, while appreciated, falls short of funding the basics in our current situation,” says Higginson.

She adds, “While we are doing our best to fundraise, the reality is with a significant shortfall of 44%, we are unable to fully staff the shelter at a fair wage, afford client supplies, and take care of eroding infrastructures for bricks and mortar as well as security. Please keep in mind fundraising for rural shelters is significantly less accessible than for that of urban shelters.”

All of the 18 grants range between $37,000 and $145,000.

The full list of groups receiving funding under the Community Pathways to Justice Grant is as follows:

Edmonton-based organizations

• Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta
• Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta
• Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative
• WINGS of Providence Society
• Arabian Muslim Association – Al Rashid Mosque
• Stop Abuse in Families (SAiF) Society – St. Albert

Calgary-based organizations

• Calgary John Howard Society
• Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association
• uTurn Project
• Calgary Legal Guidance
• True North Society – Strathmore

Northern Alberta-based organizations

• Peace River Regional Restorative Justice Association
• Wood Buffalo Wellness Society

Central Alberta-based organizations

• Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Community Advisory Council
• Pembina Crisis Connection Society
• Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter Association

Southern Alberta-based organizations

• Taber Safe Haven Women’s Shelter Society
• Chinook Sexual Assault Center