COVID-19 and the Brenda Strafford Centre

The Brenda Strafford Centre continues to be fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to provide safe and secure housing and comprehensive services such as trauma-informed counselling, basic need support and much more for adults and families at risk who have experienced family violence. If you are experiencing family violence please call the 24 hour Family Violence Helpline (403) 234-SAFE (7233) , if this is an emergency situation please call 911.

We Could Not Do It Without You!

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we have been generously supported by our donor community and partner agencies such as Soap For Hope, Leftovers Foundation, various restaurants in the community, and the YYC Heroes Project who have donated cloth masks for clients and staff. These agencies along with our community of individual donors and businesses have helped ensure our clients have access to basic needs items and a variety of pantry items and meals.

We also want to thank and acknowledge everyone who contributed to the Lost & Found Campaign and helped exceed our goal of $20,000! Special thanks to Circle K and Quarry Park Chiropractic for their generous corporate donations. These crucial funds have helped support the diverse needs of families during the pandemic and will continue to help address anticipated future needs.

How We Are Taking Action

We have made the following changes to protect and support our clients, our staff and our community:

• We continue to follow safety standards such as increased cleaning and encouraging the use of masks and social distancing measures
• We have been generously provided suitable Personal Protection Equipment during this pandemic thanks to the Government of Alberta!
• We continue to utilize our Centre’s Crisis Response Worker to monitor the evolving needs of our families
• Thank you to Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association who are supporting our clients in accessing fresh fruits and vegetables
• Thank you to I Can For Kids for their support in supplying snacks and food items for our respite child care over the summer in our Play Centre
• All funds received through our donation form during this pandemic are designated to support families now and in the challenges to follow